Braga thrash Zeleznicar 4-0 to reach Conference League third qualifying round as Hornicek nears Newcastle move

Match action

SC Braga secured a comfortable passage to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League with a 4-0 home win over Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo on Thursday night. The result, combined with a 1-0 first-leg victory in Serbia, gave the Portuguese club a 5-0 aggregate scoreline. Braga took control early and opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Ricardo Horta converted a penalty after goalkeeper Zoran Popovic was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Silva. Popovic received a yellow card for the challenge.

Just before half-time, Gabriel Silva doubled the lead with a spectacular curling shot from outside the box that found the top corner. The Brazilian winger, a summer signing, was one of the standout performers on the night. In the second half, Braga continued to press and were awarded another penalty, but Popovic saved Horta's effort and the first rebound before Pau Víctor forced the ball home at the third attempt in the 63rd minute. Fran Navarro completed the scoring in the 85th minute, tapping in a rebound after Popovic could only parry Pau Víctor's cross-shot.

Vicens on the performance

Head coach Carlos Vicens was satisfied with the improvement his side showed compared to the first leg. He pointed to the benefits of an extra week of training, which had sharpened the team's physical condition and chemistry among new arrivals.

“The step forward was evident. We had another week of training, we improved our physical condition, the understanding between players who hadn't spent much time together, and the rhythm with the ball.”

Vicens, however, refused to entertain talk of a title challenge or a deep European run, insisting the focus must remain on the immediate next round. He stressed that last season's run to the Europa League semi-finals counted for nothing now.

“First we have to reach the play-off. If we think about what might happen in May, we are completely mistaken. Football has no memory. What we did last season didn't give us anything.”

Hornicek's future

Much of the pre-match attention centred on goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, who was left out of the matchday squad amid strong reports that he is close to joining Newcastle United. Vicens was repeatedly asked about the Czech's situation after the game and maintained that no transfer had been completed.

“I haven't said goodbye because he is still a SC Braga player. I have no information that says otherwise.”

The coach acknowledged that the speculation had affected the player, describing him as "a little overwhelmed by all this." He explained that Bernardo Fontes was chosen to start because he had trained well and deserved the opportunity. Gabriel Silva, meanwhile, expressed delight at scoring his first goal for the club and praised the welcoming dressing room atmosphere.

“I am very happy to have scored my first goal for Braga. The whole team deserves congratulations, we gave everything on the pitch and got the win.”

Jesus in the stands

The match attracted a notable spectator: newly appointed Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus. He was seen in the VIP box alongside Pedro Proença, watching the Braga players who could feature in his future squads. Jesus is familiar with the Estádio Municipal de Braga, having coached the club earlier in his career.

What comes next

Braga now advance to face Belarusian side Dinamo Minsk in the third qualifying round. Before that, they will begin their Liga Portugal Betclic campaign. Vicens made clear that the objective is to win every match, regardless of the competition, but he warned against looking too far ahead. The tie against Dinamo Minsk will determine whether Braga reach the play-off round, the final hurdle before the league phase of the Conference League.