Braga takes first-leg lead in Conference League qualifier with Horta penalty
Ricardo Horta's 67th-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory for SC Braga at Zeleznicar Pancevo in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round on Wednesday.
Match overview
SC Braga began their 2026/27 season with a 1-0 away win against Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round on 22 July. The match at the Pancevo stadium was a tight affair, with few clear chances in the opening 45 minutes. Braga controlled possession but struggled to create danger, while the hosts grew into the game and managed a shot on target that did not trouble goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The first half ended goalless, described by one report as "apathetic."
Decisive moment
The breakthrough came midway through the second half. In the 67th minute, Braga right-back Víctor Gómez was brought down in the penalty area by Zeleznicar goalkeeper Zoran Popovic, and the referee awarded a penalty. Captain Ricardo Horta stepped up and sent Popovic the wrong way, slotting the ball into the net for the only goal of the match. The goal came after Braga had shown more attacking intent following the interval, with substitute Gabriel Silva adding dynamism on the left flank after replacing Gabri Martínez at half-time.
- Kickoff
- Half-time: goalless, Braga struggle to create chances
- Diego Rodrigues shot saved by Zoran Popovic
- Penalty awarded after Popovic fouls Víctor Gómez; Ricardo Horta converts
- Denis Huseinbasic replaces Gorby Baptiste
- Hornicek makes crucial saves to deny Zeleznicar an equaliser
Braga's performance and new faces
Coach Carlos Vicens fielded a lineup largely composed of players from the previous season, with only one new signing, centre-back Sergio Barcia, starting. Barcia was solid defensively and won aerial duels but was cautious in possession. Two other summer arrivals, Denis Huseinbasic and Gabriel Silva, made appearances off the bench. Huseinbasic entered in the 82nd minute to add steel in midfield, while Silva's introduction at the break helped Braga push forward. Forward Pau Victor was the most inventive attacker, drifting to the right and looking for combinations, but often lacked support. Goalkeeper Hornicek, largely untroubled for most of the game, made crucial interventions in the closing stages as Zeleznicar pressed for an equaliser, preserving the clean sheet.
What's next
The second leg is set for 30 July at 20:00 local time at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. If Braga advance, they will face either Neftchi of Azerbaijan or Dinamo Minsk of Belarus in the third qualifying round, with matches scheduled for 6 and 13 August. Braga's pre-season included five friendlies, with four wins and a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo, and this victory gives them a narrow but valuable advantage heading into the return fixture.
