Freiburg suffer first-leg heartbreak after last-gasp Braga winner

Freiburg suffer first-leg heartbreak after last-gasp Braga winner

Freiburg lost to Braga in the first-leg of the Europa League semi-final clash. Noah Atubolu was second away from a heroic status before his hesitant reaction led to the winning goal for the Portuguese side.

The hosts created the first chance in the fifth minute with Pau Victor’s effort after a quickly taken free-kick. Before Freiburg settled in the game, Braga took the lead with the next big opportunity. Jordy Makengo’s poor clearance led to Demir Ege Tıknaz’s finish from close range after a superb pass by Víctor Gómez.

Johan Manzambi had Freiburg’s first attempt in the 10th minute with an ambitious effort from outside the box. Five minutes later, lack of misunderstanding at the back presented a golden chance for the visitors.

English referee Anthony Taylor let the play continue despite Vítor Carvalho’s foul play on Igor Matanović as the last defender. As a result, Braga’s fullback avoided a straight red card, but Niklas Beste provided a timely assist for Vincenzo Grifo’s third goal in the knockout stage of the competition.

There was more bad news for the Spanish coach Carlos Vicens as his captain, Ricardo Horta, had to be substituted off early due to an injury. The rest of the half lacked big moments until the final minute of normal time.