Braga 4-0 Ferencvaros: Horta Fires Braga Into Quarterfinals

Braga defeated Ferencvaros 4-0 at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Wednesday to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory and reach the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. Ricardo Horta scored twice as the Portuguese side overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit in decisive fashion.

Braga’s comeback was effectively completed inside the opening 34 minutes, with a fast start transforming the tie before half-time. The hosts entered the second leg needing a response and delivered it with precision, intensity and control.

Horta Leads Early Charge as Braga Turn the Tie

Ricardo Horta opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing from close range after Rodrigo Zalazar’s delivery found him inside the box. The early goal reduced the aggregate deficit and set the tone for Braga’s aggressive approach.

Four minutes later, Florian Grillitsch drew Braga level in the tie. His curling effort slipped under David Grof’s grasp, bringing the aggregate score back to parity and increasing the pressure on Ferencvaros.

Braga continued to push forward and completed the turnaround before the interval. Pau Victor’s pass released Gabri Martinez behind the defence, and the forward took a touch before guiding his finish into the bottom-right corner. The goal gave Braga full control of the tie and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

Second-Half Control Secures Quarterfinal Place

Ricardo Horta added his second goal eight minutes into the second half to end any remaining doubt. The Braga captain met Grillitsch’s cutback and curled a precise effort in off the right post, extending the lead and putting the result beyond reach.

Ferencvaros did create a moment of danger in the 68th minute when Julio Romao tested Lukas Hornicek with a powerful strike, but Braga maintained their defensive structure and saw out the match without further trouble.

The result marked a rare comeback for Braga in European knockout competition after losing the first leg by two or more goals. It also underlined the effectiveness of their attacking play across the second leg.

Zalazar Influence Extends Beyond the Scoreline

While Horta’s goals were decisive, Rodrigo Zalazar played a central role in Braga’s attacking performance. The midfielder was involved consistently in advanced areas and contributed to the opening goal with his assist.

Zalazar recorded the highest totals among Braga players for touches in the opposition box, chances created, successful dribbles, total duels and duels won. His activity between the lines and ability to carry the ball forward helped sustain Braga’s attacking pressure throughout the match.

Braga also produced stronger attacking metrics across the game, generating an expected goals figure of 1.58 from nine shots, six of which were on target. Ferencvaros, by contrast, managed four attempts with a combined expected goals value of 0.17.

Quarterfinal Opponents Await Braga

The victory sends Braga into the Europa League quarterfinals, where they will face either Panathinaikos or Real Betis. The draw now places the Portuguese side among the final eight teams competing for the trophy.

Braga’s performance in the second leg demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure in a knockout setting. After trailing by two goals in the tie, they produced a controlled and efficient display to progress with authority.