Portuguese sides are going great guns in the Europa League this season and I think there will be three of them in the semi-finals come Thursday night.
With both Benfica and Porto holding commanding first leg advantages, a win for Sporting Braga over Dynamo Kyiv will increase the likelihood of the trophy heading to Portugal and I think they’ll get it.
Unbeaten in their previous ten matches, Braga would have been delighted with their 1-1 draw in the Ukrainian capital seven days ago but it could have been even better as they faced just ten men for the final 30 minutes.
Andriy Shevchenko saw red for two second half offences, consequently suspended for the return, and Braga’s excellent home record can carry them into the last four.
Miles off the pace, despite sitting in third, behind runaway leaders Porto domestically, Braga began the current campaign in the Champions League and their home efforts were superb despite failing to emerge from a section that contained Arsenal.
Indeed, Braga triumphed 2-0 over the Gunners and also beat Celtic and Sevilla in qualifying for the tournament proper as well as Partizan at the group stage in front of their home fans and there is sure to be an electric atmosphere inside the Estadio AXA.
Finishing third behind the English side and Shakhtar Donetsk was no disgrace and Braga have probably found their level in the Europa League but home triumphs over Lech Poznan and Liverpool were impressive in setting up knockout phase wins over that pair and a place in the final is well within their grasp.
Thursday’s visitors Dynamo Kyiv were winners over big-spending Manchester City in the last 16 but their form has been hit and miss all season and they simply don’t keep clean sheets on their travels.
It’s just one win in five matches in all competitions too for the Ukranians and, nudging 2.50, Braga are a must bet.
4pts Back Braga (vs. Dynamo Kiev) @ 2.40 (various)