UEFA Europa League
4:45 p.mApril 8, 2026
Quarter finals
Braga Municipal Stadium
Referee: Felix Zwayer, Germany
SC Braga
Real Betis
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.39
Expected Goals (xG)
1.54
Passing by
616 (90%)
Accurate passes
314 (81%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
25
G
Pau Lopez
6.9
12
d
Ricardo Rodríguez
6.2
d
NATHAN
67′
5
d
Marc Bartra (C)
7.2
24
d
Aitor Ruibal
6.2
m
Marc Roca
57′ roughm
Sofia Amrabat
11′ Stumbled
10
m
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
6.7
15
m
Alvaro Fidalgo
6.3
8
m
Pablo Fornals
7.0
F
Cucho Hernandez
61′
UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
SC Braga and Real Betis drew 1-1 in a thrilling UEFA Europa League clash, with Florian Grillitsch’s opener canceled out by a Cucho Hernández penalty in the second half.
The first leg at the Estádio Municipal de Braga pitted two ambitious European teams against each other. SC Braga came into the match in good form, enjoying a good run in their domestic league. Real Betis have also arrived with confidence, looking for a positive result away from home.
The locals, known as ‘Os Arcebispos’, have started the match with a bit of force. In the 5th minute, Florian Grillitsch broke the deadlock and slotted the ball past the Betis goalkeeper after receiving an excellent assist from Diego Rodrigues.
Real Betis thought they had found an immediate equalizer just two minutes later. Marc Bartra headed home, but the goal was quickly disallowed by VAR for a clear offside decision, to the relief of the home fans.
As the half wore on, the game became a more physical battle. Betis midfielder Sofyan Amrabat received the first yellow card in the 11th minute for a foul. Braga’s Sikou Niakate followed him into the referee’s book in the 23rd minute for elbowing an opponent.
Braga also faced an early setback when Diego Rodrigues, the assistant, was substituted in the 18th minute. João Moutinho replaced him, aiming to maintain control of the team’s midfield. Braga dominated possession for much of the first half.
At the break, Real Betis faced the challenge of breaking down a stubborn Braga defence. The visitors needed to find more penetration in the final third. Braga, for its part, aimed to consolidate its leadership and maintain its disciplined performance.
Real Betis made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing on Antony for Sofyan Amrabat to add an attacking spark. This substitution immediately injected more urgency into his game.
The visitors’ renewed pressure paid off just after the hour mark. In the 60th minute, Gorby committed a foul in the area, earning a yellow card and conceding a penalty. Cucho Hernández advanced with confidence and dispatched the shot in the 61st minute, equalizing the score at 1-1.
The game continued to be intense, with several more yellow cards issued for both teams. Marc Roca and Natan were booked for Betis, while Braga’s goalscorer Florian Grillitsch also saw yellow for holding on. Both managers used their benches extensively to bring in fresh legs and alter the dynamic.
Braga finished with 64% possession, but Real Betis showed greater offensive efficiency. ‘Los Verdiblancos’ registered 6 shots on goal from 11 total attempts, compared to Braga’s 3 shots on goal from 7 shots. Betis also won the Expected Goals (xG) battle with 1.54 to Braga’s 1.39, highlighting the effectiveness of their attacks. Braga goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček made 5 saves to keep his team in the game.
The 1-1 draw leaves this Europa League tie perfectly balanced heading into the second leg. Real Betis take a valuable home goals advantage to their stadium, while SC Braga now need to score in Sevilla to progress in the competition.
