Braga's Draw Boosts Last-16 Hopes in Champions League Group C

 Braga's Draw Boosts Last-16 Hopes in Champions League Group C

29 November 2023, Portugal, Braga: RECROP - Football: Champions League, SC Braga - 1. FC Union Berlin, Group Stage, Group C, Matchday 5 at Estadio Municipal in Braga: Aissa Laidouni (1. FC Union Berlin, l-r), Robin Gosens (1. FC Union) greet the fans after the final whistle(Image-Getty)

In a tenacious performance, ten-man Sporting Braga rallied from a goal down to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Union Berlin in Champions League Group C, keeping their aspirations of reaching the last 16 alive.

Midfielder Robin Gosens handed Union the lead just before halftime, unleashing a low shot past Braga's goalkeeper Matheus. The home side responded strongly in the second half, with Alvaro Djalo leveling the score with an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Braga faced adversity as they were reduced to 10 men after the half-hour mark. Union forward Kevin Behrens was fouled by Sikou Niakate, initially resulting in a yellow card for Niakate. However, following a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Braga, currently placed third in the group with four points, still harbors hopes of securing a top-two finish. Their fate hinges on the outcome of the final game against second-placed Napoli, where they must secure a victory by more than one goal. Napoli emerged victorious in the penultimate match, defeating Braga 2-1.

Real Madrid, already securing a spot in the last 16, leads the group with 15 points after a 4-2 triumph over Napoli. Union Berlin finds themselves at the bottom of the group with two points. The final group standings will determine the teams advancing to the knockout stages.