Braga stun Real Betis to set up Europa League semi-final with Freiburg
Sporting Braga have reached the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after a remarkable 5-3 aggregate victory over Real Betis, setting up a last-four clash with Germany's SC Freiburg. Carlos Vicens's side overturned a two-goal deficit in the second leg at La Cartuja to win 4-2 on the night, having drawn the first leg in Portugal 1-1.
The Portuguese outfit displayed significant resilience after falling behind early in Seville. Their comeback was spearheaded by a squad featuring several players with Bundesliga experience, including former Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, who scored in the first leg. Germany defender Bright Arrey-Mbi and ex-Schalke midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar also form part of Braga's core.
Their opponents in the semi-final, SC Freiburg, advanced after Celta Vigo eliminated competition favourites Lyon in the previous round. As a result of that upset, Freiburg will now host the second leg of their tie against Braga, inheriting the home advantage Lyon had secured by topping the league phase. The first leg is scheduled for Braga's Estádio Municipal.
The other semi-final will be contested between two Premier League sides with rich European histories: Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. This season's final is set to be held at the Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul on May 20th, with the winner earning a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
Braga's progression marks a significant achievement for the club, which has consistently challenged Portugal's traditional 'Big Three' in recent seasons. Their victory over a strong Real Betis side, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, underscores their growing pedigree on the continental stage. The club will now aim to reach its first European final since the 2011 UEFA Europa League, where it lost to Porto.
For Freiburg, the tie represents a continuation of an impressive European campaign under Christian Streich. The German club has never before reached a European semi-final, making their clash with Braga a historic occasion for both sides. The tactical battle between Vicens and Streich will be a key narrative, with both managers known for their structured and proactive approaches.
