The Estádio Municipal de Braga will be the stage on September 24 as Braga and Feyenoord kick off their Europa League campaigns. Both clubs enter the contest with contrasting domestic form—Braga searching for consistency and Feyenoord riding domestic momentum but still scarred by European setbacks.
Braga’s Mixed Form
Artur Jorge’s Braga have shown glimpses of attacking flair this season but remain inconsistent. Their last outing in the Portuguese league ended in disappointment with a 0-1 defeat to Gil Vicente, a frustrating result that came just days after they dismantled Lincoln Red Imps 5-1 in Europa League qualifying.
Braga’s attacking identity remains their strength, with Ricardo Horta and Álvaro Djaló central to their creativity. However, defensive lapses have proved costly, leaving the side vulnerable against more disciplined opponents. Injuries add to the challenge: Gustaf Lagerbielke is unavailable, while Jonatas Noro remains a doubt due to an Achilles problem.
Feyenoord’s European Test
Arne Slot’s Feyenoord arrive in Portugal buoyed by domestic results. Comfortable victories over Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam, both accompanied by clean sheets, highlight their form in the Eredivisie. Yet their 5-2 collapse to Fenerbahçe in Champions League qualifying revealed just how fragile their defense can be under sustained pressure.
Injury troubles further complicate matters. Feyenoord will be without captain Gernot Trauner, In-Beom Hwang, Jakub Moder, Jordan Lotomba, Shiloh Zand, and Thomas Beelen, the latter sidelined until mid-December with a broken leg. These absences strip depth from key areas, particularly the midfield and defense, where Braga may look to impose themselves. Up front, Santiago Giménez remains the primary danger man, needing to be ruthless with limited chances.
Tactical Outlook
Braga are expected to adopt their trademark high-energy 4-4-2, pressing aggressively to disrupt Feyenoord’s rhythm and targeting gaps in a patched-up backline. With home fans behind them, the Portuguese side will look to strike early and keep Feyenoord under pressure.
Feyenoord, by contrast, may abandon some of their usual attacking fluidity for a more conservative 4-2-3-1 setup, protecting their weakened defense and relying on quick breaks. The midfield battle promises to be pivotal: André Horta’s ability to control tempo for Braga could be tested by Mats Wieffer, who will anchor Feyenoord’s attempts to regain composure and distribute effectively.
Prediction
Given Braga’s strong home record and Feyenoord’s injury crisis, the advantage leans toward the Portuguese side. Both teams are likely to score, but Braga’s resilience and ability to capitalize on defensive errors may prove decisive in the closing stages.
Expect an open, entertaining match, with plenty of attacking exchanges and the possibility of a late winner. Braga’s home support and sharper attacking edge should see them secure three valuable points in what promises to be a lively start to their Europa League journey.
Predicted Score: Braga 2 – 1 Feyenoord