The Europa League playoff round continues on Thursday, August 28, as Braga welcome Lincoln Red Imps to the Estádio Municipal de Braga for the second leg of their tie. After a dominant 4-0 away win in Gibraltar, the Portuguese side are in full control and poised to cruise into the group stage.
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Braga have kicked off their season in impressive fashion. Under Carlos Vicente, the team has adopted a fluid attacking style, blending possession play with quick vertical transitions. In the domestic league, Braga remain in strong form—consistently among the early frontrunners in the standings—while in Europe, they’ve demonstrated both quality and control.
In the first leg, Braga were ruthless, putting four unanswered goals past Lincoln Red Imps and hardly allowing a sniff at the other end. Their strength lies in attacking depth, with wide play, smart midfield runs, and clinical finishing all playing a role. Yet they’re also capable of seeing out matches professionally, without unnecessary risks—especially when holding a big lead.
By contrast, Lincoln Red Imps face an almost impossible task. Though they are a dominant force domestically in Gibraltar, their track record against major European clubs highlights the clear disparity. Their typical European strategy involves deep defending and quick counters, but Braga’s tempo and movement proved far too much in the first leg.
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The return match offers little more than a chance for Lincoln to bow out with pride. Their focus will be on limiting damage, maintaining compactness, and avoiding a repeat of the first-leg scoreline.
Braga vs Lincoln Red Imps Lineups (Probable)
Braga: Hornicek; Lagerbielke, Niakaté, Oliveira, Gomes; Ghorbi, Moutinho, Dorgeles; Salazar, Ricardo Horta, Navarro
Lincoln Red Imps: Santana; Ruthens, Lopes, Ayew, Nano; Mandi, Torilla, Dabo; Morales, De Barr, Toney
Braga vs Lincoln Red Imps Head-to-Head (Key Match Facts)
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First leg: Braga won 4-0 away
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Braga have won 6 of their 8 matches this season, conceding just 3 goals
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Lincoln Red Imps have never beaten a team from Europe’s top 10 leagues
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Braga are unbeaten at home in their last 7 European qualifiers
Braga vs Lincoln Red Imps Prediction and Betting Tip
There’s a clear gulf in quality, and Braga—playing at home with a commanding lead—are unlikely to give Lincoln any breathing room. With the hosts in full control, and Lincoln unlikely to create much going forward, a low-risk, professional performance is expected from the Portuguese side.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – NO
Odds: 1.67
Expect Braga to dominate possession, limit chances at the back, and close out the tie without conceding.
