Braga seize late lead in semi‑final first leg

Braga will travel to Germany with a slim advantage after Maho Dorgeles scored in added time to seal a 2‑1 win over Freiburg in their Europa League semi‑final first leg. Carlos Vicens’ injury‑hit side made a blistering start in their first European semi‑final for 15 years, taking the lead after eight minutes when Demir Ege Tiknaz slid in from close range. Freiburg responded quickly, with Vincenzo Grifo finishing calmly from Jan‑Niklas Beste’s precise cross.

The match settled after a frantic opening, but VAR awarded Braga a penalty just before half‑time for a foul on Gustaf Lagerbielke. Rodrigo Zalazar’s effort was saved superbly by Noah Atubolu. Braga pushed again after the break, and their persistence paid off two minutes into stoppage time when Atubolu spilled Vitor Carvalho’s shot, allowing Dorgeles to convert. The winners will face Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa in the final on 20 May in Istanbul.