Key Takeaways:
- Braga overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit with a commanding 4-0 win over Ferencvaros last night at Estadio Municipal de Braga
- Ricardo Horta delivered a brace, including goals in both halves, powering the hosts into the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since 2022
- Braga will face either Panathinaikos or Real Betis in the next round, while Ferencvaros’ manager Keane now shifts focus to the Hungarian title race
Match Analysis: A Stunning Early Blitz
Sporting Braga mounted a remarkable comeback to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, overwhelming Ferencvaros 4-0 at home and erasing the visitors’ 2-0 advantage from the first leg. Determined to revive their European push, Braga wasted no time on home turf, eliminating the deficit within the opening 15 minutes.
Rodrigo Zalazar ignited the charge with a forceful run and pinpoint low cross, setting up Ricardo Horta to tap in from close range in the 11th minute – marking Horta’s 18th goal of the season. Just four minutes later, Braga drew level on aggregate as Florian Grillitsch capitalised on a fortunate rebound from Zalazar’s blocked effort to coolly finish from 25 yards. The hosts’ relentless pressing left the Hungarian side reeling from the outset.
No SC Braga não há impossíveis.
A nossa caminhada na #UEL continua! ✨#GanharComTodos pic.twitter.com/fUK0gvW9z0
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) March 18, 2026
Turning the Tide: Martinez and Horta Seal the Tie
The onslaught continued as Gabriel Martinez latched onto Pau Victor’s incisive through ball, slotting home on 34 minutes to give Braga a 3-2 aggregate lead for the first time in the tie. After the interval, Braga maintained complete control, and Ricardo Horta capped his outstanding performance by curling in a fourth goal from the edge of the box in the 53rd minute.
Ferencvaros manager Keane made several substitutions around the hour mark in an attempt to stem the tide, but the visitors never threatened a response. Braga, under the guidance of Carlos Vicens, surged through to a deserved quarter-final berth.
Statistics and Next Opponent
| Team | Aggregate Score | Second Leg Score | Goal Scorer(s) | Next Europa League Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braga | 4-2 | 4-0 | Ricardo Horta (2), Florian Grillitsch, Gabriel Martinez | Panathinaikos or Real Betis |
| Ferencvaros | 2-4 | 0-4 | – | Eliminated |
Player Performance: Horta’s Inspirational Showing
Ricardo Horta proved instrumental for Braga, netting twice and providing an inspiring all-round display. The hosts’ aggressive approach, led by Zalazar and Martinez, left Ferencvaros with no reply, and sealed their progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in two years.
A quarter-final showdown now awaits Braga, who will face either Panathinaikos or Real Betis next month. Meanwhile, Keane’s Ferencvaros turn their attention back to domestic matters, with speculation swirling about the manager’s possible Premier League return.
