Key Takeaways:
- Braga claimed a 1-0 home victory against Nottingham Forest in the penultimate round of the Europa League
- Ryan Yates scored an own goal in the 54th minute to hand Braga all three points
- Nottingham Forest missed a second-half penalty before finishing the match with ten men
Match Analysis
Braga took a significant stride towards automatic qualification to the Europa League round of 16 last night, overcoming Nottingham Forest 1-0 in a tense encounter at home. The Portuguese side currently occupy fifth place with 16 points, putting them in a strong position, while Forest sit 15th and are highly likely to face the playoffs.
The clash unfolded with a subdued first half in which clear chances were at a premium. Nottingham Forest showed early attacking intent, yet the best opportunity of the half came in the 37th minute for Braga. Martínez found himself unmarked in front of goal and connected with a precise cross from Gomes, but his header drifted just wide.
Job done 🫡#GanharComTodos | #UEL pic.twitter.com/9Mc0cdGvvy
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) January 22, 2026
Turning Points: Missed Penalty and Own Goal
Shortly after the break, Braga intensified their efforts. In the 48th minute, Horta squandered a promising chance by firing over the bar from close range. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically just minutes later. In the 50th minute, Nottingham Forest were awarded a penalty after Martínez pulled McAtee in the penalty area during Gibbs-White’s cross. Gibbs-White took the spot kick but failed to convert, with Horníček diving the right way to deny him.
Mere moments after the missed penalty – only 54 seconds later – the deadlock was broken in unfortunate fashion for the visitors. Horta delivered a pass into the box which was inadvertently deflected into the net by Ryan Yates, resulting in an own goal in the 54th minute and giving Braga a valuable advantage.
Late Action and Controversy
As the match neared its conclusion, Forest pressed aggressively in pursuit of an equaliser. In the 62nd minute, Aina struck a powerful shot from 30 metres that bounced off the crossbar, and Victor nearly extended Braga’s lead with his own effort hitting the woodwork just four minutes later.
There was controversy in the 88th minute when N’Doye, after appearing to be brought down by Moutinho, appealed vociferously for a penalty, only to be booked for simulation. The closing minutes saw tempers flare further, as Elliot Anderson was dismissed in stoppage time for remarks directed at the referee, having been on the pitch for only 20 minutes.
Despite late pressure from Forest, Braga goalkeeper Horníček maintained his clean sheet, securing a vital win for the hosts.
