TugaScout is an English-language site reporting on matters associated with Portuguese football by freelance writer Alex Goncalves, offering the latest news, reviews and opinions surrounding the Portuguese League and the Seleção players based abroad.

Braga 2-2 Zorya (Aggregate scoreline: 3-3)

Braga 2-2 Zorya (Aggregate scoreline: 3-3)

Braga have failed to advance to the next stage of the Europa League after only managing a 2-2 draw at home.

Despite going into the tie as favourites - and the seeded side - Braga have fallen at their first European hurdle, exiting the competition on away goals after following up on their 1-1 draw in Ukraine with a 2-2 draw in Braga. 

Despite their dominance for large spells, the Europa League perennials were edged out of the competition, throwing away a leading position on two occasions in Portugal to gift Zorya a spot in the Europa League play-off.

The winner knew that they would have to face, and beat, RB Leipzig in the next round, a side who competed in the Champions League last season, if they were to get the opportunity to feature in this year's Europa League group stage.

The result leaves just three Portuguese sides left in European competition after Rio Ave also exited the Europa League in the previous round, falling to a 5-4 aggregate defeat to Polish outfit Jagiellonia in the second qualifying stage.

Meanwhile, Porto are guaranteed a spot in the Champions League, Sporting are certainties for the Europa League group stage, and Benfica will face Greek side PAOK to determine whether they will play in Europe's top, or secondary, European competition.

Boavista 0-2 Benfica; Sporting 2-1 Setubal; Chaves 2-0 Portimonense; Aves 2-2 Tondela

Boavista 0-2 Benfica; Sporting 2-1 Setubal; Chaves 2-0 Portimonense; Aves 2-2 Tondela

Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica: Benfica through despite being held in Turkey

Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica: Benfica through despite being held in Turkey