Braga earn huge win over Sporting to go joint top of the table

Braga came out on top in a potentially title-defining clash with Sporting CP, edging to a 1-0 victory at the Quarry.

Braga, who have never won the league title in their entire history, were always a match for their financially superior opponents, and few could argue with their well-earned victory.

Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick, which was flicked goalwards by the head of Nani, forced Tiago Sa into an excellent stop, and was likely the best of chance of the first half. However, With the score remaining 0-0 at the break, the match was just as tight as most had come to expect, and it was Braga’s player of the season Dyego Sousa who finally broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, his low, instinctive strike beating Romain Salin.

But Sporting fans may well be left thinking what could have been; just before Dyego Sousa found the back of the net with his right-footed stabbed effort, Bruno Fernandes took the ball down on his chest and rifled a powerful shot just centimetres wide of the post.

Despite late Sporting pressure, Braga stood firm to earn all three points, seeing them go three points above their opponents and level on top of the table with Benfica, only behind on goal difference.