UEL: Braga Wins 1-0 Against Feyenoord in Europa League Opener

Late goal secures 1-0 win for Braga over Feyenoord

Braga beat Feyenoord 1-0 in the Europa League, with Fran Navarro scoring the decisive goal in the 79th minute. Read match reports.

Feyenoord's late surge didn't pay off when Hadj Moussa's pass found Cyle Larin at the back post in the 88th minute...

Feyenoord started their UEFA Europa League campaign on a disappointing note, losing 1-0 to Sporting Braga in the opening match. The heavily changed Feyenoord side dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Braga's goalkeeper Hornicek making key saves to deny them.

The match was a dull affair, with few exciting moments in the first half. Braga's Ricardo Horta had a great chance to score just before halftime but failed to capitalize on it. The deadlock was finally broken in the 79th minute when Fran Navarro scored the winning goal for Braga, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Feyenoord's Tsuyoshi Watanabe.

Feyenoord's manager Robin van Persie made seven changes to his side, but it didn't pay off. Despite Cyle Larin hitting the post, Feyenoord couldn't find an equalizer, with Larin's efforts being ruled offside twice. Braga's Carlos Vicens also made changes to his side, trying to turn their luck around after failing to win any of their last three games.

Ricardo Horta started for the second time since recovering from injury and was partnered by Amine El Ouazzani and Rodrigo Zalazar Martinez up front. Former Monaco and Wolves ace Joao Moutinho started in his 163rd total European appearance.

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie changed his Feyenoord side in no less than seven places. Malcolm Jeng and Casper Tengstedt were given full debuts, while Gijs Smal, Bart Nieuwkoop, Oussama Targhalline, Gouassou Diarra, and Goncalo Borges were all given surprise starts.

The first half was largely uneventful, with most of the action occurring towards the end. Braga thought they had won a penalty, but Montenegrin referee Nikola Dabanović denied them. Feyenoord's left-back Gijs Smal had a promising chance shortly after, but he couldn't capitalize on it.

Just after Smal's missed opportunity, Ricardo Horta had Braga's best chance of the half. He came close to scoring, but ultimately failed to find the net, leaving the scoreline goalless at halftime. Despite the lack of goals, both teams showed moments of promise and looked to take control in the second half.

Second-Half Breakthrough

The second half was similarly low on action, with few clear-cut chances. Substitute Diego had a promising moment, curling a shot just wide of Timon Wellenreuther's goal in the first 30 minutes after halftime. The deadlock was finally broken in the 79th minute when Braga substitute Fran Navarro scored. Victor Gomez initiated a quick attack, delivering a low cross into the box, which Navarro expertly finished past Wellenreuther's near post.

Fran Navarro the hero for Braga 💫#UEL pic.twitter.com/7M995WJLiw

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 24, 2025

Cyle Larin, who replaced Casper Tengstedt after 62 minutes, had a close chance earlier, heading the ball against the post in the 78th minute. However, his effort was ultimately deemed null after he was flagged for offside. Despite the earlier scare, Braga held on for the win after Navarro's decisive goal.

Feyenoord's late surge didn't pay off when Hadj Moussa's pass found Cyle Larin at the back post in the 88th minute, only for Larin to be flagged offside again. This denied Feyenoord a potential point, and they ultimately opened their UEFA Europa League campaign with a loss to Braga.

Van Persie's team will look to bounce back when they host Aston Villa in Rotterdam on October 2nd. Meanwhile, Braga will head to Scotland to face Celtic in their next European fixture, also on October 2nd. Feyenoord will need to regroup and come up with a stronger performance against Aston Villa, who boast a high-value squad, including recent signings like Jadon Sancho and Evan Guessand, worth 30 million euros. Aston Villa, led by coach Unai Emery, has struggled in their Premier League starts but is known for its quality players and European experience.