UEL: Braga Stuns Ferencvaros, Advances to Europa League Quarters

Braga overturns deficit, reaches UEL last 8

Braga defeats Ferencvaros 4-0, overturning 2-0 deficit to reach Europa League quarter-finals. Ricardo Horta inspires Braga's stunning comeback, setting up clash with Panathinaikos or Real Betis.

Braga dominates Ferencvaros, securing spot in Europa League last 8 under pressure on manager Keane...

Braga overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit with a stunning 4-0 win over Ferencvaros, securing their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals. Captain Ricardo Horta led the charge, scoring crucial goals either side of halftime.

Braga's determination paid off as they dominated the match, cancelling out Ferencvaros' two-goal lead within the first 15 minutes. This impressive turnaround marks their first Europa League quarter-final appearance since 2022.

Rodrigo Zalazar sparked Braga's strong start, setting up Horta's 18th goal of the season with a driving run and low cross that Horta turned home from close range in the 11th minute. The Uruguayan's influence continued as his blocked shot inadvertently set up Florian Grillitsch's 25-yard stunner, giving Braga a two-goal lead on the quarter-hour mark.

Ferencvaros were visibly shellshocked and continued to freeze in the face of constant Braga attacking pressure.

Such was the lopsided balance of play that any third goal was only ever going to one team, and the hosts finally edged ahead in the tie when Gabriel Martinez smartly finished off Pau Victor's through ball to make it 3-2 on aggregate on 34 minutes.

With the contest in their hands after the restart, there was simply no letting up from Braga, as Horta calmly swerved home a fine fourth from the edge of Ferencvaros’ box on 53 minutes.

A frustrated Keane opted for a flurry of substitutions either side of the hour, but it was too late to haul his side back into the game, with Carlos Vicens’ rampant hosts storming over the finish line. 

Incredible comeback from Braga 🤯#UEL pic.twitter.com/BXm0UENhKj

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 18, 2026

Braga will face either Panathinaikos or Real Betis in the Europa League quarterfinals next month. Meanwhile, manager Keane is back to focusing on retaining his Hungarian title with Ferencvaros, amidst rumors of a possible return to the Premier League this summer.