Braga edge Feyenoord to start Europa League campaign with victory

BRAGA, Portugal – Fran Navarro came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Sporting Braga beat Feyenoord 1-0 on Thursday, ending a three-game winless run and making a strong start to their Europa League campaign.

Feyenoord, who had lost only one of their previous 10 home matches in the competition, were on the back foot early as Braga forced the first chance, Gijs Smal drawing a save from Timon Wellenreuther. The Dutch champions pressed forward but created little, and Braga twice went close before half-time – Gustaf Lagerbielke’s header brilliantly clawed away by Wellenreuther and Ricardo Horta shooting narrowly wide.

João Moutinho and Diego Rodrigues both threatened after the break, but the match looked set to remain goalless until the 78th minute, when Navarro met a left-wing cross with a first-time finish off the post.

Braga might have added to their lead through Rodrigues or Cyle Larin, whose effort was ruled out for offside, but held firm to secure a deserved win. Feyenoord, meanwhile, have now gone two games without victory for the first time since March.