Braga vs AS Monaco: Tense meeting in Portugal

Braga will play host to Monaco in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16. The Archbishops have shown their character on home soil for the last time. Will Braga be able to put pressure on the Monegasque side?

In the previous round of the Europa League play-offs, Braga played two games against Sheriff. In Tiraspol, the Portuguese club suffered a 0:2 defeat. The team showed their character and got a comeback in the home fixtures. The Portugal team players were more accurate in the penalty shoot-out. After that game, Braga took part in two rounds of the Primera Division. On home soil, the club drew level with Santa Clara (0:0), while on the away leg they drew with a score of 1:1 with Boavista. Despite these losses, Braga is fourth on the Portuguese table.

Philippe Clément's side has failed in several matches. There were draws in Ligue 1 with Lorient (0:0) and Bordeaux (1:1). Then, two defeats followed. First, the Monegasques lost to Reims (1:2) in the Premiership and then lost on penalties to Nantes in the French Cup semi-final (2:2 in regulation time). However, Monaco is optimistic about their game against Braga, having beaten Marseille 1:0 away the previous weekend.

 There is a slight preference for Monaco in this fixture. However, Monaco's advantage in terms of play will be very difficult to mark. This season, the Monegasque side have been unstable, while Braga cannot boast a good positive streak either. In Portugal, it will be a tense encounter. Here, we should look at Braga's recent card statistics. A draw might also be considered.