In a thrilling UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg on May 5, 2011, unheralded Sporting Braga edged domestic rivals Benfica 1-0, securing their place in the final against league champions FC Porto.
Braga’s victory came courtesy of a crucial away goal, following a 2-2 aggregate draw over the two legs. This result dashed hopes of a classic Porto-Benfica showdown in the final, instead setting the stage for an all-Portuguese clash in Dublin on May 18.
The decisive moment arrived in the 19th minute when midfielder Custódio rose above the Benfica defense to head home a corner from Hugo Viana, giving Braga the lead on away goals. Despite Benfica’s efforts, including a shot from Javier Saviola that struck the post, they couldn’t find the net. Braga’s defense held firm, with Paulao making a crucial goal-line clearance in the 88th minute to preserve the lead.
Braga’s coach, Domingos Paciência, praised his team’s unity and determination, stating, “We’ve got a great group of players. They give everything for each other. I’m so proud of them.”
This victory marked Braga’s first-ever appearance in a European final, a significant achievement for the club. They would go on to face FC Porto, who had already secured the Portuguese league title and were aiming for a treble, having also reached the final of the Portuguese Cup.
In the other semi-final, FC Porto advanced with a 7-4 aggregate victory over Villarreal, despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg. Colombian striker Radamel Falcao made history by scoring his 16th goal of the tournament, breaking Jurgen Klinsmann’s record for the most goals in a single European season.
The stage was set for an all-Portuguese Europa League final, highlighting the strength of Portuguese football on the European stage.
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