This Thursday (30) featured the first-leg matches of the UEFA Europa League semifinals.
Playing in front of their home fans, Nottingham Forest beat Aston Villa in the all-English clash.
Braga, meanwhile, were frustrating their fans at the Pedreira. But then came the winner in the 92nd minute.
The two return legs will be next Thursday (7).
The final will be held on May 20 at BeΕiktaΕ Stadium.
π΅πΉ Braga 2 x 1 Freiburg π©πͺ
Playing at the Pedreira, the Portuguese side went ahead after just eight minutes thanks to the alert Tiknaz.
But Braga then gifted Freiburg a counterattack shortly afterwards.
And the prolific Grifo did not waste it.
The Gverreiros had the chance to go into halftime in front.
But Atubolu underlined his reputation as a penalty saver by saying "no" to Zalazar.
Braga had more of the play in the second half.
But they lacked sharpness.
Then Mario Dorgeles struck in the 92nd minute to seal the win.
Nottingham Forest 1 x 0 Aston Villa
There was huge anticipation for the clash between the sides coached by Vitor Pereira and Unai Emery, the "owner" of the UEL.
The first half saw Forest enjoy more possession, but the match was balanced in terms of control.
The best chance before the break fell to Forest.
Igor Jesus certainly tried, but Dibu Martínez made the difference.
The second half was not exactly a great watch.
Then came Hutchinson's effort. He kept the ball from going out and won a penalty after Digne blocked its path with his hand.
It was up to Chris Wood to "ignore" Dibu Martínez (71').
The goal "did Forest good," and they did not let up.
Unai Emery made three substitutions at once.
But Villa did not force Ortega into action.
The advantage belongs to Forest.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in π§π· here.
