Braga vs Real Betis: a cagey first-leg quarter-final in Minho 
The Europa League is back on Wednesday night. Braga’s stadium hosts the first leg of this quarter-final. Real Betis make the trip to Portugal. Both sides came perilously close to going out in the last round. A place in the last four is the prize both dressing rooms are chasing. European pressure hangs heavy over kick-off.
Carlos Vicens’ side know how to shut teams out 
Braga turned the tie round in style against Ferencvaros in the last European round, winning 4-0. That came after a heavy first-leg defeat, too. Their back line has been seriously impressive in Europe. The official numbers show Braga have kept seven clean sheets in the competition. A recent 1-0 win over Moreirense keeps them fourth in the Portuguese league. Fran Navarro scored the winner before the break.
Real Betis just can’t find any rhythm 
Manuel Pellegrini is going through a rough spell with the Andalusian club. The Seville side have just stumbled into a dull draw with Espanyol in the league. Their record tells the story: one win in their last eight competitive games. The only real bright spot was that emphatic 4-0 win over Panathinaikos. But their away form has fallen apart over the past month. Betis have lost their last three games on the road in all competitions. They head to Braga carrying serious doubts.
Likely line-ups
Braga : Hornicek ; Lagerbielke, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi ; Gomez, Grillitsch, Moutinho, Martinez ; P Victor, Horta ; Navarro
Real Betis : Valles ; Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Gomez ; Antony, Fornals, Amrabat, Ezzalzouli ; Ruibal, Cucho Hernandez
Football Prediction Braga vs Real Betis
Both teams to score
Braga’s attack should make the most of Betis’ dodgy away defence. The home side will have to push on and leave gaps as they try to build a lead in front of their own fans and take control of the tie.
The Spanish side have enough individual quality to punish any slip with a counter-attack. And with the need to score away from home, the spaces should be there from the off.
Both teams like to go forward, so this ought to be lively. The scoreline should reflect it, with goals at both ends.
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