The air is thick with anticipation in Bulgaria. Sp. Braga’s captain, Ricardo Horta, stood firm, looking ahead to the team’s first official game of the new season. They are set to face Levski Sofia tomorrow in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round match. It’s a big start, a true test, and Horta believes they are more than ready.
The summer break saw Braga working hard. Horta explained that the pre-season was very good. With a new coach in charge, getting used to his methods was key. The team focused on learning quickly. They absorbed new ideas well, which is why they feel so prepared. They are aiming for a strong start and a good result.
Some might think past European experience makes things easy, but Horta quickly dismissed that idea. He noted there isn’t a huge burst of excitement, but a very high expectation. The team is eager to show what they can do. They plan to play strong and competitive, just as they always have. He admitted Braga has more experience in these kinds of games than Levski Sofia. But for Horta, that experience means nothing on its own.
Levski Sofia, Braga’s opponent, is already ahead in their preparation. They have played more matches and even started their league season. This makes them a tough challenge. Horta expects a difficult and competitive opponent. Levski plays a very direct style of football. However, Braga is ready. They are full of desire to win and to compete fiercely.
Horta and his teammates have studied Levski Sofia closely. They watched the first leg of Levski’s earlier qualifying round match. What stood out most was Levski’s aggressive nature. They are a team that fights for the ball until the very end, a key trait seen against Hapoel. Levski will want to make a big statement, especially with a full stadium cheering them on. But Braga’s focus is on themselves. They are confident in their own game. Horta believes they are fully prepared to bring a great result back home to Braga.