The Austrian mountains saw some clever football on display this afternoon. Braga, known for its dynamic play, took on Wolfsberger in a pre-season clash. This was their second warm-up game, but the first aired live. Fans got a real taste of what’s to come, especially from two stunning goals. These strikes made all the difference in a 2-0 victory for Braga in Saalfelden.
Coach Carlos Vicens used this match as a testing ground for his squad. He started with a lineup focused on fresh faces and new combinations. The first eleven included Hornicek in goal, with a defense featuring Yanis da Rocha, Vitor Carvalho, Arrey-Mbi, and Djibril Soumaré. The midfield was held by Diego Rodrigues, Kauan Kelvin, and Chissumba. Upfront, João Marques, Thiago Helguera, and El Ouazzani led the attack.
The opening goal came early, just nine minutes into the game. Young João Marques delivered a moment of magic. His brilliant strike gave Braga the lead and set the tone for their performance. It showed the potential brewing in the team’s younger players.
True to pre-season form, Vicens made sweeping changes at halftime. Ten players were swapped out, with only Yanis remaining on the pitch. Tiago Sá, Paulo Oliveira, and Bambu joined the defense. João Moutinho, Gorby, and Sandro Vidigal stepped into midfield. Leonardo Lelo, Ricardo Horta, Gharbi, and Fran Navarro entered the attack. This allowed the coach to see many different players in action.
Around the 60-minute mark, Yanis finally made way for the team’s newest addition. Gustaf Lagerbielke, a recent reinforcement, entered the game. The final goal sealed the victory with ten minutes left on the clock. Ricardo Horta, a familiar star, added Braga’s second with another superb finish. It was a clear sign that the established talent is also ready for the season.
Not every player on the training camp roster got minutes. Nuno Matos was the only one available but stayed on the sidelines. Other key players were not even part of the matchday squad. This group included Bellaarouch, João Carvalho, Víctor Gómez, Niakaté, Dorgeles, Zalazar, Gabri Martínez, Roger, and Afonso Patrão. Their absence suggests they are either resting or focusing on specific training. This game was a solid step forward in Braga’s pre-season preparations.