Sp. Braga captain Ricardo Horta has sharpened his competitive focus on former teammate Matheus, now the goalkeeper for Estrela Vermelha, ahead of their European clash on Thursday afternoon. Horta expressed a desire for Matheus to leave the game “sadder than me,” indicating a strong pursuit of victory for the Portuguese side.
Matheus, a Brazilian-born goalkeeper who holds a Portuguese passport, is returning to the Estádio Municipal de Braga where he spent ten and a half seasons. During his tenure, Matheus became Sp. Braga’s most decorated player, securing two Portuguese Cups and two League Cups across 372 appearances.
Horta, who himself is Sp. Braga’s record appearance holder with 439 matches and the club’s all-time leading scorer with 142 goals, acknowledged Matheus’s significant legacy. He praised Matheus as “an excellent person” and a skilled goalkeeper, despite their rivalry on the pitch.
Horta highlighted that matching Matheus’s title haul would signify a successful season for Braga. However, he stressed the immediate importance of the upcoming match, emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining their “illusion in the competition.”
The Sp. Braga captain confirmed he had only spoken with Matheus briefly when the draw for the competition was announced. He expects they will communicate further on match day.
Horta also noted the strength of Estrela Vermelha, highlighting their strong league form and extensive experience in European competitions. He anticipates a challenging encounter but affirmed Sp. Braga’s ambition and determination to secure a win.