The scoreboard lit up brightly after Sp. Braga’s dominant win over Lincoln. Still, coach Carlos Vicens saw things differently. He felt good about the result and his team’s play, but a part of him knew they could have scored even more goals.
“We started with some issues we’d already talked to the players about,” the 42-year-old Spanish coach noted. “But the team really grew into the game. The second half was much better than the first.” Vicens always looks at the bigger picture. “We’re still a long way from the team we want to be. There’s a lot to improve in every part of our game. Yet, the players’ attitude and hard work in training are truly amazing.”
Vicens showed his hand with seven changes to the starting lineup from their last league match. Only Hornicek, Lelo, and Ricardo Horta kept their spots from the Alverca game. This kind of rotation is a core part of his coaching style. “Every opponent brings new challenges,” he explained. “We try our best to get ready for whatever might happen in a game.” He works hard to help his players find the right answers on the field. “Each game is unique, and this was only the first leg.” He also stressed that a full squad is vital. “You can’t play twice a week and win without everyone being ready to step in.”
One player who shone brightly was VÃctor Gómez, who scored the first goal. Vicens had high praise for the Spanish full-back. “He’s a guy who can give us many options in different areas and at different times,” the coach said. “He’s adapting really well to what we ask of him. Having a player like that is a big advantage.” Vicens also took a moment to thank the roughly 1,500 Sp. Braga fans who traveled to Estádio Algarve to support the team. Their presence made a real difference.
Ricardo Horta’s Status Uncertain
The celebration was slightly dampened by an injury concern. Ricardo Horta had to leave the field in the 50th minute, clutching his left thigh. Vicens admitted he didn’t have much information at the time. “I can’t say much, to be honest,” he stated. “He felt something, and he stopped as a precaution. We didn’t want to risk making it worse. We’ll wait to hear what the medical team tells us.”