Braga Edge Freiburg 2-1 After Atubolu's Penalty Save and Late Error
Freiburg target a home response next week to keep the tie alive.
Overview
- Sporting Braga won the Europa League semi-final first leg 2-1 over Freiburg, taking a narrow lead to Germany next week.
- Braga struck first through Demir Ege Tıknaz before Vincenzo Grifo leveled from Jan-Niklas Beste's cross.
- Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu kept the match even by saving Rodrigo Zalazar's penalty shortly before halftime.
- Deep in stoppage time, Atubolu parried a tame shot into Mario Dorgeles's path, which produced the decisive goal.
- After the match, Atubolu and coach Julian Schuster acknowledged defensive lapses and said they believe a home performance can turn the tie.