SC Braga showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 4-0 victory over AVS at the Estádio Clube Desportivo das Aves in the Primeira Liga. Ricardo Horta led the charge with an early strike in the 7th minute, setting the tone for a match that saw Braga dominate from start to finish.
First Half: Braga's Early Dominance
Braga wasted no time asserting their superiority, with Ricardo Horta finding the net early courtesy of a well-placed assist from P. Victor. The home side struggled to contain Braga's relentless pressure, and R. Zalazar doubled the lead in the 30th minute with Horta again providing the assist. Despite a yellow card for B. Arrey-Mbi for elbowing, Braga maintained control and went into the break 2-0 up.
Second Half: Victor's Brilliance Seals the Win
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Braga dictating the pace and possession. A series of substitutions brought fresh energy, and P. Victor capitalized on this to score twice late in the game, netting in the 80th and 83rd minutes. His first strike came after a setup from D. Rodrigues, and the second was orchestrated by Horta's clever play. AVS managed some late substitutions but failed to impact the scoreline, leaving Braga to celebrate a comprehensive victory.
Tactical Analysis: Braga's Midfield Control
Braga's control was evident in their passing accuracy and possession, boasting 90% accuracy from 680 passes and holding 67% of the ball. The 3-4-3 formation allowed them to exploit width and stretch AVS's defense, creating numerous opportunities inside the box. R. Horta's and P. Victor's roles were pivotal in maintaining attacking fluidity and converting chances.
Closing Reflections
Braga's win extends their positive form, having not lost in their last five matches across competitions. They demonstrated a clinical edge that could prove crucial in their quest for European qualification. AVS, now without a win in their recent fixtures, must regroup as they face a challenging schedule ahead. Ricardo Horta's and Pau Victor's performances highlight them as key players to watch in the upcoming matches.
