Braga vs Real Madrid prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-23 19:00.
Since losing their UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group C opener 2-1 to Napoli, Braga have won five consecutive competitive matches, handy preparation for their first ever meeting with Real Madrid. Sitting fourth in Portugal’s top-flight, they’re looking to improve on their previous UCL experience in 2012/13, when they finished bottom of their group with a single win to their name.
By coming from 2-0 down to beat Union Berlin 3-2 on matchday two they’ve already matched that tally, but home form could be crucial if they are to progress further, as they look to follow up wins over TSC (3-0) and Panathinaikos (2-1) at Estádio Municipal de Braga in qualifying. Although they’ve not hosted Spanish opposition since August 2010, at least that experience was a positive one, as they beat Sevilla 1-0 in a UCL play-off.
La Liga leaders Madrid were unable to beat Sevilla on Saturday (D 1-1) as it took a late Dani Carvajal strike to salvage a point and leave manager Carlo Ancelotti only “fairly satisfied”. They also top UCL Group C after a pair of victories over Napoli (3-2) and Union Berlin (1-0) courtesy of goals after the 75th minute, as they chase a UCL/European Cup victory over a record 108th different opponent!
Los Blancos have a mixed recent record in UCL away fixtures (W3, D1, L2) so they won’t be underestimating the challenge ahead of them in their first European foray into Portugal since November 2016. But as they’ve not lost here since October 1999 (W3, D1), they’ll make the short trip as heavy favourites to make it three UCL wins from three this term.
Players to watch: Ex-Real Sociedad man Bruma scored after the 50th minute in each of Braga’s last three European fixtures, while Madrid’s VinĂcius JĂşnior may strike earlier as his last four UCL goals arrived before the 40th minute.
Hot streak: Braga conceded exactly once before half-time in each of their last four home games (HT: W1, L3).