Dorgeles, bad luck that became a talisman.
THE FIGURE: Mario Dorgeles
stepped onto the pitch as a result of a stroke of bad luck, the injury to captain Ricardo Horta. He played a competent and committed game, saving his best for last. In one of the final moments of the game, he appeared in the box to successfully fire the ball into the back of the net. Atubolo made an initial save, stopping Vítor Carvalho’s shot, but Dorgeles was there, in the right place at the right time to successfully follow up, giving Braga the victory and the advantage in the tie. The Ivorian was decisive, opening up good prospects for Sp. Braga for the second leg in Germany. A stroke of bad luck that turned into a talisman.
THE MOMENT: Zalazar’s missed penalty (45+3′)
Or a great save by Noah Atubolo. A moment of adrenaline in the final stretch of the first half, already in stoppage time, when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Lagerbielke. The Uruguayan took the penalty, running confidently towards the ball and shooting hard and accurately to his left. But goalkeeper Atubolo was there, making an incredible stretch to stop the shot and prevent what would have been, at that point, the second goal of the night for the Arsenalistas, potentially changing the course of the game.
NEGATIVE: Horta collapses midway through the first half
. A tough moment. A setback for Ricardo Horta. The Sp. Braga captain went off the pitch after a challenge with Makengo in the 20th minute, clutching his right thigh. He immediately showed an expression of discontent, but returned to the field with open arms around Vicens. He received treatment, returned with an elastic bandage, and ended up leaving six minutes later. He collapsed, punched the ground in disbelief, and was replaced by Dorgeles. A significant loss for Sp. Braga.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Pau Victor
played in the style that the Spaniard likes. Intense, with enough energy to calmly impose his technique on the game. He was one of the most daring players with the ball for Sp. Braga, unafraid to cover ground and create imbalances. He is involved in the main attacking moves of Carlos Vicens’ team.
Ginter
the Freiburg central defender and one of the new faces in the starting eleven compared to the last game, was extremely competent. Almost always well=positioned, the 32-year-old German anticipated the play, read the game well, and prevented bigger problems for the Germans.
Tiknaz
scored Arsenal’s first goal in the eighth minute, appearing well=positioned in the box to subtly deflect the ball. But his performance went beyond that moment. He provided presence in midfield for Arsenal, demonstrated skill in duels, and showed clarity in possession.
Grifo
the most spirited player in terms of the German team’s attacking play, scored the goal that secured the draw, standing out in several instances for his practical execution.