Braga beat Panathinaikos 2-1 in a entertaining and hard-fought encounter in Portugal on Wednesday, as both teams attempt to make the Champions League group stage after an absence of more than a decade.
Artur Jorge’s team struggled to get their game going before the break, but Abel Ruiz and Álvaro Djaló scored in the second half to put Braga in command, with Rony Lopes seeing a golden chance to make it 3-0 saved by Italian goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
Moments later Daniel Mancini scored for the visitors, meaning the Portuguese team will have to defend a single-goal lead in Athens next week.
Panathinaikos face Braga again next Wednesday, August 30, in the second round of the play-offs.
