Europe - Europa League
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by Erik Gibbs | in Europa League Picks
The UEFA Europa League playoff first leg between Portuguese side SC Braga and Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps gets underway on Thursday. Lincoln qualified after a 1-1 home and 0-0 away draw with FC Noah (Armenia) last time out, winning through on away goals. Braga reached the playoff after a 0-0 away draw at CFR Cluj and a 2-0 home victory. Lincoln's performances in summer friendlies and qualifiers have been patchy, compared with Portuguese side Braga who are unbeaten and on a rich vein of form.
Lincoln Red Imps have had a challenging run. In Champions League qualifying in July they lost 1-0 at home and 5-1 away to Red Star Belgrade. They steadied by holding Noah to two draws, but goals have been hard to come by. A mid-August friendly against local side FCB Magpies ended 3-0 in Lincoln’s favor, boosting confidence, but otherwise recent games have been low-scoring. Under coach Juanjo Bezares the Imps play a disciplined defensive style, hoping set pieces and counterattacks can produce opportunities.
SC Braga arrive brimming with confidence. The Portuguese side went unbeaten in qualifying: they pegged back 0-0 at Levski Sofia then took the win 1-0 at home after extra time, and recovered a 2-1 first-leg disadvantage at Cluj by winning 2-0 in the rematch. Braga had a similarly impressive beginning to their league season, winning 3-0 at home (Carvalho, Pau Víctor and a penalty kick by skipper Ricardo Horta) and doing the same exactly one week later. A number of clean sheets and a lethal attack are testaments of Braga’s depth and balance.
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Lincoln Red Imps vs SC Braga Form
Lincoln Red Imps and SC Braga Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 17, 2025 - Pepe Reyes Cup
Aug 14, 2025 - Europa League
Aug 7, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 29, 2025 - Champions League
Jul 22, 2025 - Champions League
Jul 15, 2025 - Champions League
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 17, 2025 - Pepe Reyes Cup
Aug 7, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 22, 2025 - Champions League
Jul 15, 2025 - Champions League
Apr 27, 2025 - Gibraltar National League
Apr 20, 2025 - Gibraltar National League
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 14, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 29, 2025 - Champions League
Jul 8, 2025 - Champions League
May 2, 2025 - Gibraltar National League
Apr 12, 2025 - Gibraltar National League
Apr 5, 2025 - Gibraltar National League
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 17, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Aug 14, 2025 - Europa League
Aug 10, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Aug 7, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 31, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 24, 2025 - Europa League
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 14, 2025 - Europa League
Aug 10, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Jul 31, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 19, 2025 - Clubs Friendlies
Jul 16, 2025 - Clubs Friendlies
Jul 12, 2025 - Clubs Friendlies
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Aug 17, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Aug 7, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 24, 2025 - Europa League
Jul 9, 2025 - Clubs Friendlies
May 10, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Apr 25, 2025 - Liga Portugal
Lincoln Red Imps against SC Braga Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 1 - 4 - 1
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Most goals and assists
Lincoln Red Imps
SC Braga
F. Navarro
(3 Goals)
, 
R. Horta
(3 Goals)
L. Lelo
(5 Assists)
Lincoln Red Imps - SC Braga Key Points
- Lincoln are 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games
- Braga are 2-2 ATS in their last 4 games
- The Over is 1-3 in Lincoln's last 4 games
- The Over is 1-3 in Braga's last 4 games
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Our Lincoln Red Imps vs SC Braga Prediction
Forward Tjay De Barr has been Lincoln’s standout performer. The Irish striker has four goals in five European games this summer, including a rebound finish that earned the draw against Noah. His aerial ability and finishing set him up as the center of Lincoln’s attack. Midfielder Nicholas Pozo (a young Spanish player on loan from Valencia) brings creativity and vitality; his passing and movement help connect defence and attack and unlock opponents’ defenses.
In Braga’s midfield, Rodrigo Zalazar and Jean-Baptiste Gorby have been central. Uruguay’s Zalazar has scored two goals in four qualifiers (including a key strike against Cluj), showing his knack for late runs into the box and shooting prowess. Frenchman Gorby has also scored twice and excels at controlling tempo with precise passing. Both have been instrumental in Braga’s play. Veteran captain Ricardo Horta adds further threat and set-piece quality, having converted a penalty versus Tondela earlier in the season.
Braga are clear favorites given their quality and form, but Lincoln’s organized defending should make this competitive. The Red Imps will sit deep and look for counters, while Braga should dominate possession and create the most chances. A narrow Braga victory seems most likely. A final score such as 2-0 or 3-1 for Braga is plausible, giving the visitors a healthy advantage while keeping Lincoln in the tie for the second leg. Our prediction for Lincoln Red Imps vs. SC Braga: Over 3.5 goals.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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