Ferencváros are set to host Braga in the Europa League round of 16, following their playoff victory over Ludogorets. The match will take place at the Groupama Arena on Thursday. Braga, who boast an unbeaten away record in the competition, will travel to Hungary hoping to continue their impressive form and gain an advantage in the first leg.
Ferencváros’ Path to the Round of 16
Ferencváros overturned a first-leg deficit against Ludogorets to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory in the Europa League playoff. After losing the first leg 2-1 at the Ludogorets Arena, Ferencváros won the second leg 2-0 in front of their home fans. Gabi Kanichowsky and Kristoffer Zachariassen scored first-half goals to turn the tie around.
Despite a 4-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in their final group game on January 29, Ferencváros secured a spot in the round of 16. That defeat meant they missed out on automatic passage to the round of 16 by just one point, finishing 12th in the league-phase standings.
Recent Form Boost for Robbie Keane’s Side
Robbie Keane’s team are heading into the first leg on the back of a strong run of form. They moved to the top of the Hungarian NB I standings with a 3-1 home win over Nyiregyhaza Spartacus. Goals from Mohammad Abu Fani, Yusuf Bamidele and Mariano Gomez secured the victory.
The win against Nyiregyhaza was their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions. This run includes a 5-0 win over Kazincbarcikai SC in their Magyar Kupa quarter-final clash at the Varady Bela Sportkozpont.
Braga’s Journey to the Round of 16
Braga’s Europa League campaign saw them thrash Lincoln Red Imps 9-1 on aggregate in the qualifying playoffs in August. They then secured consecutive victories over Feyenoord, Celtic and Red Star Belgrade in their first three league-phase games. During this impressive run, they scored five goals and kept three clean sheets.
Carlos Vicens’s side suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against Genk on November 6. However, two wins and two draws in their final four matches ensured they finished sixth in the table with 17 points, securing their place in the round of 16.
Braga’s League Form
Braga’s fine form continued in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Saturday. They fought back from behind twice to draw 2-2 against Sporting Lisbon. Rodrigo Zalazar converted a 96th-minute penalty to earn Braga a point.
Goncalo Inacio and Luis Javier Suarez scored for Sporting Lisbon, either side of Ricardo Horta’s equaliser.
Braga will be looking to extend their unbeaten away record in the Europa League as they travel to face Ferencváros.