Braga book Round of 32 berth

SC Braga secured the win against FK Crvena Zvezda they needed to book their place in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.

Runners-up
Roland Linz opened the scoring in the first half before Wender claimed a deserved second after the break. That goal proved crucial, as although a win was always going to be enough for Braga, the increased margin of victory lifted them into second spot in Group F above Bolton Wanderers FC on goal difference. Crvena Zvezda were already out and ended the campaign without a point.

Opener
Following a quiet opening, the match burst into life in the eleventh minute when Linz put the Portuguese side ahead. Wender crossed from the left and the Austria striker was well-placed to guide the ball in right-footed from close range. Crvena Zvezda responded and a header from Segundo Castillo brought a save out of Paulo Santos before, at the other end, Wender sent a free-kick wide. The visitors from Belgrade put the pressure on and Santos had to deal with long-range efforts from Ognjen Koroman and Lucas. But Wender gave them a scare three minutes before half-time with a shot from the edge of the box that Zoran Banović held.

Wender strikes
Banović had to be at his best nine minutes after the interval to keep out a Vandinho strike and Linz missed an opportunity just before the hour. But on 66 minutes Wender's low shot from ten metres found a way past Banović and into the net. Crvena Zvezda continued to press and Hernan Barcos tested Santos moments later, although they required Banović to deny Linz late on after he headed substitute César Peixoto's cross on target. Braga will meet a third-placed UEFA Champions League team in the Round of 32, with the second leg on 21 February at home.