Machado shows belief in Braga

With SC Braga having drawn both their UEFA Cup Group F matches so far, coach Manuel Machado is aiming for more in Greece tonight as the Portuguese club face Aris Thessaloniki FC.

Winning ambition
The 1-1 results at Bolton Wanderers FC and at home to FC Bayern München have left Braga fourth in the section but another point will leave them in a useful position ahead of the Matchday 5 visit of FK Crvena Zvezda. Indeed, last season they had three points before their final fixture and beat Grasshopper-Club to advance. Machado, appointed last month in time for the draw against Bayern, said: "Braga have managed to consolidate their position in national and international football with matches like this one. A draw would be good, but we know that we can qualify for the next round and that's our ambition."

Injured duo
A victory would take them through unless Bolton win at Crvena Zvezda, but Machado is cursing injuries to two attacking players. Zé Manuel, who missed both previous group games, has been ruled out again after suffering an injury to his right leg in the weekend defeat of CS Marítimo, while João Tomás has a thigh problem. Left-sided duo Carlos Fernandes and César Peixoto have been called in as replacements. "The core of the team will probably be the same, although I could make some readjustments," said the coach.

Atmosphere
Experienced attacker João Pinto is fit, and looking forward to the occasion for which a big, partisan home crowd is expected. "These are the kind of matches that every player wants be part of because of their importance,"”, the 36-year-old said. "We are used to dealing with such games and we will face it calmly as players decide matches, not fans."