TSC – Braga : Preview & Prediction
After a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualifying round tie, TSC Bačka Topola now need a miracle to stay alive in the competition. Such an event seems almost impossible, but the door is still open for TSC to become the first team this century to overcome a three-goal aggregate deficit in the third qualifying round of the UCL without the help of away goals.
For what it’s worth, the team is unbeaten in seven domestic matches in the Serbian Superliga following its 1-0 weekend win over Radnički, and that win means it’s been a year since TSC last experienced a 0-0 draw. But the first goal could easily go against them once again, with TSC having kept a clean sheet in just one of their last four official home matches.
The truth is that only a collapse of legendary proportions would deny Braga a place in what would be their first appearance in the UCL playoff round in 11 years. Even a repeat of the 2-1 defeat they suffered on their last visit to Serbia in 2021 (against Red Star Belgrade) would be inconsequential, and that seems even more unlikely considering their solid historical record against teams from Serbia (G4, E3, P1).
This will be Braga’s first official away game of the campaign, although they are coming off a 2-1 home loss to Famalicão in the Primeira Liga opener. That was the Arsenalistas’ first defeat after scoring for the first time since February, and while they shouldn’t struggle in this clash, the fact that Braga have kept just one clean sheet in their seven European away games from 2022 onwards is also a concern.
Players to watch: The only Montenegrin in TSC’s first team, Marko Rakonjac, has already registered a goal and an assist for them despite playing a total of just 130 minutes so far for his current side, and it’s also worth noting that he has scored half of his last 10 goals via headers. Bruma could eclipse him, as he scored Braga’s first goal in the first leg, and it’s worth noting that each of his last three goals have been the winning goal in each match.
Key stat: Braga have not conceded a goal in the first 30 minutes in their last nine official away matches.
TSC – Braga : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
