[Europa League] Braga - Lazio = 1 - 0

Lazio suffered a narrow yet inconsequential defeat against SC Braga, who maintained their position at the top of the Europa League standings in the final round of 16.  

Heading into the last matchday, the Biancoceleste were the only team already guaranteed a place in the next round, having secured six wins and a draw to lead the group.  

However, Lazio faced squad difficulties, with Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolò Rovella suspended, Matteo Guendouzi sidelined due to illness, and Manuel Lazzari, Patric, Nuno Tavares, and Matias Vecino out injured. As a result, Mario Gila was deployed in an emergency midfield role. Meanwhile, Braga were missing Bruma and Vitor Carvalho due to suspension, while Rodrigo Zalazar was not fully fit.  

Needing a win to secure a play-off spot, the hosts took an early lead when Victor Gomez delivered a cross from the right, allowing Ricardo Horta to fire the ball into the bottom left corner from 12 yards.  

After conceding early, Lazio pressed forward in pursuit of an equalizer. Pedro Rodriguez nearly leveled the score and even found the net in the 36th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

In the second half, Lazio continued to press but struggled to create clear chances, failing to seriously test Braga’s defense.  

The match ended 1-0, securing Braga’s place in the play-offs, while Lazio remained at the top of the group, advancing comfortably to the next round. 

Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas 6; Marusic 5.5, Gigot 6, Romagnoli 6.5, Pellegrini 5.5 (88' Zazza n/a); Gila 5.5 (71' Dia 6), Dele-Bashiru 5.5; Tchaouna 5 (66' Isaksen 6.5), Pedro 6.5, Noslin 5.5; Castellanos 5.5 (88' Balde n/a)

Bench: Provedel, Furlanetto, Di Tommaso, Nazzaro, Serra

Coach: Baroni 5.5

Goalscorer: 6' Horta (B)

Highlights: