The local team has a chance to top Group C, although for this to happen they need to beat the Meringue Painting by two-goal differences, and that Napoli did not beat Union Berlin. They have a five-game winning streak, including an away win against the Germans in the continental tournament.
The team led by Artur Jorge is in fourth position in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 16 points and in third place in Group C of the UEFA Champions League with 3 points.
Sporting Braga’s last defeat was precisely in the European competition at home against Napoli 2-1, a match that almost reached a draw since the victory of the Italian team came in the 88th minute.
Colombian Cristian Borja has been included by coach Artur Jorge in the squad list and is expected to start against Real Madrid, because in the Champions League matches he has been part of the defensive backline.
The defender was absent from Braga’s last game against Rebordosa, a match that ended in their favor 2-0 in the third round of the Taca de Portugal.
In addition, he was a substitute in the League match against Rio Ave. He also came without adding minutes to the Colombian National Team on the second day of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the matches against Uruguay and Ecuador.
“Our ambition leads us to believe that it is possible to hurt this opponent. If we are effective, we can score and try to surprise them. This is a very special match and will go down in the history of Braga,” said the coach Artur Jorge.
The strategist does not hide that the team will take the field with a defensive approach, to close the paths of the Merengue team and not concede many goals.
“We have a strong defensive block, with coverage, reducing spaces for a team that wants to have it and make it and have individuals who can make the difference.” I sincerely believe that it is possible to make history,” insisted the Portuguese coach.
Possible formations
Braga: Matthew; Borja, Niakate, Serdar Saatçi, Mendes; Al Musrati, Zalazar; Bruma, Alvaro Djalo, Ricardo Horta, Banza.
Real Madrid: Kepa; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Junior.
