Click on any stream link below to watch the game
Click on any link in the table above to watch the game.
-------------------------------------------------
Braga is basking in the excitement of securing their spot in the Champions League, and they're gearing up to face Sporting Lisbon in the fourth round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga this Sunday.
Sporting Lisbon arrives at the Estadio Braga Municipal with a flawless record, just like two other teams in the new league season. They're determined to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Braga's ticket to the Champions League came after more than a decade when they triumphed with a 1-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the playoffs, sealing a 3-1 aggregate win over the Greek side. Their 28-year-old star, Bruma, stole the spotlight with an 83rd-minute goal at the Athens Olympic Stadium, marking the end of Braga's 11-year absence from the continental competition.
Artur Jorge's squad is now shifting its focus to the Primeira Liga. They began the season with a somewhat disappointing 2-1 loss to Famalicao on August 11 at the Estadio Municipal de Braga. Nevertheless, they bounced back strong eight days later, clinching a 4-2 win against Chaves, with goals from Bruma, Ricardo Horta, Simon Banza, and Pizzi in a solid team performance.
Following their midweek victory against Panathinaikos, Braga boasts four consecutive wins across all competitions and an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak, securing 10 wins and a draw in that period.
On the other hand, Sporting Lisbon has notched three wins in their first three games of the new Primeira Liga season. They overcame a tough Famalicao side in a one-sided match at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with experienced striker Paulinho scoring a header in the 52nd minute.
Before that, Ruben Amorim's team secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Vizela in the league opener on August 12. Six days later, Paulinho netted twice to lead them to a 2-1 win over Casa Pia at the Estadio Pina Manique.
Sporting Lisbon enters the weekend unbeaten in their last 17 league matches, boasting 14 wins and three draws since their 2-1 loss to rivals Porto on February 12.
In their upcoming clash, Braga will be missing the experienced midfielder Mutassim Al-Musrati due to injury. Keep an eye on Bruma, the 28-year-old midfielder who has been a standout performer this season with six goal involvements in six games across all competitions.
Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, continues to be without Dutch defender Jeremiah St. Juste, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury since their Europa League clash against Juventus in April. Paulinho, with four goals in the first three games of the season, is expected to lead Sporting's attack. The 30-year-old will likely be joined by former Coventry City player Viktor Gyokeres and Portuguese playmaker Pedro Goncalves, who contributed 15 goals and 11 assists last season.
On Sunday, Sporting Braga will host Sporting Lisbon in their next Portuguese Primeira Liga match. While Sporting Lisbon currently sits third, Braga, who have a game in hand due to their continental commitments, are in the 11th position in the league standings. Braga's recent form includes a four-match winning streak, including a 1-0 victory over Panathinaikos in Greece during the week, securing their place in the Champions League group stages. Their domestic response to an initial defeat to Famalicao has been impressive, with a 4-2 win over Chaves.
Sporting Lisbon is among the three teams that have won all three of their opening league games, amassing nine points and narrowly trailing Vitoria de Guimaraes in the standings based on goal difference. They've displayed good attacking form, scoring six goals but conceding three. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 result against Famalicao, marking Sporting's 17th consecutive league match without a defeat since February.
Sporting also holds the upper hand in recent meetings with Braga, winning the last two encounters with a combined scoreline of 10-0. These statistics bode well for Sporting Lisbon as they aim to maintain their perfect start.
