Beşiktaş visits Braga in all-Portuguese clash

BRAGA - Hürriyet Daily News

Forward Hugo Almeida (L) is among a handful of Portuguese players at Beşiktaş to face Braga in the first leg of Round of 32 in the Europa League tonight. AA photo

An all-Portuguese clash is expected when Beşiktaş meets Braga tonight in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32.

Boasting several Portuguese players and a coach from the same country, Beşiktaş will not be unfamiliar with Braga when the two teams meet at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.

Beşiktaş has star wingers Ricardo Quaresma and Simao Sabrosa, along with striker Hugo Almeida, midfielder Manuel Fernandes and young player Julio Alves in its squad. The Black Eagles has also loaned Bebe from Manchester United, but the promising forward was seriously injured and yet to make a competitive debut at Beşiktaş.

However, the most dramatic face-off is likely to be of Carlos Carvalhal’s. Beşiktaş coach spent most of his playing career at Braga before starting his coaching job.

The Black Eagles have failed to win in its last four games in the league, and will seek bouncing back in European competitions. The team is third in Turkish league.