Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Braga host Freiburg at Estádio Municipal de Braga in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday, 30 April at 21:00 CET. The second leg is scheduled for Thursday, 7 May at 21:00 CET.
Braga, runners-up in the 2010/11 Europa League, aim for a second final appearance. Coach Carlos Vicens, who previously assisted Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, leads a squad combining experienced Portuguese players like João Moutinho and Ricardo Horta with international talents such as Uruguayan Rodrigo Zalazar, who has scored 15 league goals this season.
Freiburg, under Julian Schuster, have impressed in Europe this season, including a 5-1 win against Genk and clean sheets in both quarter-final matches against Celta Vigo (3-0 at home, 3-1 away). Their last visit to Portugal ended in a 0-0 group stage draw with Estoril in the 2013/14 Europa League.
Coach Carlos Vicens highlighted the strength of the opposition and the importance of being effective to reach the final. Braga forward Ricardo Horta expressed motivation, noting the game's importance for Portuguese football in Europe.