Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Braga secured a 2-1 victory over Freiburg in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final at home, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mario Dorgeles in the 92nd minute. Braga took an early lead through Demir Ege Tıknaz in the 8th minute after reacting swiftly to a low cross from Victor Gómez. Freiburg equalized in the 16th minute with a composed finish by captain Vincenzo Grifo, set up by a run from Jan-Niklas Beste, marking Grifo's third goal in four Europa League matches.
The match featured a crucial moment just before halftime when Braga’s goalkeeper, Noah Atubolu, saved a penalty from Rodrigo Zalazar to keep the score level. Braga’s Ricardo Horta, who had scored four times in the campaign, was forced off due to injury in the 25th minute and was replaced by Dorgeles. The second half saw limited chances for both teams, with Freiburg’s Maximilian Eggestein forcing a save from Braga goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček. In stoppage time, Dorgeles capitalized on a rebound after Atubolu failed to hold Vitor Carvalho’s shot, netting the decisive goal.
This was the first meeting between Braga and Freiburg. Braga have a strong record against German teams in European competitions, winning six of their last eight matches and remaining unbeaten in their last five home games against German opposition. The win marks Braga’s second major European semi-final appearance, their first since the 2010/11 Europa League season.