Sporting Braga struck deep into stoppage time to defeat Freiburg 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday, taking a narrow advantage into next week’s decisive return fixture in Germany. Mario Dorgeles scored the winning goal in injury time after Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu failed to hold an effort, giving the Portuguese side a dramatic late victory in front of their home supporters.

Braga made an energetic start in what marked the club’s first European semi-final appearance in 15 years. Their early pressure paid off in the eighth minute when Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz finished from close range after a sharp attacking move. The hosts looked confident and aggressive in possession, seeking to capitalize on home advantage from the opening whistle.

Freiburg, however, responded quickly and restored parity just eight minutes later. Vincenzo Grifo calmly converted after being found by Jan-Niklas Beste, whose accurate delivery split the Braga defence. The equaliser steadied the German side after a difficult opening spell and helped shift momentum as both teams settled into a more controlled rhythm.

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The contest then slowed after the frantic early exchanges, with chances becoming limited before halftime. Braga were handed a major opportunity to regain the lead when video review awarded a penalty after Philipp Lienhart fouled Gustaf Lagerbielke inside the area. Yet Freiburg keeper Atubolu produced a vital save, diving to his right to deny Rodrigo Zalazar from the spot and preserve the 1-1 scoreline.

Braga manager Carlos Vicens introduced more attacking options in the second half as the hosts searched for a breakthrough. Their persistence was rewarded two minutes into added time when Vitor Carvalho’s shot was spilled by Atubolu, allowing Dorgeles to react quickest and convert from close range. The late goal sparked celebrations across the stadium and gave Braga a deserved edge heading into the second leg.

Speaking after the match, Vicens praised his team’s resilience, saying they continued pushing despite the missed penalty and earlier setback. Freiburg will now look to overturn the deficit at home, while Braga aim to protect their slim lead and reach the final in Istanbul on May 20. The winners of the tie will face either Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa, with Forest leading that semi-final 1-0 after the first leg.

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