Lincoln Red Imps – Braga

A minimum of three goals will be scored in the first round of the opponents’ confrontation.

In the qualification for the European Cups two seasons ago, the Faroese club Klaksvik caused a real sensation by overcoming several serious rivals and later participating in the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League. In the current season's continental tournament qualification, a similar success befell Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar. Even if they are knocked out in the final qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, the Gibraltarian team will still take part in the overall stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League. This success will be achieved by the multiple champions of the dwarf country for the second time in history. Lincoln first participated in the main stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2021/2022 season. They could now reach the overall stage of the UEFA Europa League. However, the Gibraltarian club has a very strong opponent. Portuguese Braga has much more experience in the group stages of European competitions and playoffs. Even more importantly this club has a much larger squad and ambitions to reach the UEFA Europa League specifically. For Braga, the UEFA Europa Conference League is far less attractive in terms of prestige and potential bonus payments. Bookmakers have made the guests clear favourites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.12 for their victory. Lincoln started their European journey in the current season in the qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League. In the very first stage, the team surprised with their confidence by defeating Icelandic Vikingur in both matches. In the next stage, Lincoln faced a heavyweight akin to their upcoming opponent - Crvena Zvezda. The Gibraltarian representative might have been defeated in both encounters, but in the first match, the Serbs too early found themselves a player down - 0:1 and 1:5. After being knocked out in the qualification for the UEFA Europa League, Lincoln drew twice with Armenian Noah, after which they embarrassed their opponent right in front of their fans in a penalty shootout. Braga in the round before last drew 0:0 twice with Levski, managing to squeeze past their opponent in extra time of the return leg. However, in the next round, the Portuguese improved and approached their clash with CFR Cluj more seriously - winning 2:1 and 2:0. Considering Braga's busy schedule, the guests will want to resolve all matters in the first match and score as many goals as possible against their opponent. The hosts have nothing to lose. They will surely be eager to attack.