In the 2022/23 season, Union Berlin and Sporting Braga played in the Europa League, in the group stage. Both won 1-0 at home, but Germans Union advanced on the stage while Portuguese Braga were sidelined. Now, in this 2023/24 season, they face each other again. But for the Champions League. The duel in the second round of Group C will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Who will win?
Here is the Champions League standings
The teams lost in their debut, but they sold their defeats to the group favorites at a high price. Braga fell at home to Napoli, 2-1, but with the decisive goal (own goal) arriving in the 44th minute of the final phase. Union Berlin went to Madrid. At the Santiago Bernabéu he lost to Real Madrid 1-0, scoring in injury time. Therefore, both have zero points and must score.
Where to look
The TNT (closed) and HBO Max (streaming) channels will broadcast the duel starting at 1.45pm.
How is the Berlin Union doing?
Unlike last season, when they caused a sensation and secured a place in the Champions League, Union Berlin have started 2023/24 with decent results and are only mid-table behind Alemão (11th place). While the defensive efficiency shown in the defeat against Real Madrid encourages his fans, the German’s recurring errors turn on the yellow light. To give you an idea: in Alemão’s last round, Union played at full strength against Heidenheim, a newcomer to the elite. But they lost 1-0. Coach Urs Fischer’s doubts lie in the attack. Fofana is not well physically, but he could be used as a starter. If he remains on the bench, Behrens comes in.
How is Braga?
Braga has regained its good form and is already in contention for the Portuguese G4. But he knows that in the Champions League, in a group that includes Napoli and Real Madrid, his first battle is for third place, which is worth a place in the Europa League. Therefore, a good result in Germany is vital for the team to be in a comfortable position in this direct fight with Union and also continue with the dream of staying in G2 and advancing to the round of 16 of the Champions League. According to the Germans’ calculations, would this be an opportunity for Braga to win away from home too? Coach Arthur says that’s not really the case.

“If we look at the moment, we might be tempted to say that Union is more fragile than us. But that’s not my feeling. This is a tremendously strong team, individually and collectively. And we know their rivals. Last season, We have had very balanced matches, decided with the minimum margin. This match should now repeat the balance”, said Arthur Jorge, who left some starters on the bench in the victory over Estrela da Amadora (4-2), in the last Portuguese turn. Everything suggests that he will keep the 4-2-3-1, with Abel Ruiz as the reference in attack.
BERLIN X SPORTING DE BRAGA UNION
2nd round of group B of the Champions League
Date and time: 3/10/2023, 1.45pm (Brasilia time)
Local: Olympic Stadium, Berlin (ALE)
BERLIN UNION: Ronnow; Doekhi, Bonucci and Diogo Leite; Juranovic, Kral, Tousart, Laidouni, Gosens; Becker, Behrens (Fofana). Coach: Urs Fischer
BRAGA: Matteo; Oliveira, José Fonte, Niakate and Borja; Carvalho, Al Musrati; Djalo, Ricardo Horta, Bruma; Abel Ruiz. Coach: Arthur Jorge
Referee: Srđan Jovanović (SER)
Assistants: Uroš Stojković and Milan Mihajlović (SER)
VAR: Ivan Bebek (CRO)
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Source: Terra

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