Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga hold a commanding 2-0 lead heading into their second-leg affair against Maccabi Petah Tikva. The Israeli club were outclassed in the reverse fixture, so must rely on a miracle to advance any further in qualifying.
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Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Sporting Braga Prediction: A repeat of the first-leg is expected
Key Stats
- Braga have scored exactly two goals in each of their last three games
- Braguistas have only kept one clean sheet in their previous five matches
- Maccabi Petah Tikva picked up more yellow cards than registered shots in the last meeting
Correct score prediction: Maccabi Petah Tikva 0-1 Sporting Braga
Braga know they don't have to go out all guns blazing in this potentially tricky away European clash having done the business last Thursday at home. However, Maccabi Petah Tikva failed to impose themselves at all last week, so it would be a surprise to see them roll over and cause the Braguistas any trouble this time around.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Braga tipped to make it a clean sweep
- HOME: 8/1 (9.0) – 11.1%
- DRAW: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- AWAY: 3/10 (1.3) – 76.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Braga are the clear favourites for this affair, which should come as no surprise given how the game played out last week. According to UEFA's club rankings, there are 157 places between the teams which shows how easy Braga should find this clash.
It appears rather pointless setting on the outright winner given the odds, why not check out our football betting tips page for ideas on what other markets could be appealing?
Most recent H2Hs: Never played one another before
Last Thursday's match was the first-ever meeting between Braga and Maccabi Petah Tikva and to the surprise of very few people, the Portuguese came out on top. The win was picked up with very little fuss giving up just two shots all game.
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 01/08/24
Maccabi Petach Tikva
Braga
Maccabi Petah Tikva preview: First time in Europe for over 20 years
Maccabi Petah Tikva have now made it to back-to-back European qualifying rounds which is a huge achievement for the Israeli side, but they may well already be saying goodbye to the Europa League for another campaign.
Predicted lineup: Wolff (GK), Karo, Galabov, Handy, Azugi, Cohen, Glazer, Yehoshua, Hazan, Štor & Lugassy
Israel Premier League 10/05/25
D
Ironi Tiberias
0
Maccabi Petach Tikva
0
Israel Premier League 03/05/25
D
MS Ashdod
1
Maccabi Petach Tikva
1
Israel Premier League 26/04/25
D
Hapoel Jerusalem FC
0
Maccabi Petach Tikva
0
Israel Premier League 19/04/25
L
Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin
2
Maccabi Petach Tikva
1
Israel Premier League 05/04/25
W
Maccabi Bnei Raina
0
Maccabi Petach Tikva
2
Sporting Braga preview: Another routine win is expected
Braga put in a very professional display in the first leg which has them sitting very nicely heading into Thursday with one foot already into the next round. There is no room for complacency, however, so we expect another strong lineup.
Predicted lineup: Matheus (GK), Gomez, Saatci, Niakaté, Marin, Horta, Moutinho, Zalazar, Bruma, Banza, Fernandes
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
L
Casa Pia
2
Braga
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/05/25
D
Santa Clara
1
Braga
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 25/04/25
D
Famalicao
1
Braga
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 19/04/25
W
Estoril
0
Braga
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 13/04/25
W
AVS
1
Braga
4
Player to watch – Bruma
Having been given the nod to start up top last weekend, Bruma flattered to deceive and didn't get on the scoresheet. So, we can see him moving back out wide this time around, which is where he's most dangerous.
The Portuguese winger can boast an impressive record in the final third since joining Braga with 15 goals and 16 assists in just 60 games. Being able to cut inside from the wing and get shots away, we can see Bruma causing a lot of damage.