Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid on and what time does it start? Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid on in the UK? Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid in the UK? Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
SPORTING BRAGA
After coming from behind to level in their opening Group C fixture at home to Napoli, Sporting Braga will have been so disappointed to concede again late on and ultimately lose to the Italian champions. Since then, Braga have stepped up a gear by winning their next five matches in all competitions, including a thrilling 2-3 victory against Union Berlin, putting three precious Group C points on the board.
What was so impressive about their win in Germany, was them doing so after having gone two goals behind after 37 minutes. Sikou Niakate pulled one back before half-time before Bruma drew things level soon after the resumption. The comeback was completed deep into second half stoppage time, Andre Castro stunning Union and winning it at the death for Braga.
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid are extremely well-placed now in Group C after backing up their last-gasp triumph over Union Berlin with a thrilling 2-3 victory away at Napoli to establish themselves as clear group leaders. Once again, midfield maestro Jude Bellingham demonstrated his generational class in Naples whilst the return of Vinicius Junior from injury was most welcome, the Brazilian adding a ruthless edge in attack.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered a setback on their return to action following the international break, as they fell behind away to Sevilla through a David Alaba own goal. Real Madrid rallied immediately to equalise less than five minutes later but with the game ending a 1-1 draw, their lead at the top of La Liga has been cut to just goal difference only.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPORTING BRAGA
Right-back Victor Gomes is extremely doubtful for Braga due to a thigh problem. The likes of Pizzi and Ricardo Horta were kept on the bench for their cup victory last Thursday to contain their energy and the expectation is that both will be in the starting line-up here. Simon Banza should lead the line up top for Braga with a three-pronged attacking midfield in behind.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Mendes, Saatci, Niakate, Borja; Al Musrati, Zalazar; Bruma, Pizzi, Ricardo Horta; Banza
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Gomez (Fitness)
REAL MADRID
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao are long-term absentees. Arda Guler is also missing and Dani Ceballos is also likely to be kept on the sidelines for this game. Ancelotti may look to shuffle his pack in midfield, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga likely to come back into the starting line-up. Fran Garcia is also a contender to play at left-back over Ferland Mendy.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Valverde, Modric, Camavinga; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Junior
UNAVAILABLE: Courtois (Injured), Eder Militao (Injured), Arda Guler (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Ceballos (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Real Madrid have already overcome Napoli away from home in Group C but Sporting Braga will offer another stiff challenge for ‘Los Blancos’. However, Real Madrid will be fired up after dropping points in La Liga at the weekend and are expected to make a fast start in this one, utilising their offensive speed, creativity and quality to try and blow away the hosts. Keep in mind though, that Braga are strong enough to create opportunities themselves, having scored 15 goals across their last four in all competitions. But none of those opportunities are close to the level of Real Madrid and across 90 minutes, their class should tell.
TIP: REAL MADRID TO WIN
