Be?ikta? resist determined Braga fightback

Lima's first-half goal at Be?ikta? JK not enough to retrieve a 2-0 first-leg home defeat for SC Braga as last season's beaten UEFA Europa League finalists bowed out in the round of 32. Black Eagles boss Carlos Carvalhal completed an aggregate victory against the club he once played for – and briefly coached – but it was a nervy evening for Be?ikta?, whose position was far from secure after Lima put the visitors ahead midway through the first period. They held on, and Club Atlético de Madrid will be their opponents in the last 16. Left with no option other than to attack in Istanbul, Braga were steeled for an early offensive, but Be?ikta? took to their task well, playing the ball out wide and taking their time in their build-up play to keep chances to a minimum. Their plans went awry on 25 minutes, though, when Braga captain Alan forced his way into the penalty area, firing a ball in from the right for Lima to stab into the net. From that moment on, the 30,000-strong crowd were on the edge of their seats, with Be?ikta? seemingly determined to prove that their success in Portugal last week was no fluke. Some magical touches from Ricardo Quaresma and opportunities for Hugo Almeida and Manuel Fernandes had the home fans on their feet before the break. The entertainment continued after the interval and Hugo Almeida and Fernandes were once more at the heart of it. Be?ikta? had chances to ease Carvalhal's nerves, but Braga kept plugging away, looking dangerous until the final whistle ended their hopes.