BRAGA VISITS GO AHEAD EAGLES IN EUROPA LEAGUE KNOCKOUT SHOWDOWN

DEVENTER, Netherlands (Interstat) — A surging SC Braga will look to extend its unbeaten European run against a struggling Go Ahead Eagles side when the teams meet in a Europa League knockout round match on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

The Portuguese club, which advanced as the winner of Group H, enters the first-leg contest at De Adelaarshorst stadium in strong form. Braga is unbeaten in its last five Europa League matches (4-0-1), including a 1-0 home victory over England’s Nottingham Forest in its most recent outing on Jan. 22.

Manager Artur Jorge’s side has built its run on a stout defense, conceding only once during that five-game stretch. Key results include a 1-0 away win at Nice and a 2-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow.

The hosts, meanwhile, are seeking stability after a difficult group stage. Go Ahead Eagles finished second in Group G but carries poor recent form into the tie. The Dutch side was defeated 3-1 at Nice last Thursday and has just one win in its last eight matches across all competitions (1-4-3).

Defensive frailty has been a concern for manager René Hake, with his team allowing three or more goals in three of its last five European fixtures, including a 4-0 home loss to Germany’s VfB Stuttgart in November.

The matchup presents a clear contrast: Braga’s organized, defensively sound European campaign against an Eagles side known for a spirited, attacking style that has nonetheless left it vulnerable at the back.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Braga is projected to secure a 2-0 victory in the first leg. History offers no guide, as this will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs.

The return leg is scheduled for the following week at Braga’s Estádio Municipal.

For Go Ahead Eagles, the European focus is immediate, with a return to Eredivisie play awaiting at Volendam on Sunday, Feb. 1. Braga will resume Primeira Liga action next weekend.