Sporting Braga inflicted Kenny Dalglish’s first loss in Europe as Liverpool manager, winning 1-0 in their round-of-16 first leg on Thursday.The Portuguese club took the lead in the the Europa League encounter courtesy of an Alan penalty in the 18th minute, after Liverpool defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos conceded a spot kick for a mis-timed tackle on Marcio Mossoro.Dirk Kuyt started alone up front for Liverpool on the back of his hat-trick heroics against Manchester United in the English Premier League on Sunday, but the Reds were at their most dangerous when 35 million-pound signing Andy Carroll was substituted on after 57 minutes.Midfielder Joe Cole had a penalty appeal turned down soon after Carroll’s entrance, before a Kuyt volley drew a quality save from Braga’s goalkeeper Artur.Carroll, wearing number 39 on Thursday to help UEFA officials differentiate between the Geordie and former Liverpool number nine Fernando Torres, provided an aerial threat that looked to break open the Braga defence.But the consistent long balls from the visitors failed to create enough chances, with Carroll often finding no friends to lay the ball off to, allowing the home side to read the play with ease.Braga backed off later in the second half, seemingly content with their one-goal advantage, and Liverpool could not produce a vital away goal prior to their second leg next Thursday at Anfield.
Europa League: Braga 1 Liverpool 0
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12/05/2025 00:00
Tagged:Futebol






