Sp. Braga head coach Carlos Vicens has insisted his team must play to win their UEFA Conference League play-off second leg away at Austria Vienna on Thursday, despite holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg.
The Portuguese team won 2-0 in the first leg at home, but Vicens warned his squad against relying on that lead as they prepare to complete the 180-minute tie in Austria.
Vicens said Braga must go into the match looking for a win rather than focusing on their existing advantage. He stated that football shows anything can happen, meaning his side must be prepared to impose themselves, suffer when necessary, defend and attack well, and remain competitive and aggressive throughout.
Reflecting on the aggregate score, Vicens explained that only half of the 180-minute contest has been played. While Braga achieved an advantage at home, he expects Austria Vienna to try to turn the tie around on home soil. He added that Braga must remain serious, display personality and ambition, and adapt to every demand of the match.
Squad inclusion for Milosevic
The matchday squad features forward Milosevic for the first time since joining the club.
Vicens confirmed that Milosevic completed most of his pre-season training in Germany, arrived in good physical shape, and is adapting to his new team. The manager noted that Milosevic was welcomed with open arms, just like fellow addition Tommy and the rest of the squad. Vicens also assured that every player who traveled to Austria is available to play.
Injuries and team absentees
Braga will be without four players for the fixture, all sidelined due to physical issues.
Captain Ricardo Horta leads the list of absentees alongside Niakaté, Arrey-Mbi, and Gorby, none of whom were able to travel because of injury problems.
European playoff background
Sporting Clube de Braga, based in northern Portugal, are seeking to secure qualification for the main stage of the UEFA Conference League. Austria Vienna, hosting the second leg in the Austrian capital, must overturn the two-goal deficit from the opening match in Portugal to progress.
