The Austrians will have to open up: Austria Vienna vs Braga prediction
The second leg of the Conference League qualifying play-off between Austria Vienna and Braga will take place on 27 August at the Generali Arena in Vienna. The Portuguese side won the first meeting 2-0 and built a comfortable advantage ahead of the trip to Austria.
Austria Vienna: a comeback will require a completely different performance
Stephan Helm's side endured a very poor first leg, allowing Braga to create 3.12 xG worth of chances while producing just 0.38 themselves. The Austrians registered significantly fewer shots, had only 42% possession and ultimately suffered a deserved two-goal defeat.
The hosts' overall form also raises concerns, with four defeats in their last six matches across all competitions. In addition, Austria have won only two of their previous nine competitive home matches in normal time, although the postponement of their fixture against Tirol gave the team extra time to recover.
Braga: solid defence brings the main stage closer
Carlos Vicens' side head into the second leg on an impressive run of eight competitive matches without defeat. The Portuguese have been particularly reliable in Europe, with Braga now keeping clean sheets in five consecutive matches in their continental campaign.
The difference in quality was clear in the first meeting even without captain Ricardo Horta, while the 2-0 advantage allows the visitors to take a measured approach. Braga are also aiming to reach the main stage of European competition for an eighth consecutive season, so complacency is unlikely.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Braga won the first leg 2-0.
- The Portuguese side are unbeaten in eight consecutive competitive matches.
- Austria Vienna have won only two of their last nine home matches in normal time.
Space could prove costly for the hosts: Austria Vienna vs Braga prediction
Austria need to overturn a two-goal deficit, so the hosts will have to push forward much more aggressively. That approach will inevitably leave spaces that Braga's more organised and higher-quality attack are capable of exploiting.
The first meeting showed a clear advantage for the Portuguese side, while their current defensive form only strengthens the visitors' position. Even if the Austrians manage to score at home, Braga look capable of responding and seeing out the tie with another convincing result.
