Betis 2-4 Braga: Sporting Braga Stuns Real Betis to Reach Europa League Semifinals

Sporting Braga produced a stunning comeback victory over Real Betis on Thursday, April 16, 2026, to reach their first UEFA Europa League semifinal in 15 years. The Portuguese side overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit with a 4-2 win at Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla, advancing 5-3 on aggregate.

The match began explosively for the home side, with Real Betis taking a 2-0 lead within the first 26 minutes. Antony opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Abde Ezzalzouli doubled the advantage in the 26th minute. However, Braga responded immediately through Ricardo Horta, who pulled one back just two minutes later in the 28th minute to craft it 2-1.

Real Betis appeared to have secured their place in the semifinals when Pau Víctor scored in the 38th minute to restore their two-goal advantage, making it 3-1 on the night and seemingly putting them ahead 4-2 on aggregate. But Braga launched a remarkable second-half fightback that would shock the home crowd.

The turning point came just after halftime when Carvalho equalized for Braga in the 49th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Ricardo Horta then completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute to level the tie at 4-4 on aggregate.

With the tie now level, Braga pushed for the decisive goal and found it through Jean-Baptiste Gorby in the 74th minute. The goal completed a remarkable turnaround, giving Braga a 4-2 lead on the night and a crucial 5-3 advantage on aggregate.

Real Betis pushed desperately for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not break down Braga’s resilient defense. The final whistle confirmed Braga’s 4-2 victory on the night and 5-3 aggregate triumph, sending the Portuguese side through to the Europa League semifinals for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

Match Statistics and Key Moments

Despite Braga’s victory, Real Betis dominated possession throughout the match, controlling 53.9% of the ball compared to Braga’s 46.1%. The home side also outshot their visitors 11-6 in total attempts, though Braga proved far more clinical in front of goal.

The match saw four yellow cards issued, all to Real Betis players, reflecting the growing frustration as Braga’s comeback unfolded. Braga earned five corner kicks compared to Betis’ one, even as the home goalkeeper made 13 saves to keep his side in the game long after Braga had taken control.

Path to the Semifinals

Braga’s victory sets up a semifinal clash against either Aston Villa or Bologna, who were set to play their second leg later on Thursday. Aston Villa held a 3-0 lead from the first leg against Italian side Bologna, putting them in a strong position to reach the final four.

For Braga, the achievement represents a significant milestone in their European journey. The Portuguese club last reached the Europa League semifinals in the 2010-11 season when they eventually lost to eventual champions Porto. This run marks their deepest European run since reaching the Europa League final in the same 2010-11 campaign.

Real Betis, meanwhile, saw their European hopes end disappointingly after showing promise earlier in the tournament. The Spanish side had advanced through the knockout rounds by defeating Scottish side Rangers in the round of 16 before facing Braga in the quarterfinals.

What’s Next

Braga will now prepare for their Europa League semifinal matchup, with the date and venue to be determined based on the outcome of the Aston Villa-Bologna tie. The semifinals are scheduled for late April 2026, with the final set for May 2026 at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla.

Real Betis will shift their focus entirely to La Liga and the Copa del Rey as they look to salvage their season domestically after this European exit.

For continued coverage of the UEFA Europa League and all the latest developments from Braga’s historic run, stay tuned to Archysport for updates, analysis and match previews as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion.

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