Braga win 3-0 at Alverca to maintain perfect start in the Primeira Liga | OneFootball

Marko Milovanović went through on goal early on and was brought down by Lukás Hornícek, no penalty awarded due the striker being ruled offside. The Serbian had another chance when he was released by Kaiky Naves, Hornícek getting a touch on his shot which allowed Paulo Oliveira time to make a goal line clearance.

It proved a costly miss with Braga taking the lead in the 11th minute. The visitors passed the ball around at will before Roger picked out Diego Rodrigues, the 20-year-old skipping past two opponents before unleashing a long range strike that swerved and wrong footed André Gomes.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Roger’s cross was slapped away by Gomes, Leonardo Lelo finding Ricardo Horta who fired a left footed volley into the roof of the net.

Braga made it 3-0 in the 36th minute following Lelo’s corner that was handled by Chiquinho. Referee Miguel Nogueira watched replays on the sideline and awarded a penalty, Amine El Ouazzani putting the ball on the spot sending Gomes the wrong way.

Alverca continued to play balls over and behind Braga’s defence which provided another great chance after the break. Alexsandro Amorim released Chiquinho who had Hornicek to beat, the former Sporting CP junior missing the target.

Amorim then sent another pass over the top to Milovanović, his shot destined for the bottom corner before Hornícek got his fingertips on the ball to divert it wide.

Tiago Leite came off the bench and shot straight at the busy goalkeeper, Lelo looking certain to score at the other end before Nabil Touaizi deflected the ball over the bar.

Alverca finished the game in a flurry but their lack of quality in front of goal continued, Leite’s miscued shot hitting the bar and Diogo Martins forcing a save from Hornícek, Touaizi and Leite missing the final two opportunities of the contest.

Great game!

It was an exciting contest in Alverca where a top flight clash hadn’t been played in 21 years. Manager Vasco Botelho da Costa jumped ship and joined Moreirense, Custódio brought in to try and get the best out of a squad that has been completely rebuilt. Diogo Martins is the only player remaining from last season.

Custódio's tactics were clear and his side did a great job exploiting Braga’s high line, the only problem was the quality of their finishing and another strong performance from Lukás Hornícek. The promoted club have potential but have to start taking their chances.

Carlos Vicens continues to utilise his squad with two games being played a week. Hornícek has been one of the regulars alongside Paulo Oliveira and Jean-Baptiste Gorby, the trio now joined by Ricardo Horta.

The Warriors should have no problems getting past Lincoln Red Imps and earning a spot in the Europa League, but Vicens has to find a way for his side to stop conceding so many chances before the level of opposition increases.