Benfica share points at Braga in lively Liga contest | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Braga and Benfica drew 2-2 in Liga Portugal at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. Nicolás Otamendi headed the Águias in front in the 29th minute from a set piece. Rodrigo Zalazar equalised from the spot after a handball (38.), then Pau Victor put Braga ahead in the first minute of first half stoppage time, before Fredrik Aursnes levelled with a precise strike (53.). Late on, Ricardo Horta received a second yellow and was sent off in the third minute of second half stoppage time. Encarnados stay third in the table and unbeaten, while Braga remain fifth, with the visitors hosting Estoril next and the hosts visiting Estrela Amadora.

Player of the Match: Fredrik Aursnes drove Encarnados back into the game with the equaliser, adding two key passes and three touches in the box to anchor their midfield surge.

Stat of the Match: Encarnados registered 14 attempts with six on target, highlighting their greater threat over the 90 minutes.

Three Things We Learned: Rodrigo Zalazar was Braga's creative hub, completing 19 successful final third passes and winning possession six times. Lukas Hornicek made four saves to keep the Águias at bay during their strongest spells. Evangelos Pavlidis supplied the assist for Aursnes and recorded four touches in the box, underlining his link play.