Gorby at the double as Braga beat CFR Cluj 2-1 in the Europa League qualifiers | OneFootball

Braga took a step towards the Europa League play-offs after a securing a 2-1 victory against CFR Cluj in the third round first leg in Romania.

The hosts began well at Dr. Constantin Radulescu Stadium but it was Braga who took the lead in the 17th minute when Jean-Baptiste Gorby curled the ball into the bottom corner.

Cluj equalised in the 29th minute when Louis Munteanu’s deflected cross fell straight into the path of Sheriff Sinyan who converted from close range.

Braga got back on top and regained the lead five minutes after the restart, Otto Hindrich parrying Fran Navarro’s shot to Gorby who accepted the gift.

The Warriors had few problems closing it out and will be confident of going on with the job in the second leg next Thursday.

CFR Cluj 1-2 Braga

CFR Cluj had a promising start in front of their fans, a well worked move resulting in Beni Nkololo missing the target. Meriton Korenica’s corner was then met by Damjan Djokovic, his deflected header saved by Lukas Hornicek.

Braga weathered the storm and took the lead in the 17th minute after some patient build up play down the right wing. Rodrigo Zalazar’s cross fell to Fran Navarro who laid the ball into the path of Jean-Baptiste Gorby who curled it into the bottom corner.

João Moutinho was dictating play and delivered a great pass into the box that narrowly evaded Zalazar.

The match swung back in Cluj’s favour and the Romanian club equalised in the 29th minute. Paulo Oliveira headed the ball to Louis Munteanu whose deflected cross rolled straight to Sheriff Sinyan and the centre-back couldn't miss from point blank range.

Moutinho and Sikou Niakaté went close and Zalazar saw his shot deflected wide after the break, but the Warriors stayed on the front foot and retook the lead in the 50th minute.

Ricardo Horta’s clever pass presented Navarro with a chance that was saved by Otto Hindrich, Gorby pouncing on the rebound and placing the ball into the net.

Navarro tested Hindrich and missed a difficult chance before being replaced by Amine El Ouazzani. Carlos Vicens brought on Roger Fernandes followed by Diego Rodrigues and Pau Victor, the Spanish striker making his Braga debut after a €12m move from Barcelona.

Cluj huffed and puffed but lacked the ability to break Braga down, the victory putting the Portuguese club in prime position to advance to the playoffs.