Decisive figure delivers the difference for Braga against Santa Clara | OneFootball

Ricardo Horta broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a precise finish, as Braga beat Santa Clara 1-0.

He had already shaped the contest, arcing a cross that Gustaf Lagerbielke headed goalwards before it was blocked (38.). Moments later, another Horta delivery found the defender, whose header was saved (39.).

Horta then arrived in the centre of the box to steer in after a headed pass from Gabri Martínez (42.), the decisive touch in a game of fine margins.

The forward's all-round output backed up the moment: two key passes, three accurate crosses from eight, three tackles won and five regains of possession. With Braga seeing 67.5% of the ball, his supply repeatedly pinned Santa Clara back and provided the game's clearest chances.

Braga rise from sixth to fifth and visit Estoril next. Santa Clara drop from 11th to 12th and host Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal next.