Standout star sets the tone as Braga run riot | OneFootball

Rodrigo Zalazar struck in the 23rd minute to ignite Braga's 5-0 win over Alverca. The midfielder's goal framed a commanding display that he later embellished with an assist.

His opener came from the centre of the box, a right-footed finish guided into the bottom left from Ricardo Horta's pass (23.). It settled any early nerves and put the hosts on the front foot.

He then turned creator, slipping a through ball for Pau Víctor to head in and stretch the advantage (30.). From there, Braga controlled territory with their No. 10 repeatedly finding pockets between the lines.

Zalazar's output backed up the eye test: one goal, one assist, four key passes and one big chance created. He completed 51 of 53 passes and won possession six times, plus three successful dribbles, underlining how he connected midfield to attack and kept Alverca pinned back.

Because he operated high in the final third and combined cleanly with the front line, Braga sustained pressure and dictated the key phases before the interval.

Braga rise from fifth to fourth in Liga Portugal and visit Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League next. Alverca remain 10th and host Estrela Amadora next.