Spartak Moscow vs Braga Predictions

Braga hold a slight 1-0 lead after the 1st leg and will be very pleased to be taking a clean sheet to Russia with them but this tie is anything but over and we’re expecting a close game that could see the winner decided via the away goals rule.

The stats suggest that, unlike the 1st leg, we will see both teams score and over 2.5 goals on Thursday, and we’re backing Spartak Moscow to claim a narrow 2-1 win but for Braga to progress through to the next round on away goals.

The recent form and performances of both teams suggest that we should see goals at both ends of the pitch and at least three scored during the ninety minutes as both teams scored in five of Spartak Moscow’s and five of Braga’s last six matches, while over 2.5 goals were scored in five of Spartak Moscow’s and four of Braga’s last six matches.

Spartak have won five of their last six matches, three of which have ended 2-1, while Braga have drawn one and lost one of their last two away games, which is why we’re backing the Russians to claim a narrow win in the 2nd leg. Braga have only been beaten once in their last six matches and that was away from home against Sporting CP where the scoreline ended 2-1, and a defeat by two goals to one would prove enough for Braga to progress through to the next round of the Europa League qualifiers.

Spartak Moscow are unbeaten at home this season and have only failed to win one of those matches against Dinamo Moscow earlier this month, which ended in a goalless draw. Spartak Moscow have only failed to score in one of their last five matches, against Braga, and that could prove their downfall this week even if they win, as we have predicted.

We’re confident that both teams will score and over 2.5 goals will be produced on Thursday and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1 in favour of Spartak Moscow. That win won’t be enough for Spartak to progress, as Braga will win the game via the away goals rule. The 1st leg was tight and tense and were expecting another competitive ninety minutes between the pair on Thursday but there should be more goals as Spartak Moscow have to take the game to their opponents and Braga much prefer to play on the counter-attack.