Leixões shock Braga
Thursday, February 21, 2002
Article summary
Leixões SC caused a huge upset by beating SC Braga to reach the final of the Portuguese Cup.
Article body
In a huge upset, II Division B side Leixões SC have reached the final of the Portuguese Cup by beating 1.Liga side SC Braga 3-1.
Historic achievement
Three second-half goals at Braga's Primeiro de Maio stadium ensured that Leixões became the first-ever club from the third tier of the Portuguese league to reach the Portuguese Cup final. The opener came on 49 minutes when a direct free-kick from Leixões captain and former FC Porto, CF Os Belenenses and SC Salgueiros player Abílio flew into the net from 25 metres out.
Lead doubled
Braga midfield player and captain José Barroso came close to equalising on 65 minutes with a free-kick of his own only to see his effort hit the post after deflecting off a Leixões defender. On 82 minutes Leixões' lead was doubled when Gabonese striker Antchouet found himself one-on-one with Braga goalkeeper Marcos and unselfishly fed Nené who tapped into an empty net.
Memorable triumph
Two minutes later Braga briefly threatened a comeback when Barroso scored from a free-kick to reduce the arrears. However Leixões were not to be denied. Four minutes into injury time a long free-kick out of defence caught the Braga defence napping, Detinho chested the ball down, dribbled around two defenders and shot past Marcos to seal a memorable triumph.
