Braga open with home victory
Friday, August 13, 2010
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Matheus, Paulo César and Leandro Salino earned UEFA Champions League hopefuls SC Braga a 3-1 win against Portimonense SC in the first game of the Portuguese Liga season.
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Runners-up last season, SC Braga kicked off the Portuguese Liga with a 3-1 home victory against promoted Portimonense SC on Friday.
Matheus put Domingos Paciência's team ahead in the 28th minute when the visitors' defence failed to track his run and he headed Alan's free-kick from the right in off the post. Paulo César doubled the UEFA Champions League play-off contenders' lead on the cusp of half-time with a low, long-range effort after Lima had headed the ball down into his path.
Eduardo Jumisse replied for Portimonense nine minutes into the second half, glancing an inswinging free-kick into the far corner from close range. Leandro Salino (84) made the points safe late on.
The rest of the opening round of fixtures take place over the weekend, with FC Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal in action on Saturday and champions SL Benfica at home to A. Académica de Coimbra on Sunday. Braga host Sevilla FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie next week.
