SC Braga edged Nottingham Forest 1–0, in a clash between ball control and territorial pressure. SC Braga, in a 3-4-2-1, enjoyed more of the ball with 57% possession and completed 561 passes at 87% accuracy, aiming for structured buildup and width through their four-man midfield. Nottingham Forest’s 4-4-2 accepted only 43% possession but focused on progressing quickly and more directly, reflected in their 428 passes at 84% accuracy and a much higher shot volume. While Braga controlled circulation, Forest often controlled the more dangerous spaces, especially around the box, until the game state shifted after the own goal and late indiscipline from the visitors.
Offensive Efficiency
The numbers underline a paradox: Forest created more and better chances but failed to convert. They registered 12 total shots to Braga’s 6, with 5 shots on goal versus Braga’s 0. Forest also balanced their threat zones (7 shots inside the box, 5 from outside), indicating a mix of direct entries and mid-range attempts. Their xG of 1.74 shows they generated opportunities of real quality.
Braga, despite their possession, were strikingly toothless. All 6 of their shots came from inside the box, but none hit the target, leaving them with 0 shots on goal and a modest xG of 0.55. This points to “sterile domination”: structured approach play that struggled to break Forest’s back four and convert territory into clean looks at goal. Only 3 corners versus Forest’s 1 suggest they did not sustain relentless pressure, more sporadic incursions instead.
Forest’s attacking game plan looked like classic compact-block-and-break football: fewer passes, more shots, and higher xG. Yet their inability to score, despite forcing 4 saves from the Braga goalkeeper, turned their statistical superiority into frustration rather than reward.
Defensive Discipline & Intensity
The defensive story is about Forest’s aggression and Braga’s resilience. Forest committed 18 fouls to Braga’s 10, earning 3 yellow cards and a late red card for Elliot Anderson. This high foul count and card profile indicate an intense, disruptive strategy: breaking up Braga’s rhythm, contesting second balls, and accepting defensive risk to protect central areas.
Braga, with 3 yellows and 10 fouls, defended more positionally, relying on their back three and midfield screen. Crucially, their goalkeeper made 4 saves, directly preserving the clean sheet against Forest’s 5 shots on target. Forest’s 2 blocked shots also show Braga’s back line reacting well in the box, even if they were often on the back foot when Forest did attack.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Braga’s control of possession and defensive solidity outweighed their attacking bluntness, while Forest’s more dangerous but wasteful attack and escalating indiscipline undermined a promising game plan. Efficiency in protecting their own box, rather than in creating chances, allowed SC Braga’s possession to outlast Nottingham Forest’s pressure.
