Superb result for Braga, who have just confirmed their qualifying for the next stage of the UEFA Cup. A 56th minute excellent direct free-kick taken by Uruguayan attacking midfielder Luis Aguiar gave the visitors a great victory that allowed them to keep the 3rd place of the group and seal the qualifying for the next stage. The other previous goals were scored by Sibon (powerful direct free-kick) and by Rentería (header matching Meyong's assist).

There was some expectation to see how would Braga perform after conceding a frustrating 2-3 home defeat against Wolfsburg last matchday. Sibon's powerful direct free-kick goal at the 19th wasn't the best presentation card for Braga but maybe that was the necessary spicy moment to scare the visitors, who got a cool equaliser about 15 minutes later by Wason Rentería. The Colombian forward is being criticised a lot for his lack of finishing skills but he was decisive tonight, wasn't he? With Alberto Rodríguez out with a recurrent shoulder injury and some other centre-backs unavailable, this time coach Jorge Jesus didn't use Frechaut as makeshift centre-back. He bet on André Leone to partner captain Moisés. It was Leone's first ever European game and you could see he was a bit nervous, also because he's still lacking a bit on match practice. However, with the minutes passing, he slowly got better and better and made a good game together with leader Moisés. A solid defence (goalkeeper Eduardo did well, too), backed by a tough and experienced Vandinho, was essential to leave Holland with a good result. However, the main praise has to go to Luis Aguiar's wonderful free-kick, with the ball still hitting the bar before going in. Rentería proved he can score and his goal was important to recover some self-confidence. A mention to left-winger Matheus, who left the pitch due to injury. César Peixoto was his replacement and didn't let Jorge Jesus down. Nobody did, actually.

Regarding Heerenveen, you can imagine how disappointed they should feel. This was a hugely important game for them to continue in the competition and giant Sibon's great opening goal seemed like a fantastic beginning. However, they saw Braga growing up and the Dutch couldn't pass the ball to avoid the Arsenalists' circulation. Popov has direct responsibilities on Braga's first goal, as he let Rentería to do what he wanted. Vayrinen would be an important player regarding off-the-ball movements to appear on the edge of Braga's area but he got injured and had to be replaced. His substitute Paulo Henrique entered very well and was one of the few, together with Sibon and Pranjic (the Croatian also got injured), who fought more to get a good result on the second half. Still, it would be important for the team to have Vayrinen available because he's such a powerful player.

Heerenveen have no more chances to reach the next stage. The Dutch side have 0 points so far in 3 games played and will now visit Portsmouth, who also have no more chances to qualify, on the 17th December. As for Braga (finished 3rd in the group with 6 points), this was their last game on the competition's group stage and coach Jorge Jesus is certainly very happy with the achievement - it's the third consecutive edition that Braga can qualify from the group stage. There's an interesting number about Braga this season: in 10 European games played so far this season, Braga won 8 and lost 2 (against Wolfsburg and Milan).