The Matchday 1 fixture of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage between Braga (Portugal) and Feyenoord (Netherlands) will take place on September 24 at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. Braga vs. Feyenoord: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Braga
The Portuguese team began their Europa League journey from the 2nd qualifying round. Carlos Vicens' men overcame Levski (0-0, 0-0, extra time 1-0), CFR Cluj (2-1, 2-0), and Lincoln Red Imps (4-0, 5-1). Thus, for the second consecutive year, they will participate in the main stage of the tournament. In the previous edition, Braga finished 25th, missing out on the playoffs due to tie-breakers. Braga's best result in the Europa League was reaching the final in the 2010/11 season. The team approaches the upcoming game with a seven-match unbeaten streak in the Europa League (5 wins, 2 draws).
- The team has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches.
- Braga scored first in 6 of their previous 8 encounters in this tournament.
- At home, Braga has won 6 of their last 8 Europa League matches (1 draw, 1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Braga (4-4-2)
Lukasz Gorniczek – Victor Gomez, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Leonardo Lelo, Sikou Niakate – Ricardo Horta, Rodrigo Salazar, João Moutinho, Jean-Baptiste Gorby – Fran Navarro, Gabi Martinez.
Feyenoord
Robin van Persie's side began their European campaign in the Champions League but failed to get past Fenerbahce (2-1, 2-5). In the lower-tier tournament, the Dutch team last participated in the 2023/24 season, losing in the intermediate round to Roma. Last year, Feyenoord reached the Champions League round of 16, where they were defeated by the eventual finalists. Notably, Feyenoord won the Europa League in 2002, and in their last seven matches in this competition, they suffered just one loss (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Feyenoord's last 6 Europa League matches.
- The team has not won away in the Europa League for 12 matches (5 draws, 7 losses).
- In 6 of their last 7 away games in this tournament, Feyenoord conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.
Predicted lineup for Feyenoord (4-3-3)
Timon Wellenreuther – Givairo Read, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jordan Bos, Tsuyoshi Watanabe – Quinten Timber, Sam Steijn, Luciano Valente – Ayase Ueda, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Aymen Sliti.
Defenders Thomas Belen and Gernot Trauner, and midfielder Jakub Moder are injured. Forwards Leo Sauer, Ayase Ueda, and midfielder Givairo Read did not travel with the team.
Referee
Nikola Dabanovic (Montenegro)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 44;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 7%.
Match Prediction: Braga vs. Feyenoord
If the Portuguese team had performed well away from home, they could have reached the Europa League playoffs last season. In the previous tournament, Braga collected 10 points in the group stage, with 9 of them at home. Two of Braga's three victories were against representatives of the top five European leagues, with their only loss to Bodo/Glimt, who ultimately reached the semifinals. This defeat was Braga's only one in their last 10 home Europa League matches (7 wins, 2 draws).
Feyenoord has won only three of their last 10 Europa League encounters. Notably, these victories were secured at home. The club's last away success in this tournament dates back to 2019, and since then, their winless away streak has reached 12 matches (7 losses, 5 draws). During this period, Feyenoord failed to score more than one goal in 9 games. With such statistics, it will be challenging to break down the Portuguese defense, which has kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 home Europa League matches. This is another reason to favor the prediction: Braga with a handicap (0)
* Each team's lineup reflects their starting eleven from their last match.
