Braga’s Domingos Paciencia delighted after reaching Europa League final

Braga coach Domingos Paciencia was overjoyed with his side’s progress to the final of Europa League and so is Custodio. The midfielder’s goal after 19 minutes was the difference between the two teams in the second-leg of their semi-final tie on Thursday evening.

It proved to be the decisive goal in the two-legged affair as the Portuguese team advanced to the final on away goals rule after losing the first leg 2-1 in Lisbon last week.

Braga coach Paciencia is pleased to have led his side to their first-ever final in European club competition and is quoted by Uefa.com as saying after the match: “I’m happy for the squad, it’s a fantastic group. They are great professionals and have reason to be proud. It’s unique to be in a final.”

Custodio too expressed his delight, but played down his contribution on Thursday night.

“I’m no hero,” he said. “We all are heroes – those who played, those who stayed on the bench, those who stayed in the stands, the fans.

“There are no words to describe how we are feeling. It’s fantastic. I want to dedicate this to our families. We will play to win the final. It’s our ambition. We are true warriors.”

Braga will face Porto in the final in Dublin on May 18. The recently crowned Portuguese champions defeated Villarreal 7-4 on aggregate in their semi-final tie.