FC Porto – Braga

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0517/andrevillasboaspaciencia20100912_275x155.jpg">

Portuguese clubs Braga and Porto battle it out in Dublin for the honour of being named Europa League winners. Andy Brassell has <A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/920718/andy-brassell:-once-in-a-lifetime-for-portuguese-finalists?cc=5739 target=new>all the background information</A>.

Live comments will appear here from 1930 BST.

Ola, and welcome to our live coverage of the all-Portuguese Europa League final between Porto and Braga from Dublin's Aviva Stadium. My name is Tom Adams and I will be guiding you through what promises to be an exciting encounter between two interesting sides.

However, there is a clear favourite. While Porto and Braga are geographically separated by only 50kms - no two finalists have ever been in closer proximity - the former finished no less than 38 points ahead of Braga when winning the Portuguese league unbeaten, dropping only six points.

Under coach 33-year-old coach Andre Villas-Boas, who has been linked with all manner of clubs, Porto could also secure a treble this season as they have their domestic cup final coming up. They also achieved that feat in 2003 of course, under Jose Mourinho, who Villas-Boas worked under at Porto, Chelsea and Inter.

The Mourinho comparisons are as obvious as they are persistent, but here's a more interesting fact about Villas-Boas: he got his break as a teenager under Bobby Robson at Porto after complaining to the coach that he should take a certain player off the bench. The man in question? Braga coach Domingos Paciencia.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Healthy amount of singing for the Porto faithful, and though Braga may be outnumbered in what is not a full stadium, they are waving a rather menacing banner.

Porto have won the European Cup twice, their domestic league 25 times and their domestic cup 15 times. Braga, meanwhile, have just one major trophy to their name: a Portuguese cup in 1966. Moreover, Porto have won 92 of their 131 previous meetings.

When you also take into account that Braga have scored only six goals in eight Europa League games this season and Porto have 43 in 16, including a record 16 for Falcao alone, it is clear that this should, in theory, be a real mismatch.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: A bit of an Irish theme to the opening ceremony. It has a taste of Enya and Clannad to it. All part of the same family, fact fans. A menacing drum beat now. Ah, and there's the the reassuring sound of the tin whistle.

So why might Braga spring a surprise? Well, they are potent on the counter-attack so are good against superior sides. Arsenal lost there in the Champions League, while Benfica were beaten in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Look out for Alan and Lima, who are quick and dangerous, even if they lack the class of Hulk and Falcao, who have 30 and 33 goals each respectively this season.

And while Villas-Boas will be the youngest coach to win a UEFA competition if Porto triumph tonight, Domingos is also a coach of real repute having lead Braga to second in Portugal last season. He has already announced he will leave the club after this game.

Both teams are no on the pitch, the coaches have taken their seats, and we are just moments away from kick-off.

<b>KICK OFF!</b>

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: We're off, and the Porto fans are in full voice, while Braga are banging the drum, literally. That curiously small North Stand is full of Porto.

A tentative start from both sides, with Hulk getting a few early touches to settle any nerves he may have on this occasion.

A steady pace to the game as the sun begins to set over the Aviva Stadium but little action of note just yet. That will suit Braga.

Good chance for Braga! When the ball is lobbed back towards goal Custodio emerges from a crowd of players, beats the offside trap, and flashes a volley just wide of the post. He should really have hit the target.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Custodio took no prisoners with that shot, but it was wide, and represented a chance to Braga to effect their gameplan, and perhaps open up the night.

Fredy Guarian wriggles his way into the Braga box but cannot open up space for a shot or find a team-mate. Braga are very decent at the back, even if Porto are remarkably potent in attack.

The red mist almost descends for Hulk as he squares up to a Braga opponent. No sign of Green muscles bursting through that blue-and-white-striped shirt though.

Porto's first good chance! Hulk evades Paulo Cesar when darting in from the right and he unleashes a fierce effort from an angle that flies just past the far post. That was dangerous.

Hulk again works his way into the box from his position wide on the right, he really looks keen to wreak havoc, but his cross for Varela has too much on it. Porto win a corner.

Falcao just about connects with the header but Braga are able to clear. Porto are beginning to get a grip on the game at present.

Another corner for Porto...

Hulk's delivery is cleared by the Braga backline and they win a free-kick to catch their breath. This game is playing to type so far, with Braga happy to play on the counter.

Alan appears to tread on Hulk's foot by the touchline and the striker is in pain. From the free-kick, Varela attempts an outrageous overhead kick to soars high into the stands. Ambitious.

Braga win a free-kick some 40 yards from goal and an ambitious shot from Hugo Viana, formerly of Newcastle of course, is headed clear. A delivery into the box may have been wiser, but there wasn't much of an angle to play with.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0518/hulkandpaulocesarbattleportovbraga_275x155.jpg"><br>Hulk and Paulo Cesar tussle for the ball early on at the Aviva Stadium

Both sides are pretty sloppy in possession and in all honesty this game just hasn't caught fire. A succession of fouls hasn't helped matters. Free-kick to Porto now.

It is Hulk with the delivery from the right and he floats in a cross for fellow forward Falcao. However, the Colombian's header goes over the far.

Falcao, of course, has 16 goals in the competition this season, surpassing a record set by Jurgen Klinsmann in 1995-96.

Lima draws Porto goalkeeper Helton into a relatively easy save but it is encouraging for Braga, who have rarely threatened, that Custodio chance aside.

Hugo Viana has a decent shout for a free-kick turned down when being fouled on the edge of the box by Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho. It was a sneaky push from the former Sporting man.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: An understandable edginess about this night. Braga very cagey, while Porto have relied on their forwards to supply the attacking, with little support from midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Hugo Viana goes into the box for a strong challenge on Hulk. The Porto man made the most of it but Viana did dive in a bit.

Porto are reduced to a couple of long balls, with Hulk and Varela the target, but Braga's defence is too accomplished to be opened up that easily. They will gobble those up all night.

Porto win what appears to be a soft free-kick and from 40 yards, Hulk tries a shot that flies high over the bar. That was ridiculous, was he ever going to beat Artur from that range?

At the other end, Viana is also guilty of sending a free-kick well over, but he was attempting to find a team-mate. In honesty, there is not a lot of quality on show so far, it has been a disappointing game.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> An idiotic challenge from Silvio as he flies in on Hulk from behind with both feet. That was a shocker and could have drawn a red card.

That's the second time a Braga player has been shown a yellow card for a tackle on Hulk. Is targeting him a deliberate strategy? I suspect it won't work, he's one tough chap.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Silvio is on sudden death after that booking, which looked somewhat lenient. Porto's version of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' is pretty good.

Falcao is on the deck in the box and some Porto fans howl for a penalty, but, importantly, none of the players do. Play continues.

Varela's pace down the left wing wins a corner for Porto, who are struggling to break Braga down via conventional means. A set-piece may be the key.

Not that one though, as Artur gathers with ease. This match is still a bit lacklustre, which is disappointing for an occasion like this.

Braga really are short of imagination when they are in the final third. But then they have only scored six goals in eight Europa League games this season, so it was only to be expected.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0518/silvestrevarelamiguelgarciaandalanportovbraga20110518_275x155.jpg"><br>Porto's Silvestre Varela does his best to escape the clutches of Miguel Garcia and Alan, though he has failed to break through the Braga defence so far.

Fredy Guarin leads the charge upfield for Porto but is penalised for a foul just as he attempts to collect the ball in the box.

Artur gets away with one as the goalkeeper's attempted clearance smacks off the arm of Falcao and behind. A handball is given, which is slightly laughable.

This has been pretty poor, I'm afraid to report, and it isn't getting a lot better. Hopefully things will improve in the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR PORTO!</b>

An excellent goal, and a 17th of the campaign for Falcao. Guarin collected possession after a sloppy pass, checked back inside and delivered a wonderful, near-perfect cross for Falcao, who leapt to head home. Lovely stuff.

Well we have had 44 minutes of mediocrity and then Porto produce a moment of brilliance. It was superbly executed.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Great goal from Falcao, showing his undoubted class in the air with a fine header. The announcer seems to be a Porto fan, as he has just started a song for the fans to join in.

<b>HALF TIME</b>

<b>HT</b> Falcao's goal late in the half gives Porto the lead, and will hopefully open up a game that has been a bit dull. Braga will need to come out of their shells in the second half which should contribute to the spectacle.

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<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0518/falcaoheaderportovbraga20110518_275x155.jpg"><br>Falcao demonstrates his aerial prowess, minutes before giving Porto the lead with a header.

<b>HT</b> Braga's gameplan was actually working fairly well until they were opened up right at the end, and how typical that Falcao was the man to do it. It will be interesting to see how Domingos reacts now his side need a goal.

Want some half-time reading? Roberto Gotta has profiled Milan's title-winning manager <A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/921066/mr-cheerful-makes-his-mark-at-milan?cc=5739 target=new>Massimiliano Allegri</A>.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Mossoro comes on for Braga and replaces Viana, who was on a booking. Kaka also replaced Rodriguez.

<b>KICK OFF!</b>

The substitute Mossoro is clean through! But he bottles it and Helton saves! What a chance that was for Braga.

Well that could have transformed the game immediately, and will have given Porto a kick up the backside as well. Mossoro really should have done better,

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Cristiano Sapunaru goes into the book for a foul on Paulo Cesar.

Mossoro is in the action again as he delivers a corner from the right but he fails to beat the first man.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0518/falcaogoalportovbraga20110518_275x155.jpg"><br>Falcao puts Porto in front with an excellent header.

It has been a sloppy start to the half from Porto, who need to rediscover their rhythm somewhat. A good spell of possession should do the trick.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0518/falcaocelebportovbraga20110518_275x155.jpg"><br>Falcao wheels away in delight after scoring his 17th Europa League goal of the season

Paulo Cesar is passed the ball from a free-kick and spins before shooting. Porto block and then clear before Lima can take advantage.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Miguel Garcia does into the book for chopping down Varela. That was a pretty unsophisticated challenge.

The game has settled down into a bit of a rut in the past few minutes.

Bizarre goalkeeping from Helton! He charges out of his box, controls the ball and then slides a short pass to a team-mate. He didn't look at all convincing though, and Braga could have exploited that.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Mossoro is booked for arguing with the ref after feeling aggrieved for having his shirt pulled. Basically he threw a bit of a hissy fit.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin:</i> A vital stage for Porto here. Score now, and it really is all over. Braga's snatched chance at the start of the half was their best of the match, and on this evidence is likely to remembered as the one that got away, on a night that got away from them.

Braga carve out a half chance but Paul Cesar's ball into the box (or more accurately, right over it) is woeful. He's no Guarin in that regard.

Sapunaru heads clear from another Paulo Cesar cross as Porto hold firm in the face of some Braga pressure.

A high cross from Varela has Artur briefly scrambling but it lands harmlessly on top of the net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lima comes off after an ineffective performance and is replaced by Albert Ze Meyong.

Hulk leads a break for Porto but he fails to spot Falcao in acres of space on the far side. The Colombian cries out for the ball but is ignored. That was a good chance missed to double their lead.

Custodio's cross is blocked by Alvaro Pereira and Braga have a throw deep in the Porto half. After momentary panic, Porto clear.

Porto are readying Fernando Belluschi on the sidelines.

Controversy as Sapunaru, who has been booked, chops down Silvio but escapes a second booking. From the resulting set-piece. Braga are caught offside. That could just have been a red so Porto can count themselves fortunate.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Guarin is replaced as Porto make their change and Belluschi enters the pitch.

On the face of it that seems a bit of a strange one as Guarin has been very impressive and set up the goal with that fantastic cross.

Hulk attempts to release Falcao but Paulao impresses with some muscular defending and holds off the Colombian.

Great chance for Braga! Meyong receives the ball 20 yards from goal but his shot is woeful as he drags it slowly wide. Helton rushes off his line to collect.

Villas-Boas is giving James Rodriguez some instructions on the touchline so it looks as though we will be seeing the young man any minute now.

Braga have done very well to restrict Porto to so few chances in this match, but that Falcao goal ensures they will now have to push on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rodriguez is on and he replaces Varela for Porto.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Kaka is booked after Paulao lands his forearm in the face of Falcao.

Silvio darts away from a marker and swings in a cross with the outside of his boot, but Helton is off his line to collect for Porto.

Hulk slips in Belluschi with a neat pass and when the Argentinian's cross is blocked he appeals, in vain, for a handball.

Braga have six minutes of normal time left to salvage something from this final. It doesn't look like happening, in all honesty.

Porto break but put the ball out of play so Hulk can receive treatment. Vandinho's elbow wafted near his face but he made a meal of it, and made an attacking move break down as a result. Not a fine piece of work from the Porto forward.

Belluschi almost ends the game as a contest as his effort flies wide of the upright. That would have been game over for Braga. It probably is in any case.

A late corner for Braga now though...

Oh dear. Alan produces a frankly disgraceful corner that flies over the box and all his team-mates before curling out for a goal-kick. Domingos looked far from impressed on the touchline.

Paulao is penalised for a foul 20 yards from Porto's goal and another potential opportunity goes amiss.

Porto's fans are exuberant. They are now minutes away from another European trophy.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Helton is booked for time-wasting, but he won't be bothered by that.

We will have three additional minutes.

Artur launches a long ball forward but Silvio swings and misses as he attempts to put in a cross from the edge of the box. They are just lacking that final quality.

Vandinho launches a ball up towards the Porto box but the defence holds firm. Now Silvio wastes a good position on the right as Braga fail again.

Things get frantic as a deep cross comes in from the right but Meyong is adjudged to be offside, providing respite for Porto.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Now Rolando is booked for time wasting. As Celtic fans will tell you, we have been here before.

<i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Ooof, the flag had gone but Meyong was not to know.

The goakeeper is up for a free-kick! He gets his head to the ball but Helton clasps the ball.

<b>FULL TIME! PORTO WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE!</b>

<b>FT</b> Porto add a European crown to their domestic league triumph! Falcao's fine first-half header, his 17th goal of a remarkable campaign, settles the contest in favour of Andre Villas-Boas and his side.

<b>FT</b> In truth, Porto's goal was perhaps the only moment of real quality in a disappointing game. Though Braga defended stoutly apart from the goal, they did not have anything like enough going forward. Porto deserved winners on the night.

<b>FT</b> Villas-Boas, at 33, becomes the youngest ever coach to win a European competition, and the hype will only grow around him now he has emulated Mourinho. Can he go on to win the Champions League next season, as his former mentor did?

<b>FT</b> <i>John Brewin in Dublin</i>: Porto's players dance to a natty Irish-themed Euro number. A happy night for them if no classic for the neutral.

<b>FT</b> Mossoro, who missed a superb chance, is in tears, while Porto salute their fans as they prepare to lift the trophy. That is about it from us, so thanks for following the game with Soccernet. Remember to stick around for post-match reaction.