Braga warmed up for his or her go to to Rangers within the Europa League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Vizela.
Nevertheless it wasn't with out drama as their striker was despatched off earlier than half-time – for kicking an opponent within the face in a bicycle kick gone fallacious.
Carlos Carvalhal made a few modifications from the quarter-final with purpose hero Abel Ruiz dropping to the bench in addition to defender Fabiano.
It made sense as Braga are in a Primeira Liga no man's land between the nation's massive three and the chasing pack.
The win retains them 9 factors away from fifth-placed Gil Vicente however the identical hole exists for the staff above, Benfica, in third.
League leaders Porto are in one other stratosphere, as are Sporting in second place.
None of that will cease the journey to Vizela, one other Braga-based aspect, from being an entertaining affair.
Iuri Medeiros, a standout within the first leg in Portugal, gave them the lead six minutes earlier than half-time when he went despatched by by a shocking Ricardo Horta backheel.
Medeiros curled into the top-left nook and the guests have been wanting good for a fourth straight win.
However earlier than referee Antonio Nobre might blow the whistle he confirmed striker Vitinha a straight pink card – for kicking an opponent within the face whereas trying a bicycle kick at a nook.
Vizela, who're hopeful of avoiding the 2 automated relegation spots and the play-off place, had a complete half in opposition to 10 males however could not discover a method by regardless that Cassiano's purpose was dominated out for offside by VAR.
For Braga it cements their fourth place spot – however they're going to really feel Thursday's Europa League return leg at Ibrox is way greater.