Moreirense vs Sporting Braga preview

Portugal flag 2026/2027 Liga Portugal, Portugal
Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas Sun, 9 Aug - 7:30 PM
Liga Portugal
MoreirenseMFC
2 – 2
Sporting BragaSCB
Full Time Sun, 9 Aug 7:30 PM
Round 1 Regular Season
Nile John - 8'
João Veloso - 90+1'
Goal
|
Goal
Pau Víctor - 66'

CONTEXT

Moreirense and Sporting Braga played out a 2-2 draw at the final whistle after sharing a 1-1 scoreline at halftime. Sporting Braga controlled possession with 64 percent and generated an expected goals total of 1.12 compared to Moreirense's 0.24 yet neither side could force a decisive advantage. The stronger team according to pre-match metrics failed to convert dominance into victory as the outcome proved inconsistent with the xG differential of minus 0.88. A significant deviation of 100 percent was recorded for Sporting Braga while efficiency remained in line with the match pattern. No red cards were issued and the result aligned with market expectations for a shared outcome. The game featured balanced first-half exchanges before both teams added one goal each after the break.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Moreirense 2-2 Sporting Braga. Sporting Braga showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with overall match dynamics.
  • xG alignment: The draw outcome was not consistent with the xG differential.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with market expectations for the draw.
  • xG expectations: Sporting Braga posted 1.12 xG against Moreirense's 0.24 yet finished level.
  • Event impact: No major events disrupted the standard progression of play.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards were shown so no disciplinary distortion occurred.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Torres Bessa
J. Torres Bessa
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
H. Tavares dos Santos
H. Tavares dos Santos
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
?. Carneiro
?. Carneiro
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
I. Vasilica
I. Vasilica
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Moreirense V. de Albuquerque Botelho da Costa
V. de Albuquerque Botelho da Costa
VS
Sporting Braga C. Vicens
C. Vicens
1
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.54
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
AVS Rank: 64 D
Tondela Rank: 67 L
Estrela Amadora Rank: 65 W
Benfica Rank: 88 L
Estoril Rank: 71 W
Famalicão Rank: 77 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Estrela Amadora Rank: 65 D
Benfica Rank: 88 D
Estoril Rank: 71 D
Santa Clara Rank: 70 L
Casa Pia Rank: 65 W
Famalicão Rank: 77 D
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 4
4

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
69.83
82.64
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Moreirense
Sporting Braga
Power Score
69.83
82.64
League Position
5
10
Global Rank
285
53

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Moreirense — Opponent-weighted form score
Sporting Braga — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Moreirense Sporting Braga

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Moreirense

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Sporting Braga

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Moreirense ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Sporting Braga
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
22.36
24.14
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
24.14
22.36
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Moreirense -0.15 Efficiency Index
vs
Sporting Braga +0.15 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Moreirense
Sporting Braga
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Moreirense
vs
Sporting Braga
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Moreirense Sporting Braga
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
20%
30%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.05 vs -0.33
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Moreirense Sporting Braga
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
30%
20%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.33 vs -0.05
Moreirense
Sporting Braga
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Moreirense
vs
Sporting Braga
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Moreirense Sporting Braga
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Moreirense 0.33
Sporting Braga 0.27
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Moreirense Sporting Braga
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Moreirense 0.04
Sporting Braga 0.10
Moreirense
Sporting Braga
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • SCB had peak pressure around 7'.
  • SCB started the game with stronger pressure.
MFC Pressure SCB Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: SCB reached the top pressure at 7' (84.78).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Moreirense MFC Home
4 matches
Sporting Braga SCB Away
Match Record
0
Wins
4
0
Draws
0
4
Losses
0
Goals
3
Goals Scored
8
8
Goals Conceded
3
-5
Goal Difference
+5
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-10T07:51:20+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-3-3
Match Formation 3-4-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 09, 2026, 07:30 PM
Competition
2026/2027 Liga Portugal, Portugal · Round 1 · Regular Season
Stadium
Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas
Capacity
6150
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
José Armando Torres Bessa
Hugo Daniel Tavares dos Santos
Ângelo Carneiro
Iancu Ioan Vasilica

Statistics

Possession
MFC
39%
SCB
61%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 2
1 Big Chances Created 2
2 Shots 5
21 Dangerous attacks 49
36 Possession 64
4 Corners 2
20 Free kicks 15
4 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

79 Ball Safe 79
7 Goal Kicks 2
6 Goal Attempts 11
4 Substitutions 5
21 Throwins 17
0 Hit Woodwork 1
9 Successful Headers 19
1 Assists 2
0 Injuries 1
18 Dribble Attempts 12
4 Successful Dribbles 5
22 Successful Dribbles Percentage 42

Attacking

76 Attacks 126
1 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

67 Long Passes 57
344 Passes 622
259 Successful Passes 524
75 Successful Passes Percentage 84
6 Key Passes 8
23 Successful Long Passes 21
34 Successful Long Passes Percentage 37

Defensive

2 Saves 1
15 Tackles 21
22 Interceptions 13
47 Duels Won 59

Build-up

15 Total Crosses 7
4 Accurate Crosses 1

Discipline

0 Offsides 3
15 Fouls 20

Lineup

Referee : José Armando Torres Bessa

Starting XI ▼

13
André Ferreira
André Ferreira Goalkeeper
6.22
2
Leandro Santos
Leandro Santos Defender
6.4
4
Kevyn Monteiro
Kevyn Monteiro Defender
6.41
27
Francisco Miguel Teixeira Domingues
Francisco Miguel Teixeira Domingues (C) Defender
6.57
66
Gilberto Dambi Batista
Gilberto Dambi Batista Defender
6.49
21
Rodrigo Alonso Martín
Rodrigo Alonso Martín Midfielder
6.13
20
João Veloso
João Veloso
Midfielder67'
7.32
23
Nile John
Nile John Midfielder
7.15
8
Mateja Stjepanović
Mateja Stjepanović
Midfielder75'
6.72
65
Guilherme Liberato Tomas de Aquino
Guilherme Liberato Tomas de Aquino Midfielder
6.6
99
Yan Lincon Farias de Sousa
Yan Lincon Farias de Sousa
Attacker75'
6.52
9
Alexandre Parsemain
Alexandre Parsemain Attacker
6.66
11
Landerson
Landerson Attacker
5.83
89
Afonso Vieira
Afonso Vieira Attacker
6.38
10
Francisco Miguel Ribeiro Tomé Tavares Bondoso
Francisco Miguel Ribeiro Tomé Tavares Bondoso
Attacker59'
6.5
Referee : José Armando Torres Bessa

Starting XI ▼

31
Bernardo Fontes Goalkeeper
6
Vítor Carvalho Defender
14
Gustaf Lagerbielke
Gustaf Lagerbielke Defender
6.64
26
Bright Arrey-Mbi
Bright Arrey-Mbi Defender
6.27
44
Adrian Bajrami
Adrian Bajrami
Defender42'
6.51
7
Diogo Travassos
Diogo Travassos Midfielder
6.72
2
Víctor Gómez
Víctor Gómez
Defender46'
6.63
11
Gabriel Silva
Gabriel Silva Midfielder
6.88
29
Gorby
Gorby Midfielder
6.56
34
Demir Ege Tıknaz
Demir Ege Tıknaz Midfielder
7.74
8
João Moutinho
João Moutinho
Midfielder90+4'
9
Fran Navarro
Fran Navarro Attacker
7.19
20
Mario Dorgeles
Mario Dorgeles Attacker
6.84
23
Denis Huseinbasic
Denis Huseinbasic
Midfielder57'
6.45
21
Ricardo Horta
Ricardo Horta (C) Attacker
7.04
10
Pau Víctor
Pau Víctor
Attacker57'
6.76

Events

2ND-HALF
90+4'
Event
João Moutinho → Demir Ege Tıknaz
9th Substitution
90+3'
Event
Pau Víctor
Argument / 6th Yellowcard
Event
João Veloso
Right foot shot / 4th Goal
90+1'
Event
Gilberto Dambi Batista
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
78'
Event
Yan Lincon Farias de Sousa → Guilherme Liberato Tomas de Aquino
7th Substitution
75'
Event
Mateja Stjepanović → Nile John
8th Substitution
75'
Event
João Veloso → Rodrigo Alonso Martín
6th Substitution
67'
66'
Event
Pau Víctor
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
Event
Nile John
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
61'
Event
Francisco Miguel Ribeiro Tomé Tavares Bondoso → Afonso Vieira
5th Substitution
59'
57'
Event
Denis Huseinbasic → Mario Dorgeles
3rd Substitution
57'
Event
Pau Víctor → Ricardo Horta 
4th Substitution
46'
Event
Víctor Gómez → Diogo Travassos
2nd Substitution
1ST-HALF
Event
Kevyn Monteiro
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
45+2'
42'
Event
Adrian Bajrami → Bright Arrey-Mbi 
1st Substitution
Event
Guilherme Liberato Tomas de Aquino
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
20'
18'
Event
Diogo Travassos
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
Event
Nile John
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
8'
7'
Event
Fran Navarro
Left foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
Offside.
90
Update Update
Match ends with a score of 2-2.
90
Update Update
Offside.
90
Update Update
Joao Filipe Iria Santos Moutinho comes on for Demir Ege Tiknaz.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Joao Veloso takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Alexandre Duville-Parsemain scores, bringing the match to 2-2.
88
Attempt Attempt
Joao Veloso takes a right-footed shot but misses.
88
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
86
Attempt Attempt
Victor Gomez Perea takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
84
Update Update
Offside.
81
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
81
Attempt Attempt
Denis Huseinbasic takes a right-footed shot that hits the post.
78
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Gilberto Batista.
75
Update Update
Mateja Stjepanovic comes on for Nile John.
75
Substitution Substitution
Yan Maranhao is substituted for Guilherme Liberato.
74
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
72
Attempt Attempt
Leandro Santos takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
67
Update Update
Joao Veloso comes on for Alonso Rodrigo.
66
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Pau Victor Delgado scores with a right-footed shot.
66
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-2.
61
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Nile John.
59
Substitution Substitution
Kiko Bondoso is substituted for Afonso Vieira.
57
Update Update
Pau Victor Delgado comes on for Ricardo Jorge Luz Horta.
57
Update Update
Denis Huseinbasic is on, and Mario Dorgeles is off.
48
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Ricardo Jorge Luz Horta with his left foot, but it misses the target.
47
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Ricardo Jorge Luz Horta with his right foot is blocked.
46
Update Update
Victor Gomez Perea is on, and Diogo Travassos is off.
45
Attempt Attempt
Demir Ege Tiknaz takes a shot with his right foot, but it's saved.
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
42
Update Update
Adrian Bajrami comes on for Bright Akwo Arrey-Mbi.
40
Attempt Attempt
Alexandre Duville-Parsemain takes a shot, but it is saved.
39
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Alexandre Duville-Parsemain is saved.
39
Attempt Attempt
Nile John takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
38
Attempt Attempt
Kiko takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
35
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
24
Attempt Attempt
Diogo Travassos takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
20
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Guilherme Liberato.
16
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Silva Vieira takes a right-footed shot but misses.
13
Attempt Attempt
Mario Dorgeles takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
8
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Nile John takes a shot with his left foot and scores.
8
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Nile John scores, making it 1-1.
7
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Francisco Jose Navarro Aliaga takes a left-footed shot.
7
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Francisco Jose Navarro Aliaga scores to make it 0-1, assisted by Vitor Carvalho Vieira.
4
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-1.
4
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
2
Attempt Attempt
Jean Gorby takes a right-footed shot, but it misses.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Jose Bessa.

CONCLUSION

The 2-2 result leaves both sides with a point after an even contest that defied the underlying numbers. Sporting Braga created the clearer openings through sustained pressure and higher possession yet Moreirense defended resolutely to claim parity. The first half ended level at 1-1 and the second period followed a similar pattern with each team scoring once more. Despite the xG gap the draw stands as a fair reflection of chances created and missed. This outcome highlights how possession and expected goals do not always translate directly into wins when defensive organization remains tight. Both teams will review the missed opportunities while acknowledging the competitive balance achieved on the day.