Estoril Stun Braga with Lacximicant's Clinical Strike

ESTORIL, PORTUGAL — Thirteenth-placed Estoril pulled off a memorable upset, defeating fifth-placed Braga 1-0 at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota in a result that defied both the possession statistics and the league standings. Despite Braga's territorial stranglehold, André Lacximicant's first-half strike separated the sides in a fiery encounter that saw seven cards brandished by the referee.

The decisive moment arrived just before halftime when Lacximicant delivered the knockout blow. In the 43rd minute, Pedro Amaral threaded a perfectly weighted pass down the left flank, finding Lacximicant in space. The forward cut inside with purpose before unleashing a left-footed drive that arrowed into the bottom right corner, leaving Lukáš Horníček rooted to the spot. The goal electrified the home faithful and provided Estoril with the platform to frustrate their more illustrious opponents for the remainder of the contest.

Braga dominated the ball with 67.9% possession, pinning Estoril back for long stretches, but found Joel Robles in inspired form between the posts. The Estoril goalkeeper produced crucial stops, particularly an 88th-minute save from Ricardo Horta's long-range effort that threatened to restore parity. At the other end, Braga's goalkeeper was called into action six times, with Horníček denying Yanis Begraoui twice in quick succession during the 82nd minute when the Frenchman looked certain to double the advantage. The visitors peppered the Estoril goal with 12 shots but managed just five on target, their clinical edge deserting them when it mattered most.

The tactical battle saw Estoril sacrifice possession for defensive solidity, with Felix Bacher and Jordan Holsgrove working tirelessly in midfield to disrupt Braga's rhythm. João Moutinho and Rodrigo Zalazar orchestrated play for the visitors, but Ricard Sánchez and Pedro Amaral stood firm in Estoril's backline, throwing their bodies on the line repeatedly. The referee was busy, brandishing seven cards in a feisty affair, with five yellows shown to the hosts including late cautions for Ricard Sánchez and Fabrício Garcia as tensions boiled over.

By the numbers, Braga's dominance told only half the story. While they controlled two-thirds of possession and matched Estoril's 13 shots, the hosts proved more clinical with seven efforts on target compared to Braga's five. Estoril also won the corner count 9-5, demonstrating their ability to threaten on the break and from set pieces despite ceding territorial control.

The turning point came in the nervy final 10 minutes when Braga threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Manager Carlos Carvalhal introduced Ricardo Horta and Fran Navarro, but Estoril's defensive resolve never wavered. Víctor Gómez came agonizingly close in the 80th minute, forcing Robles into a point-blank save, but the hosts held firm through six minutes of added time to secure all three points.

Looking ahead, Estoril will host Alverca on December 29, while Braga host FC Caldas on December 23.