Braga and Betis Draw 1-1 in Europa League Quarter-Final First Leg

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Europa League soccer match, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the action on the field.

A cubist interpretation of the intense Europa League quarterfinal clash between Braga and Betis, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the match.Seville Today

Real Betis and Sporting Braga played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Florian Grillitsch gave Braga an early lead, but Cucho Hernández equalized for Betis from the penalty spot in the second half.

Why it matters

The draw sets up an intriguing second leg in Seville, with both teams having a chance to advance to the semifinals of the Europa League.

The details

Grillitsch opened the scoring for Braga in the 5th minute, converting a corner kick delivered by Diego Rodrigues. Betis responded in the 61st minute when Hernández converted a penalty after a foul on Abde Ezzalzouli. Rodrigues was forced off due to injury in the 18th minute, replaced by João Moutinho. Braga also made substitutions late in the game, bringing on Moscardo and Tiknaz.

The match was played on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Grillitsch scored in the 5th minute.
Hernández scored the equalizer in the 61st minute.
Rodrigues was substituted in the 18th minute.
Braga made late substitutions in the 84th minute.

The players

Florian Grillitsch

Scored the opening goal for Sporting Braga.

Diego Rodrigues

Provided the assist for Braga’s goal before being substituted due to injury.

Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández

Scored the equalizing goal for Real Betis from the penalty spot.

Abde Ezzalzouli

Drawn the penalty that led to Betis’ equalizer.

João Moutinho

Replaced the injured Diego Rodrigues for Braga.

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What they’re saying

“This draw leaves the tie wide open for the second leg. Both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the semifinals.”

— Carlos Vicens, Real Betis Manager

What’s next

The second leg of the Europa League quarterfinal between Braga and Betis will be played on Thursday, April 16, in Seville.

The takeaway

This closely contested first leg has set the stage for an exciting second leg, with both teams having a chance to advance to the Europa League semifinals.

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