Liga Sagres: Sporting Braga 5 Pacos de Ferreira 2

Sporting Braga saw off Pacos de Ferreira’s resistance to win 5-2 on Friday, keeping their Liga Sagres challenge alive.

The score flattered the 2011 Europa League finalists somewhat, given they had seen their 2-0 lead shortly before half-time eroded away to 2-2 after 59 minutes.

Captain Alan had given the hosts the lead in the fourth minute, with Brazilian forward Lima doubling Braga’s advantage from the penalty spot on 42 minutes after Luisinho’s foul.

But Panamanian forward Lorenzo Melgarejos’ delightful dink over onrushing Braga goalkeeper Quim a minute later handed Pacos a lifeline, and Javier Cohene’s 59th-minute goal squared the ledger once more.

Lima sealed his brace on 72 minutes to reclaim the lead for Braga, however, and late strikes to former Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana and substitute striker Paulo Cesar inflated the scoreline further.

The win moves Braga into fourth on the table ahead of the other Liga Sagres fixtures this weekend, while Pacos – who finished seventh last campaign – remain dead last and two points from safety.