Austria Vienna face a 2-0 first-leg deficit and have made eight changes to their regular XI, signalling a clear focus on domestic commitments. SC Braga, who have yet to concede a goal in the qualifying campaign, also rotate heavily with seven regulars missing, but their defensive…
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Sign inAustria Vienna host SC Braga in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie on August 27, 2026, needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. Stephan Helm’s side must produce a stirring comeback to keep alive their hopes of a first main-stage European appearance since the 2022‑23 season.
Austria Vienna welcome back Aleksandar Dragovic, who missed the weekend win at Hartberg through domestic suspension. Helm rotated heavily for that fixture, giving Vasilije Markovic and Manfred Fischer substitute outings to stay fresh, and both are expected to return to the starting lineup. The hosts remain without forwards Manprit Sarkaria (knee) and Noah Botic (ankle), both still in rehabilitation.
Braga have overcome a gastrointestinal outbreak that forced the postponement of their league match against Gil Vicente. No fresh absentees have been reported, though Sikou Niakhate (Achilles) is still sidelined and Bright Arrey-Mbi is a doubt after picking up an injury against Moreirense on August 9. New striker Marko Milosevic, signed from Stuttgart, is in line for his European debut and will compete with Pau Victor and Jonas Wind for a place in attack.
Carlos Vicens’ side have kept four consecutive clean sheets in Conference League qualifying, having eliminated Železničar Pančevo (aggregate 5‑0) and Dinamo Minsk (aggregate 1‑0) without conceding. They have won nine of their last 11 European home matches inside 90 minutes, and that organisation was on show in the first leg. Captain Ricardo Horta has directly contributed to five goals in four Conference League appearances, three of them from the penalty spot, and his movement will again be the focal point of Braga’s attacks.
The Austrians reached the playoff round by dispatching Liepāja 5‑1 on aggregate and edging Beitar Jerusalem on penalties after a 3‑3 aggregate draw. Their Conference League form had been solid before the defeat in Braga. To turn the tie they will need a fast start, with attackers Julian Hettwer and the captain Fischer tasked with breaching a back line that has yet to concede in qualifying. The return of Dragovic adds experience, but the real burden falls on the forward unit to produce the goals that were missing in Portugal.
Horta’s penalty prowess and creativity make him the most dangerous individual on the pitch. After Dragovic’s return, Austria Vienna’s defence should be better organised, but they must avoid conceding an away goal that would leave them needing four. The first leg confirmed Braga’s ability to control the tempo through midfielders Moutinho, Rodrigues and Tiknaz, so denying Horta space in the final third will be crucial.
Austria Vienna face a daunting task but will draw hope from their capacity to score twice at home in earlier rounds. The winner over two legs advances to the Conference League league phase, with the group-stage draw scheduled for early September. Kick‑off is at 18:30 UTC.
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