Braga outlast FC Sion to book Europa Round of 16 spot

Braga edged into the Round of 16 of the Europa League after claiming a 4-3 aggregate victory over FC Sion.

Heading into the contest trailing 2-1 from the opening leg, Swiss outfit Sion breathed life into the tie when veteran forward Theofanis Gekas broke the deadlock after 16 minutes, latching onto Ebenezer Assifuah's cross before sending a neat backheel past Braga goalkeeper Matheus Magalhaes.

Braga hit back in the 27th minute when Josue scored from the penalty spot after Assifuah had handled in the area. Gekas netted his second three minutes later, bundling in from close range after Magalhaes had produced a smart stop to keep out Assifuah.

Braga flew out of the blocks in the second half, with Nikola Stojiljkovic firing in from the middle of the box three minutes after the break to make it 2-2 on the night. Vincent Ruefli rattled the bar in the third minute of added time as Sion pushed for a winner, but the hosts held on to book a round of 16 place.