Pau Víctor scores as Braga beat Tondela 3-0 in the Primeira Liga | OneFootball

Braga began their Primeira Liga campaign with a 3-0 win against Tondela at the Quarry.

Tondela went close on three occasions and had a goal ruled out for offside before Vítor Carvalho headed home Leonardo Lelo’s corner in the 24th minute.

The Warriors extended their lead 13 minutes later when Lelo delivered a perfect cross to Pau Víctor who scored in his first start for Carlos Vicens’ side.

Ricardo Horta came off the bench in the second half, the Braga captain winning a penalty that he converted in the 83rd minute.

Braga 3-0 Tondela

Tondela had a great chance to shock the home crowd in the 6th minute following a loose pass from Vítor Carvalho. Miro picked it up and got past Paulo Oliveira before seeing his shot saved by Lukas Hornicek.

Braga lost possession in their own half again in the 14th minute, Miro threading the ball through to Yarlen who went a whisker wide of the post. The chances kept coming for the visitors, Maranhão heading home with the goal ruled out due to Yarlen bring ruled offside in the build up.

Ivo Vieira’s side should have taken the lead in the 23rd minute, Yarlen’s cross picking out Maranhão who couldn't connect from close range.

The Warriors weathered the storm and scored against the run of play less than 60 seconds later. It was a simple goal due to Tondela’s defence falling asleep, Carvalho left free to head Leonardo Lelo’s corner into the net.

Braga doubled their advantage before the break when Gorby released Lelo, the wing-back delivering a perfect cross to Pau Víctor who slotted past Bernardo in his first start since sealing a €12m move from Barcelona.

Tondela were unlucky at the start of the second half when Carvalho headbutted Cícero in the box, Cláudio Pereira awarding a penalty that was overturned by the VAR.

Amine El Ouazzani tested Bernardo from a tight angle before Braga sealed the deal in the 83rd minute. Ricardo Horta had replaced Victor earlier on and was dragged down by Brayan Medina, the captain stepping up and making no mistake from the penalty spot.

Vicens rings the changes

Carlos Vicens made eight changes to the side that started in the 2-1 win at CFR Cluj in the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday. Lukas Hornicek, Paulo Oliveira and Jean-Baptiste Gorby were the players to keep their spot.

Vítor Carvalho had been used as a wing-back in Braga’s two matches against Levski Sofia, he was back in the side on the right edge of a back three and had a tough time throughout despite his opening goal.

It’s amazing what happens when players are deployed in their proper positions. Leonardo Lelo got his first start since being signed from Casa Pia, the left back making it count with two assists and a solid all round performance.

Amine El Ouazzani started up front next to Pau Víctor as Vicens started two strikers for the first time this season. Competition for places is strong with the new manager searching fot his best combinations.

The 3-0 scoreline looks comfortable but Braga were fortunate not to fall behind after gifting Tondela a number of early chances. The promoted club will have to start finding the net because keeping clean sheets could prove problematic this season.

The Warriors return to the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday, Vicens sure to make more changes as his side attempt to reach the Europa League play-offs.

Highlights