Estadio Municipal de Braga: Home of Braga(credit:
Wikipedia)
Liverpool slipped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 showdown with Portuguese side Braga.
The game’s only goal arrived on 18 minutes at Estadio Municipal as Alan rifled home a penalty after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had brought down the lively Mossoro.
The hosts almost doubled their lead but Mossoro sliced a shot on goal while unmarked and Silvio then clattered the crossbar after the clearance fell to him outside the area.
Liverpool manager sent on record signing Andy Carroll in pursuit of an equaliser and, after seeing a header across goal just evade Dirk Kuyt, the England international had a shot deflected wide.
Kuyt, who netted a hat-trick against Manchester United this past weekend, then forced a fingertip save from Braga goalkeeper Artur as the Reds failed to rescue a draw, while the hosts were fortunate not to have Kaka sent off after he appeared to elbow Carroll late on.