Braga vs Real Madrid: times, how to watch on TV and stream online | Champions League
All the information you need to follow the matchday 3 game between Braga and Real Madrid.
In terms of tradition, at least when it comes to the Champions League, it would be hard to find two more opposing teams in this season’s tournament than Braga and Real Madrid. The Portuguese outfit have ample experience in the UEFA Cup/Europa League, spending 10 straight seasons in continental competition, but have played a total of just 24 games in Europe’s top club tournament. In contrast, 14-time winners Madrid will be close to 500 games by the time this current edition ends and will become the first club to reach the landmark.
- Braga vs Real Madrid: Follow the live action here!
Braga made their Champions League debut in 2010/11 by which time, Madrid had already amassed nine trophies - an illustration of the gulf between the two. The Portuguese club’s trophy room may not be as impressive as Madrid’s, but they have won silverware and made history of their own in European competition - they lifted the Intertoto Cup in 2008, becoming the last club to do so before the tournament was abolished.
With Madrid and Napoli to contend with in Group C, Braga might feel they dealt a tough hand but as we reach the halfway stage they have an equal chance of advancing as the Italians. Both are level on four points with a win and a draw each. This however is their penultimate home game of the group stage which they need to take points from with trips to Naples and the Bernabéu on the horizon.
You can watch Braga vs Real Madrid live stream on fuboTV (free trial available)
When does Braga vs Real Madrid kick off?
The Champions League matchday 3 group game between Braga and Real Madrid will kick off at 20:00 hours local time at Estádio Municipal in Braga on Tuesday 24 October 2023:
US kick-off times
- 3 p.m. ET
- 12 p.m. PT (midday)
How to watch Braga vs Real Madrid in the United States
Watch Braga vs Real Madrid live stream on fuboTV (free trial available)
Braga vs Real Madrid preview
Braga - competitive, physical, resilient
Artur Jorge’ side showed resilience and character in both of their group games, only narrowly losing to Napoli in matchday 1 through a late own goal. In their next outing, they became the first Portuguese club to overturn a two-goal deficit in Champions League history to beat Union Berlin 2-3 with André Castro hammering home the winner in stoppage time.
They are also the most prolific scorers in the Primeira Liga with 20 goals from the first eight games. Much of that has been down to Congolese centre-forward Simon Banza, who has scored in all of the team’s league outings apart from two. He has yet to get off the mark in the Champions League but has only played one full game - against Napoli. Not that Braga rely on him - all of the forwards have been effective in front of goal: Álvaro Djaló and Bruma are also on six goals, tied with Banza as the team’s top scorers with Ricardo Horta just behind with five.
Just one injury concern to date - right-back Víctor Gómez, who joined from Espanyol over the summer spent three weeks on the sidelines with a muscular problem. His place in the side went to Joe Mendes in the last outing against Union Berlin.
Bellingham hitting new heights
Jude Bellingham’s dream start shows no sign of letting up. The England international has become an instant hit with fans - and for good reason. He took just 10 games to get into double figures - that’s an average of a goal a game. He found the net against Napoli and Union Berlin and will be hoping to make it three from three in Portugal.
Up until Week 9, Ancelotti’s team were coasting at the top of LaLiga with just one defeat (to Atleti in the derby) and the best defensive figures in the division - surprising considering the setbacks they have had in that department, losing both Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão to ACL injuries at the start of the campaign.
Otherwise, everything appears to be ticking along nicely for Los Blancos, who are well positioned and getting results in both of the competitions they are involved in so far.
Braga vs Real Madrid: previous meetings
Braga and Real Madrid have never met either in official or unofficial competition. This will be their first meeting.
Braga vs Real Madrid prediction
Braga’s encounters with Spanish opposition have been few and far between - just three games against LaLiga clubs - all of them against Sevilla, with a balance of two wins and one defeat. This will be Madrid’s 22nd clash against Portuguese rivals, of the previous ones they won 14, drew two and lost five - four of those defeats were as visitors which gives some hope to the hosts.
But in spite of a few problems at the back Madrid have not really looked vulnerable this season and will want to get the group stage out of the way as soon as possible and focus on the league. Ancelotti’s team have two tough away trips either side of this game - first Sevilla, then Barcelona...
Prediction: Braga 2-3 Real Madrid
Who will referee Braga vs Real Madrid?
The matchday 3 match officials have yet to be designated.
