Braga vs Feyenoord: Europa League Pick & Prediction – 24 September 2025
The League phase of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League campaign kicks off on Wednesday night, September 24th, with an intriguing clash at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, where Braga host Eredivisie giants Feyenoord. Both sides enter the competition from different routes: the Archbishops fought their way through qualifying, while the Rotterdammers dropped down after a dramatic Champions League exit to Fenerbahce.
Braga are set for their first clash with Dutch opposition in a decade, having last faced Groningen in the 2015/16 Europa League group stage – earning a 1-0 home win before a goalless draw away on the final group stage day.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, boast more recent pedigree against Portuguese clubs, famously beating Benfica 3-1 in Lisbon during last season’s Champions League league phase. That victory came five years after their previous meetings with Porto in the 2019/20 Europa League, when they triumphed 2-0 at De Kuip before narrowly losing 3-2 a crucial return leg in Portugal.
Braga Seeking Home Comfort After Stuttering Domestic Form
Braga booked their spot in the group stage with a ruthless qualifying campaign, dismantling CFR Cluj of Romania 4-1 on aggregate before putting nine past Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar in the playoff round. However, their domestic form has been less convincing, with four consecutive winless outings (0-3-1), including a 1-1 draw against local rivals Vitoria de Guimaraes last weekend.
Carlos Vicens’ side are heavily reliant on creativity from midfield veteran Joao Moutinho, who is one chance away from becoming just the eighth player to create 100+ chances in Europa League history. Rodrigo Zalazar – Braga’s top scorer in qualifying with four – will again be pivotal in midfield, while Fran Navarro remains the leading option in attack after scoring at the weekend.
Defensive concerns linger, though, as experienced Paulo Oliveira is doubtful, meaning Sikou Niakate and summer signing Gustaf Lagerbielke are expected to partner at the back.
Feyenoord Flying High in Eredivisie Despite Champions League Setback
Feyenoord enter this match in high spirits, sitting atop the Eredivisie despite a dramatic 3-3 draw away to AZ Alkmaar last weekend that ended their perfect league start. Robin van Persie’s men were seconds away from sealing a sixth straight top-flight victory until Mexx Meerdink converted a stoppage-time penalty. Even so, Feyenoord remain firmly in control at the summit, three points clear of defending champions PSV Eindhoven and four ahead of arch-rivals Ajax.
Robin van Persie’s side have won six of their eight games in all competitions so far, but their Champions League qualifying defeat to Fenerbahce (6-4 on aggregate) reminded them of the brutal margins at the elite level.
Their biggest challenge at the moment, however, is away form in the Europa League: Feyenoord have failed to win any of their last 16 away fixtures in this competition, a run stretching back to 2014. That record might weigh heavily on them here, despite the attacking flair of players like Ayase Ueda up front and Sem Steijn pulling strings in midfield.
Sweden-born Boasnian and Herzegovina defender Anel Ahmedhodzic is available despite his domestic suspension, while Portuguese winger Goncalo Borges is unlikely to start after returning from personal leave. Elsewhere, experienced Austrian defender Gernot Trauner and South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom remain sidelined.
Tactical Battle: Carlos Vicens’ Braga vs Van Persie’s Feyenoord
Braga are expected to approach this clash with intensity, leaning on their home advantage and fast transitions through Ricardo Horta and Zalazar. Their midfield balance – with Moutinho anchoring alongside energetic partners – could be key to breaking Feyenoord’s press.
For Feyenoord, Robin van Persie’s side thrives in wide areas and in quick attacking combinations. Steijn’s performances showcase their resilience, but their defensive frailties, especially on the road in Europe remain a glaring weakness. Expect the Dutch side to play expansively, possibly leaving spaces for Braga to counter.
Possible Starting XIs of Braga and Feyenoord
Braga: Matheus Hornicek – Victor Gómez, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Sikou Niakate, Leonardo Lelo – Rodrigo Zalazar, Joao Moutinho, Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Ricardo Horta – Amine El Ouazzani, Fran Navarro. (4-4-2)
Feyenoord: Timon Wellenreuther – Givairo Read, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Jordan Bos – Luciano Valente, Quinten Timber – Anis Hadj Moussa, Sem Steijn, Leo Sauer – Ayase Ueda. (4-2-3-1)
Braga vs Feyenoord Betting Prediction, Odds and Picks
EveryGame lists Braga as narrow favorites at +125, with Feyenoord priced at +205 and the draw at +250. In our opinion, goals are to be expected, with Over 2.5 set at -120.
Given Braga’s patchy domestic form but ruthless continental qualifying campaign, and Feyenoord’s excellent domestic record countered by dire Europa League away form, this League phase opener looks finely balanced. Our best pick is Over 2.5 Goals (-120) for 7/10 units, as both sides carry attacking threats. However, for value bettors, X2 (Feyenoord or Draw) and Over 2.5 Goals offers an appealing risk-reward (+240 at EveryGame) combination.