While AGF had most opportunities in the first half, Braga dominated the second but as both sides failed to make the most of their opportunities, it ended goalless when the two sides clashed in Randers in the Conference League on Thursday night.
Aarhus and S.C. Braga played out a 0-0 draw at Cepheus Park on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Conference League League Phase – a result which extends the Arcebispos’ winless run away from home to five games in all competitions.
The hosts began the match in lively fashion and created two great opportunities in their search for an early lead. Stefen Tchamche’s close-range header from a promising position was aimed straight at Bernardo Fontes, before the Brazilian goalkeeper was forced into a superb save to deny Rasmus Carstensen from a matter of yards.
The visitors gradually worked themselves into the match as the first half progressed, with Mads Hedenstad pulling off an impressive stop to prevent Mario Dorgeles from edging Braga in front with a 20-yard strike.
With half-time looming, Hedenstad frustrated Dorgeles again with a crucial intervention at his near post following an effort from the edge of the box, and the remainder of the first half saw both teams cancel each other out.
The opening stages of the second period remained cagey, but the contest picked up on the hour mark when Jean-Baptiste Gorby’s shot for the visitors was deflected inches wide of the target.
Both sides continued to push hard in the latter stages to find a winner, but Tobias Bech’s left-footed strike was inadvertently blocked by James Bogere, while Fran Navarro wasted a great chance with a weak shot straight at Hedenstad. Ultimately, a lack of quality in the final third from both Aarhus and Braga left both teams having to settle for a point apiece.
This result leaves Aarhus still looking for their first victory in this season’s UEFA Conference League and also means that the Danish side remain outside the top 24 in the League Phase table. Meanwhile, Braga, who reached the semi-finals of last season’s UEFA Europa League, stay within the top 20 and will look to return to winning ways in Europe when they host Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura in three weeks’ time.