One of the most interesting situations in the Europa League today is in Group D. Union Berlin, now in third place in the group, was considered the favourite before the start of the tournament. Belgium's vice-champion is leading the table with the maximum number of points. It is three points behind Braga and six points behind the German club. Malmö are the outsiders without a single point. In the return game between Union Saint-Gillois and Braga, bookmakers did not see a clear favourite, suggesting a slight skew in favour of the home side.

The teams' first encounter on Portuguese soil was an interesting and dramatic one. Early in the second half, Braga confirmed their slight edge in the game with a goal from Ruiz. The hosts took the lead until the 86th minute when they conceded a Belgian goal and then a second one that handed the visitors a hard-fought win. The Belgians were not outclassed in any key areas, but they showed more desire.

Braga are now in a tricky situation. From mid-August to mid-September, the team won eight games in a row, ranking alongside the "three whales" of Portuguese football. After that successful streak, Braga ended up in a relegation pit, losing three straight. In the league, the club lost to Porto and Chaviche, while the defeat to Belgian vice-champion was described above. That said, it's hard to call Braga a 'downed flyer' - the team is a strong and well-coordinated squad that has been somewhat unlucky in recent matches.

Union St-Gillois are not as good this season as they were in the last Belgian league. After 11 rounds, the team have 22 points and sit in only fourth place after Antwerp, Brugge and Genk. The club made it to the Europa League from Champions League qualification, where they stumbled against Rangers, losing after a 2-0 home win in an away game by a bigger margin. Most of their recent matches in both the Belgian league and the Europa League, the hosts of the upcoming encounter have won with difficulty.

Braga are in no way inferior to Union Saint-Gillois. Had it not been for a loss of concentration in the first leg, it is unlikely the Belgians would have won it. We are betting that the Portuguese will not lose the re-match.