Vicens: Braga still lacking precision despite Estoril win

Sp. Braga returned to winning ways in the Liga Betclic with a 1-0 win over Estoril, settled by a goal from substitute Jonas Wind eight minutes from time. Coach Carlos Vicens said his side still made hard work of finding the net.

"We again had difficulties getting to goal, and we have to make sure the chances we create go in, because otherwise games get harder. We can have the dominance and control of matches, but what happens in the boxes is what decides them. So we need a bit more precision to put games in our favour earlier. If you put yourself ahead, the opponent has to go looking for a goal and that opens up more space," Vicens said.

He also pointed to two changes forced during the match rather than by injury. "We had to take off Arrey-Mbi at half-time, not through injury, but because he had gone a long time without playing, and then Barisic too, because he was also starting to struggle," Vicens said.

On the overall performance, he was measured rather than satisfied. "Without being brilliant, the team was competitive and won. I've said before that we have to compete well and pay attention to detail. The team looked for the win throughout, but the clearest chance of the match fell to Estoril, and we were the ones who gave it to them. We have to keep improving on those details, because when results are tight, any situation can cost you points, because every team has players who can score a goal," he said.

Wind's introduction from the bench proved decisive. "Jonas, like other players in attack, has raised his level and had already come on well in the last game. Today, on one of those balls in the box, he kept a cool head to finish and helped us get the three points. We're pleased for him," Vicens said.

The win follows a heavier setback for Braga, who lost 1-2 at home to E. Amadora on 11 September, a result after which Vicens admitted his side had fallen well below their level and promised a different response. Estoril, for their part, had been easing 18-year-old defender Jordan Arnolin back into the matchday squad before this match, though the clearest opening of the afternoon went their way regardless.