Monday, May 16, 2011

Sports World

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Mixed fortunes for Europa League finalists Posted: 16 May 2011 07:02 AM PDT The two Portuguese sides that will compete for this season's Europa League final, Porto and Braga, enjoyed mixed fortunes in the final round of their league season. While Braga's 1-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon saw them drop from third to fourth, Porto beat Maritimo 2-0, ensuring the club finished the season unbeaten and claimed their title with a 21 point difference between them and the chasing pack. The Europa League final odds make them overwhelming favourites. Andre Villa-Boas has achieved miracles in his first season as Porto's manager. The rookie manager has seen his team dominate the league like no other, picking up 27 wins with only three draws and no defeats all season. Porto's achievement makes them only the second team in the history of the Portuguese top-flight to finish a campaign unbeaten. The last time a club achieved the feat was back in 1973 when Eusebio led Benfica to the title in similarly dominating fashion. Those planning to bet on Europa League 2011 should bear this in mind. How bigger role current form will play in this week Europa League final remains to be seen but Braga will rightly go into the game as underdogs. There northern Portuguese club will be hoping now that Porto maybe underestimate them and think of the game as already won. The title winners will have a chance to record a stunning treble, with this week's final followed up by their appearance in the Portuguese Cup final, but Braga will be looking to finish their campaign on a high following the disappointment of their final league game.

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