SC Braga vs Gent: Víctor Gómez stars on Carvalho debut

SC Braga got the first night of Franclim Carvalho's reign right, and Víctor Gómez was the main reason. He scored in the 3rd minute, later set up Gabriel Martínez in the 76th, and finished with an 8.3 rating in a 2-0 win over Gent.

Gómez sets the pace

Carvalho made five changes from Carlos Vicens' last eleven, which came in the 1-2 defeat against Gil Vicente. The new selection had a clear early edge, and Gómez gave it shape almost immediately with the opener. A Bola's match report described the goal as a delightful first-time move finished by the full-back.

That same report noted that Braga were efficient rather than wasteful, and the second goal came through Gómez again. Gabri Martínez scored in the 76th minute after a masterful pass from the Spaniard, and the night belonged to one player more than to the new manager's name on the teamsheet.

Braga controlled the rest of the game

The tactical change also helped Braga keep Gent at arm's length. Carvalho started in a 4-4-2 shape, and Gent's first shot on target did not arrive until the 72nd minute. Bernardo Fontes made only one save, which tells you how little pressure Braga allowed in front of him.

Gabriel Martínez added the second goal and Ricardo Horta hit the bar in the 85th minute, with two Martínez shots blocked on the line soon after. The clean sheet was comfortable rather than dramatic, and that fits the night as a whole. Braga looked organised, Gómez looked sharp, and the debut ended with a result that gives Carvalho an immediate platform.