Late Goal Seals Braga's 3-2 Win Against Union Berlin in Champions League

In a dramatic Champions League match, André Castro scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win for Braga against Union Berlin.

It was Union Berlin's first home game in the Champions League, but it took place at Berlin's Olympiastadion rather than their usual home stadium.

Sheraldo Becker scored twice for Union Berlin to give them a two-goal lead. However, Sikou Niakaté pulled one back for Braga before halftime, and Bruma equalized soon after the break. Braga substitute André Castro scored the winning goal with the last attack of the game.

Union Berlin had previously lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League with a late goal. This late defeat left Union Berlin fans frustrated, as the decision to play the match at Olympiastadion instead of their usual Stadion An der Alten Försterei in the east of Berlin was not popular among supporters.

More than 73,000 fans attended the match at Olympiastadion, which traditionally belongs to Union Berlin's city rival, Hertha Berlin. The decision to move the match allowed the club to sell more than three times as many tickets as their usual stadium.

Despite the large crowd, Union Berlin fans made it clear that they would have preferred the match to take place at their home stadium. They displayed banners before the match criticizing UEFA for prioritizing money over the sport due to stadium infrastructure regulations.

While Union Berlin fans were unhappy about the venue, they were also critical of the decision to move the match and expressed their preference for their usual home in Köpenick. Some fans directed their ire toward Hertha Berlin fans, who had taunted their rivals with a banner that read, "Only you don't play at home. Do you still recognize yourself in the mirror?"

Union Berlin's frustration was further exacerbated when an early goal by Robin Gosens was ruled out by VAR due to an offside in the build-up. However, Union Berlin continued to play well, and Becker eventually opened the scoring with a counterattack.

Becker added his second goal seven minutes later after a brilliant piece of play. Braga pulled one back through Niakaté, and Bruma equalized early in the second half. The match appeared to be heading for a draw until André Castro's late winner.

Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer expressed his disappointment after the match as the team's losing streak extended to six games across all competitions.

SportsLigue