Youth League Match Preview: AC Milan vs. Braga

A clash of European Youth Champions

Two of Europe’s most promising youth teams will face off on Wednesday in the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals. AC Milan, the defending champions, will host Braga, the Portuguese champions.

Both teams have enjoyed impressive campaigns in the Youth League this season. AC Milan won all six of their group stage matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just three. Braga finished second in their group, but they upset Manchester United in the Round of 16.

The match is expected to be a close one. AC Milan will be looking to continue their impressive form, while Braga will be hoping to cause another upset.

Key Players to Watch

AC Milan

• Marco Nasti (Forward): The Italian striker has scored five goals in the Youth League this season.
• Lorenzo Colombo (Forward): The Italian striker has scored four goals in the Youth League this season.
• Alessandro Plizzari (Goalkeeper): The Italian goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets in the Youth League this season.

Braga

• Rodrigo Gomes (Forward): The Portuguese forward has scored four goals in the Youth League this season.
• Rui Fonte (Forward): The Portuguese forward has scored three goals in the Youth League this season.
• Tiago Sá (Goalkeeper): The Portuguese goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets in the Youth League this season.

Prediction

AC Milan will be the favorites to win the match, but Braga will be no pushovers. The Portuguese side has shown that they are capable of upsetting bigger teams, and they will be hoping to do the same against AC Milan.

The match is likely to be decided by which team can take their chances. Both teams have dangerous attacking players, so it could be a high-scoring affair.

Ultimately, AC Milan’s experience and quality should see them through to the semi-finals. However, Braga will be hoping to make a statement and cause another upset.