Celtic’s Lennon warns of attacking Braga

(GSM) – Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned his players that they face an attack team when Sporting Braga play the Hoops in the Champions League next week.

The Portuguese side, who led the league table for much of the campaign last season, finished second behind Benfica.

However, a place in the Champions League third qualifying round is still regarded as a huge achievement for coach Domingos Paciencia.

While, Braga lost home and away to Swedish side Elfsborg to exit the Europa League qualifiers last term, they did navigate their way through the UEFA Cup group stages in the two previous years.

“They had a decent run in the UEFA Cup in the last few years and had some decent results,” Lennon told the official Celtic website.

“They are a very attack-minded team, score a lot of goals and are technically very good.

“And they finished second in the Portuguese league, which is probably their best finish ever, so they will be full of confidence.

“I know they have a new coach and have brought in a quite a few new players, so we will be working in the background trying to get as much information on them as we can.

“But I think it’s a decent draw for us as well. No matter who you get at this stage – we were unseeded, so they were in the seeded group – they are going to be a quality team.

“Logistically, it’s okay as it’s only a two-hour flight and that will work in our favour.

“And the fact that it’s away first, I am pleased about as well, so we will go over there and try to get a decent result.”