Brave Blues outclassed by Braga

Birmingham's dream of making a flying start to their Europa League group campaign was brought crashing back down to earth by a 3-1 home loss against Braga.

Last season's beaten finalists had too much class in front of goal to leave Chris Hughton's side with an uphill task already if they are to qualify for the knockout phase.

Two goals from Helder Barbosa, early in the game and again late on, sunk the Blues after Marlon King had offered the hosts a glimmer of hope following a controversial effort from Lima that had given the visitors a 2-0 lead.

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