Braga give Hughton the blues

by Setanta Staff , 01 December 2011 McLeish pointing

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton admits his side face a tough task reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League following results in Group H.


Blues bossed the first quarter of their clash against Braga in Portugal, with Nikola Zigic seeing his penalty saved by Quim, but they were downed by Hugo Viana's deflected long-range effort shortly after half-time.

Birmingham's other rivals for a top-two finish, Club Brugge, were 3-0 down against bottom side NK Maribor, but a stunning late fightback saw the Belgian side triumph 4-3 and Birmingham must beat Maribor at St Andrew's on matchday six to have any chance of progression and hope Brugge lose at home to Braga, who have now sealed their safe passage.

"It does make it difficult (to qualify), particularly hearing the result between Brugge and Maribor," said Hughton, whose npower Championship side could reach the 10-point mark considered to be usually enough and still not make it through.

"All we can do is do what we have to do in our last game and hope Braga are able to go to Brugge and get a result. Of course it's going to be tough."

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