Sp. Braga learned, this Monday, that it will start the campaign in the Champions League against Backa Topola, a club from Serbia that finished the 2022/23 championship in 2nd place, but 22 points away from champion Estrela Vermelha. It was the club with the lowest UEFA coefficient at the start of this draw, but that should not be underestimated. At least that’s the perspective of Bursac, a goalkeeper who arrived at Vizela this summer, after having been linked precisely to Backa Topola for the last few years. “Sp. Braga may be the favorite on paper and they have more history in European competitions, which could help them. But Backa Topola should not be underestimated, as they ended up in 2nd place in last year’s championship”, he began by referring to the media. “It’s a team that can play with three defenders as well as with four, they have players capable of playing in both systems”, said Bursac, who evaluated the Backa Topola squad, particularly the impact of the loss of Petar Ratkov, a 19-year-old striker sold to Salzburg for €4.5m after scoring 14 goals last season. “Petar Ratkov’s departure was a big loss for Backa Topola’s attack, as he is a fantastic young player, but the club continues to have a lot of offensive strength, thanks to Dakovac who scored 10 goals last season, and also has the MVP of the last championship, Sasa Jovanovic, leading the attack”, he said.
“But Backa Topola have signed some players and it will be interesting to see how they fit into the team. Petar Stanic has arrived from Red Star and is a talented young man who I believe can make a difference,” said Bursac, also looking at the role of team coach Zarko Lazetic. “He is a coach who motivates his players and always expects them to give 100% in every game. He implemented his game system and came out on top last year”, he pointed out.
Now, Backa Topola reached the top flight of Serbia only in 2019, having already managed to qualify for the Europa League in that first season, where they would fall in the qualifying rounds for Steaua Bucharest. “TSC Backa Topola is a Serbian club that has been growing every year. Since they returned to the Serbian 1st division, they have shown the country that they are a serious and well-organized club”, stated Bursac.
“Backa Topola is a small town in Serbia, there won’t be as many people in the stadium as in Braga, but the people who go to the games show their support and create a good atmosphere”, assured the Vizela goalkeeper.
2023-07-24 22:23:00
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