Lazio finished top of the Europa League group stage despite a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Braga on Thursday as the Portuguese side failed to secure a playoff spot.

Braga completes Europa League journey in 25th place, missing out on qualification to knockout phase playoffs - Anadolu Ajansı

Fenerbahce and Porto avoided early exits from the Europa League on Thursday, as Lazio topped the standings and Braga crashed out.

Lazio must defend the top spot in the Europa League table but travel to Braga without many starters, including Matteo Guendouzi and with Mario Gila expected to start in central midfield.It kicks off

The Europa League's inaugural league phase ended on Thursday, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who are both producing lackluster domestic campaigns, securing a round of 16 spot. Italy's Lazio finished top of the standings despite suffering their first loss,

Carlos Carvalhal finally dropped his charges against João Moutinho. He understood, after several poor performances, that he is by far the best midfielder in his team. Today, Moutinho was in charge of leading the team to an absolute miracle: defeat Lazio (the best team in the Europa League) and give the Arsenalistas some hope.

Lazio coach Marco Baroni insists he will ‘retain my optimism’ after the chaotic 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina and refuses to use the Europa League strain as ‘an alibi.’

Lazio finished top of the Europa League group stage despite a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Braga on Thursday as the Portuguese side failed to secure a playoff spot. Braga opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Ricardo Horta fired into the bottom corner from Victor Gomez's cross.