Braga take on Besiktas in the last 32 of the Europa League on Tuesday knowing that a win could set up a tie against on of Europe’s biggest clubs.
There have been a number of shocks in the Champions’ League this season, with both Manchester cubs – United and City – dropping out at the group stage and having to settle for the Europa League.
But before dreams of a trip to Old Trafford can even be considered a reality, both these sides will know they have a tough task on their hands.
Braga will no doubt have the advantage going into the first leg, being the home side, and will know that it is essential that they pick up a win to take with them to Turkey.
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The Portuguese side went all the way to the final last season, but were eventually beaten by their countrymen Porto when they met in Dublin.
Besiktas have a rich history in European competition themselves, though, and are considered to be one of the biggest clubs in Turkey.
In 1987 they went as far as the quarter finals of what is now known as the Champions League, and as recently as 2003 reached that stage of this competition.
If they can overcome the tricky hurdle that is Braga, they will be one step away from matching that achievement, and who knows, they could go even further.
Besiktas currently sit third in the Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig and find themselves a distant 11 points behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Leonardo Jardim’s Braga side also find themselves in third place domestically, and also appear to be some way behind the Primeira Liga leaders Benfica.
Nevertheless, it all sets up a fascinating tie between two sides who are well known and respected on the European circuit. Both will be hungry for success in this competition, knowing that it now presents perhaps their most realistic chance of silverware this season.