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Ricardo Horta (right) scored four goals in Europa League qualifying for Braga

Wolves’ first appearance in the main stage of a European competition since 1980 ended in defeat as they lost 1-0 to Sporting Braga in their Europa League Group K opener at Molineux.

The visitors struck in the second half through Ricardo Horta’s fierce effort.

Leander Dendoncker had Wolves’ best chance but his close-range effort early in the second half was saved.

The defeat was Wolves’ third in succession after Premier League losses against Everton and Chelsea.

The hosts had been the better side in the first half, with Patrick Cutrone a particular menace and the Italian should have done better with a low strike that flew wide of the far post.

Sporting Braga had rarely threatened up to that point with their only shot on target in the first 70 minutes a tame Paulinho effort.

But the Portuguese side, who reached the final of the competition in 2010-11, took full advantage of a defensive mistake when Ryan Bennett’s hit a sloppy pass straight at Wenderson Galeno and the forward charged towards goal before squaring a ball for Horta to finish.

Wolves threw everything at the Braga defence in the final few minutes to try and rescue a draw but were unable to find an equaliser, with Raul Jimenez flicking a header wide of goal in the final minute of stoppage time.

Wolves fall just short on historic occasion

There was a real sense of occasion before kick off as Wolves fans gathered at Molineux to witness their side play in a major European competition for the first time since the 1980-81 Uefa Cup, with kick-off preceded by a dazzling light show.

Initially, the game itself failed to live up to the glitzy opening with Wolves looking nervous, perhaps still licking their wounds following the 5-2 defeat at Chelsea last time out.

As the game wore on they grew in confidence but promising attacks often ended in disappointment with decision-making in the final third letting them down.

Wolves’ impressive seventh-place finish on their return to the Premier League last season was built on a high-tempo style of football, with quick, incisive passing and clinical finishing – but those characteristics have only been seen in glimpses in this campaign and it was more of the same in this game.

Including the six Europa League qualifiers, this was Wolves’ 12th game of the season – many of their domestic rivals have only played half that. The challenges of fighting on numerous fronts appears to be proving a difficult balancing act for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Defensive frailties come to the fore again

Ryan Bennett
Ryan Bennett, right, returned to the Wolves side after missing the 5-2 defeat at Chelsea

Wolves boasted one of the best defences in the Premier League last season, conceding just 46 goals – a record only bettered by Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, defending has been a particular issues for Nuno’s side this term, particularly in recent games with 10 goals conceded in their first five games with eight of those coming in their last two fixtures.

In an effort to tighten things up at the back, Nuno reverted to his tried and tested back three of Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady and Willy Boly and in the main they did well to limit Braga to few chances.

But in the end it was another defensive error that proved costly, with Bennett punished for a sloppy pass. Frailty at the back is something Nuno will have to resolve soon if Wolves are to improve.

Man of the match – Patrick Cutrone

Patrick Cutrone
Cutrone’s performance – particularly in the first half – was a big positive for Wolves with the 21-year-old a lively presence and unlucky not to be on the scoresheet

A rare home blank for Wolves – the stats

  • Wolves have lost three consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since November 2018. It’s the first time they’ve failed to score at home in any competition since April.
  • At Molineux, Wolves have suffered back-to-back defeats across all competitions for the first time since January 2019 (0-2 v Liverpool and 0-2 v Crystal Palace).
  • Braga remain unbeaten in each of their opening group stage games of a Europa League campaign, winning four and drawing one (all four wins coming in away games).
  • Braga have won two of their last three European away games in England (L1), having failed to win any of their first six such games (D2 L4).
  • Braga’s Ricardo Horta has scored his fifth goal of the season, with all five coming in European competition (Including qualifiers).

What next?

Wolves’ focus returns to the Premier League with a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday (14:00 BST).

Entertainment Gists

Druppythekid Set to release New Two-Track Pack

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Nigerian emerging artist Druppythekid is set to release his new two-track pack, No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade), on November 13, 2026, delivering a message of ambition, self-belief, and defiance in the face of criticism.

Originally from Kwara State and based in Lagos, Druppythekid developed a love for rap, hip-hop, and pop music as a teenager. Introduced to poetry in high school, he found a natural connection between words and rap, eventually joining a rap group before exploring music production at university. After graduation, he began rapping over his own beats, turning his passion into a growing musical pursuit.

On “No Love,” Druppythekid speaks to the determination required to chase dreams despite doubt and opposition. “LA LA LA (Serenade)” takes a more unapologetic approach, dismissing the opinions of those who never believed in him.

Together, the two records reflect one central message: keep pursuing your vision and never let the opinions of others define your journey.

No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade) arrive on major digital streaming platforms on November 13, 2026.

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Entertainment Gists

Who Is Chinwe Zoe? The Nigerian Gospel Singer Behind “Undeniable

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Chinwe Zoe, a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, began recording music in December 2025 after years of singing in church and at home. Less than a year later, she has released three singles, including “Chinwendum”, featuring gospel singer Frank Edwards, “Undeniable” and “Jesus Don Win”, her October 2026 release produced by Masterkraft.

For Zoe, the decision to record was connected to a personal experience that changed how she viewed her life and faith. She has described it as a near-death experience that left her with a renewed sense of gratitude. “In that moment, when I thought it was over, God showed me mercy,” she said. “He gave me victory. And that victory was too loud to keep inside.”

Her debut, “Chinwendum”, was released in December 2025 with Frank Edwards featured on the record. She followed it with “Undeniable” on May 7, 2026. The song’s official video has recorded more than 460,000 views on YouTube. In October, she released “Jesus Don Win”, produced by Masterkraft, with a video directed by Avalon Okpe.

Zoe’s approach to songwriting draws on personal experiences and scripture. She has said that she does not begin the process by searching for a melody, but by waiting for a message that she can develop into a song. She describes a process in which an experience or scripture stays with her until it takes musical form. The melody follows, and she hums it before committing anything to writing.

Her guiding principle is that a gospel song should be accessible to listeners while remaining suitable for congregational worship. “It should be simple enough for a child to sing and strong enough for a choir to carry,” she said.

Zoe has identified CeCe Winans, Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan among the musicians whose work has influenced her. She sings in English and Igbo, and occasionally in Pidgin, drawing on the worship tradition in her musical expression.

“Every song I sing comes from a place I have lived,” she said. “My pain taught me how to worship, my joy taught me how to praise.”

Her music has also begun attracting an online audience. Her YouTube channel has recorded more than 627,000 views across nine videos, while her Spotify monthly listeners have been reported at approximately 6,500. Her Audiomack profile is verified. Zoe records under her own imprint, H2 Records, with distribution through ONErpm. She made her first public performance at the 2026 Annual Virtuous Women Network conference in Enugu, where she performed “Undeniable”.

Outside music, she has spoken about her interest in soul winning and described it as connected to her musical work. She has also said that she wants her songs to encourage listeners facing difficult circumstances. “I want my songs to shift mindsets from worry to worship,” she said. “Whenever anxiety comes, whenever life tries to make you feel small, I want you to hear my sound in your spirit and declare victory over your life.”

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Entertainment Gists

N8TAN Announces ‘UPRISING EP’ — A Story of Rising From the Streets to the Top

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Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.

Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.

More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.

With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.

‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.

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