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
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
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).
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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