Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk cruised into the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 6-1 aggregate victory over Braga this evening.
Having won 2-1 in Portugal last week, Mircea Lucescu's side had no problems back at home and won for the fifth straight match in European competition.
It was Braga who started the brighter and the visitors will feel that they should have had a penalty in the 15th minute when Ahmed Hassan seemed to be brought down in the area, but Czech referee Pavel Kralovec pointed for a corner.
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Ten minutes later Shakhtar appealed for a penalty and this time Kralovec did point to the spot after Braga keeper Matheus slid in and took out Viktor Kovalenko.
Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna was making a record 486th appearance for the Miners and capped his milestone night in style by tucking home from 12 yards to put the home side in front.
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Although the goal did not change the fact that Braga needed to score twice in 90 minutes, it did give Shakhtar a lift and they were close to a second not long after when Facundo Ferreyra's dinked effort hit the post.
It was 2-0 in the 42nd minute as Ricardo Ferreira unfortunately diverted the ball into his own net after Ferreyra had failed to convert from close range.
Five minutes into the second half it was three and Srna, who sent over the cross for the second, again played a key part, cutting the ball back for Kovalenko to turn home.
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Further icing was put on the cake in the 73rd minute as Brazilian wing duo Marlos and Taison tore open the Braga defence. Taison's cutback was intended for Ferreyra, but he didn't need to tap it in as Ferreira stabbed home his second own goal of the night.
Shakhtar, who won this competition the last time they got this far in 2009, will find out their last-four opponents tomorrow.
Pascal Lemesre
