Brann's path in the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa Conference League was set as the group stage draw was held on Friday. The Bergen club was drawn into a group with Portuguese side SC Braga, Belgium's KAA Gent, and Danish club AGF Aarhus.
Viaplay football expert Lars Tjærnås assessed the draw as positive for Brann. This was reported by Aftenposten. "Det er en fin trekning for Brann: Tre attraktive motstandere i Gent, Braga og AGF, men også en gruppe hvor det bør være realistisk å ta såpass mange poeng at avansement er mulig," Tjærnås said.
What does Brann's group look like?
The group presents an exciting mix of opponents from three different leagues. Portugal's SC Braga is considered the toughest challenge on paper. Belgium's KAA Gent is a familiar name in European football. AGF Aarhus from Denmark will have a special Norwegian connection, adding a local flavour to the fixtures.
Brann's first European home game since 2014 ended in a 2-2 draw against Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the qualifying round. Now, six new group stage matches await, three of them at Brann Stadion. These games will be a key part of the autumn schedule, which also includes a busy run in the Eliteserien.
What does the draw mean for Brann's chances?
Lars Tjærnås emphasises that the draw gives Brann a genuine opportunity to progress. While the group contains established clubs, it is not an impossible task. The goal of advancing from the group stage is clearly set.
To succeed, Brann will need to deliver top performances both at home and away. The team's form in the Eliteserien provides grounds for optimism. After 17 games, Brann sits in sixth place with 25 points, from eight wins, one draw, and eight defeats. They have scored 36 goals and conceded 27, giving them a +9 goal difference. Recent form shows four wins in their last five matches, with a sequence of WWLWW.
Who are Brann's opponents?
AGF Aarhus has a strong Norwegian presence in its squad. Five players with Norwegian passports are at the Danish club. These are Kristian Malt Arnstad, Magnus Knudsen, Colin Rösler, Mads Hedenstad Christiansen, and Markus Solbakken. Their familiarity with Norwegian football could be a factor when the teams meet.
SC Braga is a regular participant in Europe and will be a hard nut to crack. KAA Gent has long experience in continental tournaments. Together, they form a challenging but not insurmountable group for Brann. It will be the first time Brann faces these clubs in official competition.
What's next for Brann?
Focus must now be split between the domestic league and the European adventure. In the Eliteserien, Brann currently trails league leaders Bodø/Glimt by 16 points. The next league match is an important home fixture against Lillestrøm on September 5th. Lillestrøm sits just one place and a few points above Brann in the table, making it a direct battle for position.
This double workload will test the depth of Brann's squad. Manager Eirik Horneland and his players must find a good balance. You can follow the team's further journey, both in Europe and at home, on our standings and fixtures pages. The European match dates are expected to be announced soon, and tickets are likely to be in high demand.
