Braga warmed up for their visit to Rangers in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Vizela.
But it wasn't without drama as their striker was sent off before half-time – for kicking an opponent in the face in a bicycle kick gone wrong.
Carlos Carvalhal made a couple of changes from the quarter-final with goal hero Abel Ruiz dropping to the bench as well as defender Fabiano.
It made sense as Braga are in a Primeira Liga no man's land between the country's big three and the chasing pack.
The win keeps them nine points clear of fifth-placed Gil Vicente but the same gap exists for the team above, Benfica, in third.
League leaders Porto are in another stratosphere, as are Sporting in second place.
None of that would stop the trip to Vizela, another Braga-based side, from being an entertaining affair.
Iuri Medeiros, a standout in the first leg in Portugal, gave them the lead six minutes before half-time when he went sent through by a stunning Ricardo Horta backheel.
Medeiros curled into the top-left corner and the visitors were looking good for a fourth straight win.
But before referee Antonio Nobre could blow the whistle he showed striker Vitinha a straight red card – for kicking an opponent in the face while attempting a bicycle kick at a corner.
Vizela, who are hopeful of avoiding the two automatic relegation spots and the play-off place, had a whole half against 10 men but couldn't find a way through even though Cassiano's goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
For Braga it cements their fourth place spot – but they'll feel Thursday's Europa League return leg at Ibrox is far bigger.
