There was pride and honour in defeat for Blues as the stark realities of European competition were laid bare at St Andrew's.

SC Braga's quality told at key moments and although Blues pushed them all way, rousing for a big hurrah at the end to put the opening Group H game back in the balance, it just proved too much of an ask.

Marlon King registered his first goal, capping a man-of-the-match performance, in the 71st minute.

That lifted Blues to go again and mount such a strong finish that had Blues fans fully engaged and engrossed, and the Portuguese flustered.

And as Blues sensed a dramatic comeback was there before them, Nathan Redmond was only denied what would have been a spectacular equaliser by Quim's flying save.

As it was, Braga iced their first European victory on English soil with a breakaway goal with two minutes to go. That was a little tough on Blues who, to that point, had appeared the more likely side to score again.

Braga were much better than compatriots CD Nacional, the team vanquished in the play-off by Blues. Last night, it was more of the real deal for Chris Hughton's men, what's competition at this level is all about.

Had Hughton not altered his line-up, who knows what might have happened. And had Adam Rooney not fluffed the game's opening, inviting, chance.

With an eye on Sunday's match at in-form Southampton, Hughton made some swingeing changes.

There were six in all, and four players made starting debuts: Pablo, Wade Elliott, Guirane N'Daw and King.

And it tended to show in a first-half that was shaped by an early incident at either end within the space of 60 seconds.

After Elliott won a tackle, King skipped away from Ewerton's desperate lunging challenge on the right and scampered towards the Braga penalty area as an expectant St Andrew's roared him on.

He crossed low and Rooney seemed to do everything correctly but slot the ball where it should have gone - into the back of the net.

He opened his body out and let the ball come onto his left foot - maybe he should have swept it past Quim with his right - but nonetheless it was a surprise when he steered the chance wide of the post.

As Blues fans agonised and wondered what had happened, Braga promptly worked the ball into a good position on the left and took the lead.

Elderson curled the ball into the Blues penalty area and Helder Barbosa caught it sweetly on the volley with his sidefoot from 16 yards.

The ball arched at speed and although Boaz Myhill got fingertips on it, his was not a strong enough touch to take it over the crossbar, instead it went in off the underside of the crossbar.

It was a deflating blow for Blues, and the first goal they have conceded at St Andrew's this season.