Matheus' 62nd-minute goal gave Braga a 1-0 victory over Sevilla in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday.
Matheus was perfectly placed in front of goal to head home the rebound after Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop saved Paulo Cesar's firm header but tipped the ball straight into the path of the Brazilian striker.
The Portuguese club holds a slim advantage ahead of the return leg in Spain, which will be played at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Tuesday.
Braga, which eliminated Celtic to reach this stage, controlled the early play at its Municipal stadium before Jesus Navas began to make inroads for the Spanish club with his speedy runs down the right.
But neither side came close to scoring until the 45th. Palop rushed out quickly to cut down the angle on Matheus as he rushed free into the right of the area and the Spanish 'keeper saved.
Navas continued to give Sevilla hope of an away goal and nearly stuck in the 50th after beating goalkeeper Felipe with a rising shot from the right that found the side netting.
But Braga finally struck when Silvio floated a perfect cross into the area for Paulo Cesar to head at Palop for the eventual goal.
Palop then came to his side's rescue by saving Alan's long-range curler in the 67th, and coming out quickly in the 70th to block Leandro Salino's shot from the left.
In an exciting end to the game, Braga 'keeper Felipe, filling in for regular goalie Quim just over a week after signing with the club, smothered Navas' dangerous cross and was well-placed to collect Luis Fabiano's header.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Lima almost doubled Braga's lead, beating Palop but striking the bar with a ferocious shot.
Brazil striker Fabiano's appearance means he looks more likely to remain with Sevilla despite reports of a move as he is ineligible to play for another club in the competition now.
