It Was What We Needed - Freeman

The 23-year-old took advantage of a mental lapse from Brazillian stopper Matheus to put City in front, before the Portuguese side equalised with 20 minutes remaining.

Europa League qualifiers Braga oozed obvious quality and were City’s toughest encounter to date, but Steve Cotterill’s men stood firm and extended their unbeaten pre-season run.

“It was a very good test – something that we’ve needed,” Freeman told Bristol City Player HD.

“We’ve had a few pre-season games now, but they haven’t been at a higher level so it was a good test for everyone to play against a team that’s played in the Europa League.”

On his goal, he said: “As a team we pressed together – especially Waggy (Scott Wagstaff) who pressed the keeper, put him under pressure and made him make a mistake.

“I was lucky enough and happy that it was played to me and I could touch and finish."

Braga, who finished fourth in Primeira Liga last season, benefited from a host of changes after the interval.

The 23-year-old took advantage of a mental lapse from Brazillian stopper Matheus to put City in front, before the Portuguese side equalised with 20 minutes remaining.

Europa League qualifiers Braga oozed obvious quality and were City’s toughest encounter to date, but Steve Cotterill’s men stood firm and extended their unbeaten pre-season run.

“It was a very good test – something that we’ve needed,” Freeman told Bristol City Player HD.

“We’ve had a few pre-season games now, but they haven’t been at a higher level so it was a good test for everyone to play against a team that’s played in the Europa League.”

On his goal, he said: “As a team we pressed together – especially Waggy (Scott Wagstaff) who pressed the keeper, put him under pressure and made him make a mistake.

“I was lucky enough and happy that it was played to me and I could touch and finish."

Braga, who finished fourth in Primeira Liga last season, benefited from a host of changes after the interval.

The Archbishops, as they are known, introduced seven new faces at half-time, which Freeman feels was problematic but useful from a fitness perspective.

“It was difficult in the second half as they made a lot of changes,” he said.

“It’s hard when they bring on fresh legs and have quality throughout, but it’s what pre-season is for – to go through the hard work and get your fitness.”

Freeman added: “I think you can see week by week it’s starting to come along.

“I think there’s a lot more we can improve on but that will come as we get closer to the season. We just need to keep our heads down, keep working hard together.

“I don’t think we’re far away from where we need to be.”

The Archbishops, as they are known, introduced seven new faces at half-time, which Freeman feels was problematic but useful from a fitness perspective.

“It was difficult in the second half as they made a lot of changes,” he said.

“It’s hard when they bring on fresh legs and have quality throughout, but it’s what pre-season is for – to go through the hard work and get your fitness.”

Freeman added: “I think you can see week by week it’s starting to come along.

“I think there’s a lot more we can improve on but that will come as we get closer to the season. We just need to keep our heads down, keep working hard together.

“I don’t think we’re far away from where we need to be.”