SC Braga vs Benfica — Match Preview
The “Pedreira” sets the stage for a blockbuster clash on Sunday, 28 December 2025, as SC Braga host Benfica in the final big game of the year. The Eagles arrive in imperious form, sitting 3rd with 35 points and boasting the league’s best defensive record (only 8 conceded). They remain unbeaten in the league and have kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. SC Braga, currently 5th with 25 points, are fighting to bridge the gap to the top four. Despite a comfortable cup win over Caldas, their league form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a frustrating 0–1 loss to Estoril in their last Primeira Liga outing.
SC Braga vs Benfica — Match Info
- Competition: Primeira Liga (Matchday 16)
- Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga (Capacity: 30,286)
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kickoff: 18:00 WET | 19:00 CET | 13:00 ET
- Referee: TBC (FPF Appointment)
SC Braga vs Benfica — Match Stakes
SC Braga (5th — 25 pts):
- Win → Moves to 28 pts; restores confidence and closes the gap on 4th-placed Gil Vicente
- Draw → A respectable result against an unbeaten side, but leaves them drifting from the podium
- Loss → Gap to Benfica widens to 13 points; effectively ends any faint title aspirations
Benfica (3rd — 35 pts):
- Win → Moves to 38 pts; keeps immense pressure on leaders FC Porto and rivals Sporting CP
- Draw → Maintains the unbeaten run but loses ground in the title race
- Loss → First league defeat of the season; huge morale blow entering the new year
SC Braga vs Benfica — Team News
SC Braga:
- Noro J. — Out (Achilles Tendon Injury)
- Niakaté S. — Out (International Duty – AFCON Prep)
- El Ouazzani A. — Out (Metatarsal Fracture)
- Vidigal S. — Questionable (Knock)
Benfica:
- Bah A. — Out (Cruciate Ligament Injury)
- Bruma — Out (Achilles Tendon Injury)
- Lukébakio D. — Out (Broken Ankle)
- Pavlidis V. — Available (Top Scorer – Expected to start)
- Barreiro L. — Questionable (Ankle)
SC Braga vs Benfica — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
SC Braga
- 24/12 — 3–0 vs Caldas (Taça de Portugal)
- 20/12 — 0–1 vs Estoril (Liga Portugal)
- 16/12 — 1–0 vs Santa Clara (Liga Portugal)
- 11/12 — 1–0 vs Nice (Europa League)
- 07/12 — 2–1 vs Famalicão (Liga Portugal)
Benfica
- 23/12 — 1–0 vs Famalicão (Liga Portugal)
- 18/12 — 2–0 vs SC Farense (Taça de Portugal)
- 14/12 — 4–0 vs Moreirense (Liga Portugal)
- 11/12 — 2–0 vs Napoli (Champions League)
- 06/12 — 1–1 vs Sporting CP (Liga Portugal)
SC Braga vs Benfica — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 17/05/2025 — Braga 1–1 Benfica (Liga Portugal)
- 27/02/2025 — Benfica 1–0 Braga (Taça de Portugal)
- 09/01/2025 — Benfica 3–0 Braga (League Cup)
- 04/01/2025 — Benfica 1–2 Braga (Liga Portugal)
- 27/04/2024 — Benfica 3–1 Braga (Liga Portugal)
SC Braga vs Benfica — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
SC Braga (4-2-3-1)
Matheus; Gomez, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi, Marin; Zalazar, Moutinho; R. Horta, Carvalho, Martinez; Fernandez
Benfica (4-3-3)
Trubin; Kabore, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Kokcu, Florentino, Aursnes; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Aktürkoğlu
SC Braga vs Benfica — Impact Bench
SC Braga: Bruma (Wait, injured – check replacement options like Roger), Gabri Martinez (Speed)
Benfica: Amdouni (Creative spark), Beste (Set-piece threat)
SC Braga vs Benfica — Tactical Analysis
SC Braga
Carlos Carvalhal’s side needs to find a way to penetrate Benfica’s ironclad defense. Without El Ouazzani, the attack lacks a physical focal point, placing the burden on Ricardo Horta’s movement and Zalazar’s long-range shooting. At home, Braga will try to control possession, but they must be wary of Benfica’s rapid transitions.
Benfica
Bruno Lage’s machine is built on defensive solidity (0 goals conceded in the last 4 games). The midfield trio of Florentino, Kökçü, and Aursnes provides perfect balance. With Vangelis Pavlidis in red-hot form upfront (13+ goals), Benfica can afford to be patient. They will look to exploit the space behind Braga’s attacking full-backs, with Di Maria and Aktürkoğlu cutting inside.
SC Braga vs Benfica — Key Battles
- Ricardo Horta vs Otamendi — Braga’s captain vs Benfica’s general
- Zalazar vs Florentino — battle for midfield dominance
- Gomez vs Aktürkoğlu — stopping the Turkish winger is priority #1
- Matheus vs Pavlidis — GK needs a world-class performance to stop the Greek sniper
SC Braga vs Benfica — Spotlight Players
SC Braga — Rodrigo Zalazar
The Uruguayan midfielder is the engine of this Braga team. Against a Benfica side that hoards possession, his ability to drive forward and break lines will be Braga’s best hope of creating chances.
Benfica — Vangelis Pavlidis
The Greek striker has been a revelation. His hold-up play and clinical finishing make him the most dangerous player on the pitch. If he gets a half-chance in the box, he usually buries it.
SC Braga vs Benfica — Prediction
SC Braga 0–2 Benfica
Benfica are simply too solid at the moment. Their defense is impenetrable, and Braga have struggled for goals in big games recently (blanking vs Estoril). While the trip to the Minho is always tough, Benfica’s momentum and superior individual quality should see them take all three points.
SC Braga vs Benfica — Betting Insights
- Benfica to Win — High Probability
- Under 2.5 Goals — Likely (Benfica defense is elite)
- Benfica Clean Sheet — YES
SC Braga vs Benfica — Where to Watch
- Portugal: Sport TV 1
- International: TrillerTV+, GolTV, DAZN (Select Markets)
SC Braga vs Benfica — FAQs
Q: When is the Braga vs Benfica match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 18:00 WET.
Q: Is Benfica unbeaten in the league?
A: Yes, Benfica have 10 wins and 5 draws in their 15 matches so far.
Q: Is Angel Di Maria playing?
A: Yes, he is available and expected to start on the right wing.
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