Famalicão vs SC Braga — Match Preview
Monday night football returns to the Estádio Municipal de Famalicão as FC Famalicão host SC Braga in a Minho regional clash with European implications.
The hosts, now under the management of Hugo Oliveira (following Armando Evangelista’s departure), sit in 5th place with 20 points. They have been a tough nut to crack this season, conceding only 7 goals—the second-best defensive record in the league. However, their recent form has been patchy, with a 2-2 draw against Moreirense and a narrow home loss to FC Porto highlighting their struggle to turn solid performances into consistent wins.
SC Braga, currently 6th and trailing Famalicão by just one point, arrive with renewed momentum. Under manager Carlos Vicens, the Guerreiros do Minho have won three of their last four matches across all competitions, including a resounding 4-0 away win at Arouca. With a potent attack that has scored 23 goals (second only to the league leaders), Braga will look to expose Famalicão’s defense and leapfrog their neighbors in the table.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: FC Famalicão vs SC Braga
- Competition: Liga Portugal Betclic (Matchday 13)
- Venue: Estádio Municipal de Famalicão, Vila Nova de Famalicão (Capacity: 5,307)
- Date: Monday, 08 December 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:15 WET / 21:15 CET / 01:45 IST (Tuesday)
- Referee: Cláudio Pereira
- TV Channel (Portugal): Sport TV 1
- TV Channel (International): TrillerTV+, GolTV
- Live Stream: Sport TV Multiscreen, TrillerTV+
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
FC Famalicão:
- League Position: 5th in Liga Portugal (20 Points).
- Form: Inconsistent. They have won 2, drawn 1, and lost 2 of their last 5 league games. The 2-0 win over Vitória Guimarães in late October showed their potential, but dropping points to Moreirense (2-2) was a setback.
- Current Challenge: Adapting to new leadership. With Hugo Oliveira taking the reins, the squad will be eager to impress, but tactical tweaks might take time to settle. Their defense is their fortress, but can they score enough against a top side?
SC Braga:
- League Position: 6th in Liga Portugal (19 Points).
- Form: Resurgent. After a shaky start, they have found their groove, winning 3 of their last 4 league games. The 4-0 thrashing of Arouca was a statement performance.
- Current Challenge: European Fatigue. Having played a grueling 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, Braga have had less rest than their opponents.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — What’s at Stake
For Famalicão:
- European Spot Security: A win would open a 4-point gap over Braga and consolidate their hold on 5th place, a potential European qualification spot.
For SC Braga:
- Climbing the Table: A victory would see them overtake Famalicão and potentially move into the top 4, depending on other results. It’s a chance to assert their dominance as the “fourth big power” in Portugal.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Team Form
Famalicão (Last 5 Matches):
- D vs Moreirense (2-2)
- W vs Estoril (2-1 – Cup)
- L vs FC Porto (0-1)
- W vs Nacional (1-0)
- W vs Vitória Guimarães (2-0)
SC Braga (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Arouca (4-0)
- D vs Rangers (1-1 – EL)
- W vs Nacional (4-2 – Cup)
- W vs Moreirense (2-1)
- L vs Genk (3-4 – EL)
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Team News
FC Famalicão:
- Injuries: The hosts are missing Spanish winger Óscar Aranda (Knee) and Rochinha (Muscle). Youngsters Umaro Abubakar and Robin Beney are listed as inactive/unavailable.
- Suspension: No major suspensions reported.
- Key Man: Gustavo Sá continues to be the creative hub in midfield. His link-up play with striker Mario González (or Sorriso) will be crucial.
SC Braga:
- Injuries: Defender Jonatás Noro is out long-term with an Achilles tendon injury. Midfielder Vítor Carvalho is doubtful.
- Rotation: Given the short turnaround from the Rangers game, Carlos Vicens might rotate. Rodrigo Zalazar, who has been in sensational form (10 goals all comps), is expected to start but might be subbed early if fatigue sets in.
- Attack: Ricardo Horta and Bruma are likely to flank the striker, providing pace and width.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Head to Head
- 26 Apr 2025: Famalicão 1–1 Braga (Liga Portugal)
- 17 Dec 2024: Braga 3–3 Famalicão (Liga Portugal)
- 18 Jan 2024: Famalicão 1–2 Braga (Liga Portugal)
- 11 Aug 2023: Braga 1–2 Famalicão (Liga Portugal)
- 05 Feb 2023: Braga 4–1 Famalicão (Liga Portugal)
Analysis: Matches between these two are rarely dull. The last two meetings have ended in draws (1-1, 3-3), and both teams have scored in 4 of the last 5 encounters.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Predicted Lineups
FC Famalicão (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Ivan Zlobin (C)
- RB: Calegari
- CB: Enea Mihaj
- CB: Justin de Haas
- LB: Rafa Soares
- CDM: Mirko Topić
- CDM: Zaydou Youssouf
- RW: Sorriso
- CAM: Gustavo Sá
- LW: Gil Dias
- ST: Mario González
SC Braga (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Matheus
- RB: Víctor Gómez
- CB: Sikou Niakaté
- CB: Bright Arrey-Mbi
- LB: Yuri Ribeiro
- CDM: João Moutinho
- CDM: Rodrigo Zalazar
- RW: Roger Fernandes
- CAM: Ricardo Horta (C)
- LW: Bruma
- ST: Amine El Ouazzani (or Roberto Fernández)
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Impact Bench Options
FC Famalicão:
- Mathias De Amorim: A dynamic midfielder who can add energy if the game opens up.
- Otso Liimatta: The Finnish playmaker offers a different creative spark off the bench.
SC Braga:
- Gabri Martínez: Explosive winger who can stretch tired defenses late in the game.
- Ismaël Gharbi: A technical dribbler perfect for unlocking tight defenses if Famalicão sits deep.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Tactical Outlook
FC Famalicão:
- Playing Style: Defensive Solidity & Quick Transitions. Famalicão relies on a strong defensive block (only 7 goals conceded). They will look to absorb Braga’s pressure and hit them on the break through the speed of Sorriso and the vision of Gustavo Sá.
- Weakness: Scoring Goals. They have only scored 13 goals in 12 games. If they concede first, they often struggle to chase the game.
SC Braga:
- Playing Style: Possession & High Press. Carlos Vicens wants his team to dominate the ball and press high. With Zalazar driving from midfield, they create overloads in the final third.
- Strength: Firepower. Braga have scored 23 goals, averaging almost 2 per game. They have multiple goal threats (Horta, Bruma, Zalazar).
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Gustavo Sá vs. João Moutinho | Youth vs. Experience: Sá is one of the brightest talents in Portugal. Moutinho has seen it all. If Moutinho can’t keep up with Sá’s movement, Braga are in trouble. | Famalicão |
| Rodrigo Zalazar vs. Mirko Topić | Midfield Engine: Zalazar is in red-hot form. Topić is Famalicão’s shield. This battle will decide who controls the center of the park. | Braga |
| Bruma vs. Calegari | Pace Mismatch: Bruma is electric. Calegari needs to be disciplined and not get caught upfield. | Braga |
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Spotlight Players
Gustavo Sá (Famalicão):
The 21-year-old is the jewel of Famalicão. His ability to find pockets of space and deliver killer passes makes him the primary threat. He needs a big performance to unlock Braga’s defense.
Rodrigo Zalazar (SC Braga):
The Uruguayan midfielder is having a career-best season. With 10 goals in all competitions, he is the engine and the finisher for Braga. His late runs into the box are a nightmare for defenders to track.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Fan Reactions
Famalicão Fans:
“New manager, new energy! We need to make the Municipal a fortress again.”
“Our defense is great, but we need to score. Hopefully, Mario González finds his shooting boots.”
SC Braga Fans:
“We are flying right now! 4-0 away at Arouca was perfect. Let’s leapfrog Famalicão.”
“Tough game after Europe, but our squad depth should be enough. Zalazar is unplayable.”
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Match-Defining Factors
- Fatigue: Braga played a high-intensity game on Thursday. Famalicão have had a full week to prepare. The last 20 minutes could be decisive if Braga’s legs go.
- First Goal: Famalicão are excellent at defending a lead. If they score first, they will be very hard to break down.
- Set Pieces: Braga are dangerous from corners with Niakaté and Arrey-Mbi. Famalicão must be organized.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Prediction
Score Prediction: Famalicão 1–2 SC Braga
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: SC Braga to Win.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (History suggests goals in this fixture).
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals.
Analysis: While Famalicão are solid defensively and have the advantage of rest, SC Braga’s superior attacking quality and current momentum are hard to ignore. Carlos Vicens has got them playing exciting football, and even with some fatigue, they should have enough firepower to edge a tight contest.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — Final Word
This is a battle for European positioning. FC Famalicão will look to stifle and frustrate, hoping to catch SC Braga on an off day. However, the visitors possess arguably the second-best attack in the league right now. Expect a tactical chess match that eventually opens up, with Braga’s individual brilliance likely making the difference.
Famalicão vs SC Braga — FAQs
When is the Famalicão vs SC Braga match?
The match kicks off on Monday, 08 December 2025, at 20:15 WET.
Who is the new Famalicão manager?
Hugo Oliveira has recently taken charge of FC Famalicão.
Is Rodrigo Zalazar playing?
Yes, the Uruguayan midfielder is fit and in excellent form for SC Braga.
Where can I watch the match in Portugal?
You can watch live on Sport TV 1.
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