Benfica vs SC Braga — Match Preview
A massive clash awaits at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, as Benfica and SC Braga lock horns in the Allianz Cup Semi-Final. The “Final Four” kicks off with a repeat of the thrilling league encounter from just ten days ago, where the two sides played out a dramatic 2–2 draw at the Quarry. Benfica enter this tie in strong form, having brushed aside Estoril 3–1 in the league to start the year. Braga, however, have shown defensive frailties recently, drawing 3–3 with Estrela and conceding five goals in their last two league outings. With a spot in the final on the line, Roger Schmidt’s Eagles will look to assert dominance, while Carlos Carvalhal’s Warriors aim to upset the odds in neutral territory.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Match Info
- Competition: Allianz Cup (Semi-Final)
- Venue: Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria (Capacity: 23,888)
- Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
- Kickoff: 19:45 WET | 14:45 ET
- Referee: João Pinheiro (POR)
Benfica vs SC Braga — Match Stakes
Benfica:
- Win → Advances to the Final (vs Sporting or Porto); chance to win the first silverware of the season.
- Loss → Elimination; a major disappointment given their status as favorites.
SC Braga:
- Win → Advances to the Final; confirms their status as the “Fourth Giant” and provides a shot at a trophy they won recently (2024).
- Loss → Elimination; pressure mounts after a run of draws and defensive slips.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Team News
Benfica:
- Di María A. — Likely to start (Rested/Rotated in previous cup games, but key for Semi).
- Pavlidis V. — Expected to lead the line (Top scorer form).
- Bah A. — Available (Key outlet on the right).
- Defense: Trubin remains the undisputed No. 1. The partnership of António Silva and Otamendi will be tested by Braga’s quick transitions.
SC Braga:
- Horta R. — Available (Captain and talisman).
- Bruma — Available (The main danger man with his pace).
- Defensive Worries: After conceding 3 vs Estrela and 2 vs Benfica recently, changes in the backline (Niakaté/Oliveira) are possible to tighten up.
- Moutinho J. — Vital experience in midfield to control the tempo.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Benfica
- 03/01 — 3–1 vs Estoril (Liga Portugal)
- 28/12 — 2–2 vs Braga (Liga Portugal)
- 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)
SC Braga
- 03/01 — 3–3 vs Estrela (Liga Portugal)
- 28/12 — 2–2 vs Benfica (Liga Portugal)
- 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)
Benfica vs SC Braga — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 28/12/2025 — Braga 2–2 Benfica (Liga Portugal)
- 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 (Taça de Portugal)
- 04/01/2025 — Benfica 1–2 Braga (Liga Portugal)
Benfica vs SC Braga — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Benfica (4-2-3-1)
Trubin; Bah, A. Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Florentino, Kökçü; Di María, Aursnes, Aktürkoglu; Pavlidis
SC Braga (4-2-3-1)
Matheus; Gomez, Niakaté, Oliveira, Marin; Zalazar, Moutinho; Roger, Horta, Bruma; El Ouazzani
Benfica vs SC Braga — Impact Bench
Benfica: Rollheiser (Creativity), Prestianni (Dribbling), Cabral (Physical striker)
SC Braga: Fernandes (Impact sub), Guitane (Skill), Gharbi (Pace)
Benfica vs SC Braga — Tactical Analysis
Benfica
The Eagles will look to control possession and press high. In the 2–2 draw in December, they struggled to contain Braga’s counter-attacks in the second half. Roger Schmidt will demand more compactness from Florentino and Kökçü. The key will be Angel Di María drifting inside to overload the midfield and create space for Bah on the overlap.
SC Braga
Braga thrive in chaotic games (as seen in the 3–3 vs Estrela). They have immense firepower with Bruma and Horta but lack discipline at the back. Their strategy will likely be to sit in a mid-block and exploit the space behind Benfica’s high line using Bruma’s speed. Set-pieces will also be crucial, with Zalazar’s delivery being a major weapon.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Key Battles
- Pavlidis vs Niakaté — Top striker vs Braga’s physical center-back.
- Kökçü vs Horta — Battle of the playmakers.
- Bah vs Bruma — Benfica’s right-back must stop Braga’s most dangerous outlet.
- Trubin vs Matheus — A duel between two of the league’s best shot-stoppers.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Spotlight Players
Benfica — Kerem Aktürkoglu
The “Harry Potter” of Benfica’s attack. His ability to cut inside and shoot or combine with Pavlidis makes him unpredictable. He scored in the recent win vs Estoril and will be hungry for more.
SC Braga — Ricardo Horta
The captain always steps up in big games. He scored in the 2–2 draw recently and loves playing against the “Big Three.” If Braga are to reach the final, Horta needs to be at his clinical best.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Prediction
Benfica 2–1 SC Braga
While the recent 2–2 draw suggests a tight game, Benfica’s overall form is superior (4 wins in last 5 vs 2 wins for Braga). Braga’s defensive leaks (5 goals conceded in 2 games) are worrying entering a knockout match. Expect Benfica to edge a competitive encounter, likely winning it in regular time.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Betting Insights
- Benfica to Win — High Probability.
- Both Teams to Score — YES (Recent history: 2-2, 1-1).
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely.
Benfica vs SC Braga — Where to Watch
- Portugal: Sport TV
- International: TrillerTV+, GolTV
Benfica vs SC Braga — FAQs
Q: When is the Benfica vs Braga match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at 19:45 WET.
Q: Is this a knockout game?
A: Yes, it is the Semi-Final of the Allianz Cup (Final Four). The winner goes to the final.
Q: Where is the match played?
A: It is played at a neutral venue: Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
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