Benfica vs Braga prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 7, 2026
One of the Portuguese League Cup semi-finals for the 2025/26 season will take place on Wednesday at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, where Benfica will host Braga. Here's my take on the outcome of this clash.
Match preview
Benfica, under the guidance of the “Special One” José Mourinho, are enjoying an impressive unbeaten run that now stretches to 11 matches. The last time the Lisbon giants tasted defeat was back in early November—then, in the Champions League, they narrowly lost to Bayer Leverkusen. Since then, the Eagles have registered eight wins and three draws. One of those draws came against Braga in the Portuguese league (2-2): Benfica were trailing during the match, so the final result can be seen as quite respectable.
Benfica are the defending champions of the Portuguese League Cup. Last season, they lifted the trophy and comfortably dispatched Braga 3-0 in the semi-finals. In this year’s edition, Benfica have played just one match so far—dispatching Tondela 3-0 without much trouble.
Braga’s recent results have been far less consistent. The squad led by Spanish coach Carlos Vicens has won only one of their last four matches—against a lower-league opponent in the Portuguese Cup, whom they routed 5-0. In addition, there were two high-scoring draws—against Benfica (2-2) and Estrela (3-3)—and a surprise home defeat to Estoril, 0-1.
Still, Braga, like Benfica, have also recently lifted the Portuguese League Cup. Last season, the Arsenalistas claimed the trophy, defeating Estoril in the final after a penalty shootout. In the current campaign, Braga started strong, thrashing Santa Clara 5-0.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Benfica have scored first in their last six matches.
- Benfica led at halftime in five of their last six matches.
- Braga are unbeaten in their last three games.
- Braga have scored first in six of their last eight matches.
- In the last ten head-to-head meetings, Benfica have the clear advantage: six wins for the Lisbon side, two for Braga, and two draws.
Probable lineups
- Benfica: Trubin - Aursnes, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl - Rios, Barreiro, Sudakov - Prestianni, Schjelderup, Ivanović
- Braga: Horníček - Gómez, Carvalho, Arrey-Mbi - Martínez, Gorby, Moutinho, Lelo - Víctor, Horta, Navarro
Prediction
At this point, I believe Benfica look stronger and are in more stable form. That’s why the Lisbon side should come out on top and advance to the final. Backing a Benfica win seems like the logical bet here.
