Benfica vs Braga Prediction, Odds, Betting Tips – Portugal League Cup 07/01/2026

Portugal League Cup

Benfica vs Braga

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 – 20:00

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1.74

Home

3.75

Draw

4.5

Away

The semi-final of the Portuguese League Cup pits defending champions Benfica against Braga in a high-stakes clash on neutral ground. Benfica, under José Mourinho, remain unbeaten in domestic competition this season and look to book their spot in the final.

The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT on January 7, 2026, at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, a neutral venue with a capacity of 23,888. João Pinheiro will referee the encounter. This Taça da Liga semi-final is a single-leg tie, adding extra intensity as both sides chase a place in the January 10 final.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

Benfica enter as clear favorites, boasting an unbeaten domestic run and superior squad depth despite injury concerns. Braga have shown resilience but struggled for consistency lately. Recent encounters suggest goals, making Benfica vs Braga prediction today lean toward the Eagles advancing while expecting an open contest.

This preview breaks down recent form and head-to-head trends to highlight key betting angles. Benfica’s attacking prowess under Mourinho contrasts with Braga’s patchy results, setting up an intriguing neutral-venue battle.

Benfica Results

Benfica have been in excellent form, extending their unbeaten domestic streak to 22 matches with strong performances across competitions. Vangelis Pavlidis has been a standout, recently netting a hat-trick.

Benfica have won four of their last five matches, scoring freely while keeping clean sheets in three. Their only blemish was the draw at Braga, but they dominated large periods. Pavlidis leads the scoring charts, and the team averages over 2 goals per game recently. Defensive solidity away from home stands out, with four wins in five road trips across competitions. This momentum makes them strong contenders on neutral soil.

Braga Results

Braga sit fifth in the Primeira Liga but have been inconsistent, dropping points in draws and failing to build winning streaks.

Braga are winless in their last two league games, conceding heavily in the most recent draw after leading. They secured a cup win but lost away prior. Defensive vulnerabilities show, especially late in games. While capable of troubling top sides at home, away form has been mixed with only two wins in five. This patchy run raises doubts against in-form Benfica.

Who will win Wednesday’s Portugal League Cup clash between Benfica and Braga?

Benfica > Draw > Braga >

Benfica

55%

Draw

25%

Braga

20%

Benfica vs Braga Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between these sides have been competitive, with draws dominating the latest encounters but Benfica holding the historical edge.

The last five H2H games produced three draws in the most recent league clashes, but Benfica won the prior cup encounters convincingly. Goals have flowed in league meetings (average over 2.5), while cup ties saw Benfica dominate. Braga’s home advantage helped in draws, but on neutral ground, Benfica’s record is stronger. No clear “bogey” pattern emerges recently, though Benfica avoided defeat in three of the last four.

Predicted Starting Lineups for Benfica vs Braga

Lineups are based on the latest team news and recent performances ahead of this Taça da Liga semi-final. José Mourinho is likely to field a strong side despite rotation options, while Braga’s coach will aim to exploit transitions with available attackers.

Benfica possible starting lineup:

Trubin (GK), Dedić (DF), Tomás Araújo (DF), Otamendi (DF), Dahl (DF), Aursnes (MC), Ríos (MF), Sudakov (MF), Barreiro (MF), Prestianni (MF), Pavlidis (FW)

Braga possible starting lineup:

Horníček (GK), Gómez (DF), Vítor Carvalho (DF), Arrey-Mbi (DF), Lelo (MF), Gorby (MF), Moutinho (MF), Dorgeles (MF), Horta (FW), Zalazar (FW), Navarro (FW)

Injured and Questionable Players

Both teams enter the semi-final with notable absences due to injuries, impacting depth especially in attack and defense. These could force tactical adjustments on neutral ground.

Key Match Insights and Factors

Several elements could decide this semi-final, from squad availability to tactical approaches on a neutral pitch.

• Benfica’s unbeaten domestic run spans 22 games, providing huge confidence boost;
• Vangelis Pavlidis leads Primeira Liga scoring with consistent goals, including recent hat-trick;
• Benfica missing key players: Alexander Bah (knee), Bruma (Achilles), Dodi Lukebakio (ankle), Samuel Soares (muscle);
• Braga depleted in attack/defense: Amine El Ouazzani (foot), Gustaf Lagerbielke, Jonatas Noro, Sandro Vidigal out;
• Recent H2H often high-scoring in league, but cup games lower (Benfica clean sheets);
• Neutral venue levels playing field slightly, but Benfica’s depth favors them;
• Braga winless in two, conceding late goals shows vulnerability under pressure;
• Mourinho’s tactical discipline likely exploits Braga’s inconsistent form;
• Motivation high for both: Benfica chasing another domestic trophy, Braga aiming to upset;
• Weather neutral in Leiria; no home advantage impacts set-pieces or crowd.

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Free Tips on Benfica vs Braga

To make informed betting decisions on this Taça da Liga semi-final, focus on data-driven insights from recent performances and historical trends. Statistics reveal patterns in goal output, defensive resilience, and individual contributions that can highlight value opportunities. Analyzing these elements helps identify edges beyond basic odds.

• Head-to-Head Goal Trends: Recent league meetings between Benfica and Braga have consistently produced over 2.5 goals (average 3.0 in the last three), with both teams scoring in each; expect an open game despite the knockout stakes.
• Recent Schedule Congestion: Both sides played league matches just days ago (Benfica on Jan 3, Braga on Jan 3), potentially leading to fatigue—Benfica’s deeper squad may handle rotation better, reducing the risk of late concessions.
• Referee Card Tendency: João Pinheiro averages around 4.5 yellow cards per game in domestic fixtures this season; with competitive rivalry and high motivation, over 4.5 cards could offer value.
• Weather and Pitch Conditions: Forecasts for Leiria on January 7 indicate possible light rain and temperatures around 10-14°C on a natural grass surface—wet conditions may slow the pitch slightly, favoring Benfica’s controlled possession style over Braga’s transitions.
• Player Form Spotlight: Vangelis Pavlidis arrives in red-hot form with a recent hat-trick; his shot volume and conversion rate make player props like anytime goalscorer appealing against Braga’s vulnerable defense.

Benfica vs Braga Match Prediction 2026

Benfica hold the edge with superior form, attacking threat led by Pavlidis, and Mourinho’s experience in knockout ties. Despite injuries, their depth and unbeaten streak should prevail on neutral ground. Braga can threaten on transitions but recent draws and concessions suggest they struggle to contain Benfica’s pressure. Expect goals given H2H trends, but Benfica’s defensive record in cups points to a controlled win.

Benfica vs Braga odds reflect this favoritism, with the Eagles around 1.70-1.75 for victory. Value lies in Benfica win combined with over 2.5 goals, given recent meetings.

Our Prediction: Benfica 2-1 Braga

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