Benfica take on the visitors Braga in the semifinal match of Portuguese League Cup. The match will be played on Wednesday, January 8th at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa (Leiria).
Benfica became national champions the season before last, Schmidt's first in Portugal. But in 2023/2024 they fell behind neighboring Sporting quite noticeably. But they also failed to reach the playoffs in the Champions League. Roger still retained his post, but only until the first misfires in the new competition, and they did not have to wait. Since the beginning of September, Bruno Lage has been in charge. It's going well, but not brilliantly. Di Maria and company won three times in 6 Champions League matches and took 10 points. And in the Primeira Liga, they were neck and neck with their competitors... And they ended 2024 with a defeat in the derby to Sporting - Katamu's goal in the 29th minute was decisive. Well, in January, they managed to lose against the "archbishops".
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"Braga" shows rather modest results. "Archbishops" in 2023 were 3rd in Primeira and played in the Champions League. But in the last cycle, the team rolled back to the usual 4th position - then all three Portuguese giants did not allow problems and were stronger than this team. Now, for a long time, even the sensational "Santa Clara" looked better. And, frankly speaking, only the decline of the competitor helped to finish 2024 in 4th position in the current championship table. Which does not indicate an upswing for Carlos Carvalhal's charges, rather the opposite: only half of their matches ended in victories last calendar year, and there were 4 defeats and draws. And they won twice in the Europa League, gaining only 7 points. In the last round with the "eagles" they frankly surprised with a victory.
Before the recent match, the "red-whites" had 4 wins in a row The "Eagles", of course, will try to take revenge, and will have every chance to do so. But it will not be so easy for them - it is worth taking a closer look at the bet on the "archbishops" with a handicap of "+1 goal".
Prediction for the match: Braga to win with +1.0 handicap.
