Benfica Faces Braga in Critical Taca de Portugal Quarter-Final Showdown

Lisbon, Portugal — Benfica hosts Braga in the quarter-finals of the Taca de Portugal on February 26, 2025, at the Estadio da Luz. Both teams meet for the third time this year, with each side having claimed one victory in their previous encounters.

In their most recent match, Benfica emphatically defeated Boavista 3-0, bolstering their pursuit of the 2024-25 Primeira Liga title, where they currently share the top spot with Sporting Lisbon, each holding 53 points. Despite several injuries within their squad, Benfica remains confident, aiming for their first Taca de Portugal title since 2017.

Braga, on the other hand, enters this cup clash with a 1-0 victory over Nacional, courtesy of a goal from French midfielder. They secured their place in the quarter-finals after edging by Lusitano Evora 2-1, showcasing resilience and determination. However, Braga’s recent record against Benfica has been challenging, with only one win in their last six encounters.

Coach Carlos Carvalhal will rely on a near full-strength squad, while Benfica is still without key players due to injuries. Striker has recently made a splash with his performances after returning from injury, scoring a critical goal last weekend.

“We’ve been working hard and focusing on the Taca de Portugal; it’s a significant competition for us,” said Benfica head coach. “We aim to seize this opportunity to move closer to the title.”

Braga’s defensive strategy will be vital, especially given their history of struggles away at Benfica. Their last victory at the Estadio da Luz was a narrow 3-2 win back in November 2020.

As both teams prepare for the decisive match, analysts suggest the home ground advantage plays a significant role. Historical performance indicates Benfica has won their last seven home matches against Braga in the league.

“We have to approach this game with determination; we know the challenges ahead,” acknowledged Braga’s coach. “Every match now is crucial as we aim for glory in this tournament.”

Kick-off for the highly anticipated match is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time. With both teams looking to make a strong statement, the stage is set for an intense cup tie.