The final fixture of 2025 in Liga Portugal is a massive clash at the Estádio Municipal de Braga tonight, Sunday, December 28. 5th-placed Braga host an unbeaten Benfica in a match that could define the title race heading into the New Year.
Benfica, now under the management of José Mourinho, are looking to close the gap on leaders Porto, while Braga aim to leapfrog into the top four following a rollercoaster first half of the season.
Match Details
Competition: Liga Portugal (Matchday 16)
Kick-off: 18:00 Local / 21:00 EAT / 13:00 ET
Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga ("The Quarry")
Referee: João Pinheiro | VAR: Tiago Martins
Current Form: The Unbeaten Streak vs. Home Fortress
Benfica: The Mourinho Effect
Since José Mourinho took the helm earlier this season, the "Eagles" have become a defensive juggernaut. They arrive in Braga on a 9-game unbeaten run across all competitions, having won their last four league matches without conceding a single goal. However, they remain 8 points adrift of the summit due to a high number of draws early in the campaign.
Braga: Searching for Consistency
Under Carlos Vicens, Braga has played some of the most attractive football in the league but has lacked a clinical edge in big moments. A shock 1-0 defeat to Estoril last weekend halted their momentum, though they bounced back midweek with a convincing 3-0 win in the Taça de Portugal. At home, they remain formidable, having won 75% of their matches at "The Quarry" this season.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Braga Team News: Defensive Gaps
The hosts are severely weakened by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and a string of disciplinary issues.
Out: Sikou Niakaté (AFCON), Amine El Ouazzani (Fracture), Rodrigo Zalazar (Suspended - Red Card).
Doubt: Gustaf Lagerbielke (Knock).
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Hornicek; Gomez, Paulo Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi, Lelo; Moutinho, Vitor Carvalho, Gorby; Pau Victor, Fran Navarro, Ricardo Horta.
Benfica Team News: The Golden Boot Leader
Mourinho has selection headaches in the wing positions but boasts the league’s top scorer in Vangelis Pavlidis.
Out: Dodi Lukébakio (Ankle), Bruma (Achilles), Alexander Bah (ACL), Leandro Barreiro (Ankle).
Doubt: Tomás Araújo is a game-time decision after returning to training on Friday.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Dahl; Richard Ríos, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Sudakov, Prestianni; Pavlidis.
Tactical Analysis: Possession vs. Pragmatism
The Battle for Midfield
Braga typically dominates possession, averaging over 60% per game. João Moutinho remains the orchestrator at 39, but without the suspended Zalazar, the creative burden falls on Ricardo Horta. They will look to exploit the wings and use quick short passing to pull Benfica's backline out of position.
Mourinho's Masterclass?
Benfica’s success this season has been built on a "solid-first" mentality. Expect Mourinho to cede possession to Braga, utilizing a high press to force turnovers. Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea provide a physical screen for the defense, while Vangelis Pavlidis (14 goals this season) is lethal when given a sniff of a chance on the counter-attack.
Head-to-Head: Recent History
Matches between these two have become incredibly tight over the last 24 months.
Last Meeting: Braga 1–1 Benfica (May 17, 2025).
Overall Record: Benfica has won 6 of the last 10 meetings, but Braga famously beat them 2-1 at the Estádio da Luz earlier this year in January.
Scoring Trend: The last three matches between these sides at the Municipal stadium have seen Under 2.5 goals.
Match Prediction
Braga’s absences in central defense and the loss of Zalazar in midfield are massive blows. Against a Mourinho side that thrives on exploiting small mistakes, the hosts may find it difficult to maintain their usual rhythm. However, the atmosphere in Braga is always hostile for the Lisbon giants.
Final Score Prediction: Braga 0–1 Benfica
