Braga Stuns Reigning Champions Benfica 3-1, Advances to Allianz Cup Final

In a dramatic twist in the Allianz Cup (Taça da Liga) semifinal, Braga delivered a stunning 3-1 defeat to reigning champions Benfica, earning their coveted spot in the tournament’s final. The clash, held at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on January 7, 2026, saw Braga overcome a historically dominant Benfica side, who were also grappling with a significant injury crisis.

Early Onslaught: Braga’s Clinical First Half

The match kicked off with an undeniable intensity, characteristic of a high-stakes semifinal. Braga, under the guidance of Carlos Vicens, wasted no time in asserting their presence. Just 20 minutes into the game, Rodrigo Zalazar, a pivotal figure for Braga, made a decisive run on the right flank. He then crossed to Pau Víctor, who skillfully controlled the ball, eluded his marker, and unleashed a powerful shot into the right corner, opening the scoring and sending an early jolt through the stadium. The goal, as reported by VAVEL, immediately put Benfica on the back foot.

Braga continued to press, capitalizing on their momentum. Only ten minutes later, Zalazar once again proved instrumental. Receiving a pass on the right, he deftly left Sudakov behind, navigated past Dahl, and entered the penalty area. Facing the goalkeeper, Trubin, he coolly slotted the ball hard into the top corner, extending Braga’s lead to a commanding 2-0. The early double blow left Benfica reeling, despite their attempts to press high and create attacking danger. Benfica’s goalkeeper, Trubin, found himself tested early, with Hornicek making crucial saves for Braga against shots from Sudakov and Pavlidis.

Benfica, however, refused to capitulate entirely. Showing the resilience expected of champions, they fought back. Pavlidis, receiving a pass up front, was brought down in the box, earning a penalty for Benfica. Stepping up to take the spot-kick, Pavlidis calmly sent the ball into the middle of the goal, with Hornicek diving to his right. This goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1, provided a much-needed lifeline for the Eagles before halftime. The first half concluded with Braga holding a precarious, yet significant, 2-0 lead, having converted their chances more effectively.

Second-Half Battle: Substitutions, Cards, and the Deciding Blow

The second half commenced with both teams making strategic adjustments. Benfica immediately introduced Prestianni for Manu Silva, signaling their intent to intensify their attacking efforts. Coach José Mourinho, facing a depleted squad due to numerous injuries, spoke pre-match about the necessity to ‘adapt’ and rely on youth players, a challenge evident in his substitutions. Braga also made changes, bringing in Fran Navarro, Gómez, and Paulo Oliveira, replacing Carvalho, Dorgeles, and Pau Víctor, indicating a desire to maintain fresh legs and tactical flexibility.

The game’s intensity was also reflected in a flurry of yellow cards. Vitor Carvalho, Prestianni, Lagerbielke, and Fran Navarro all found their names in the referee’s book for hard fouls, while Hornicek was cautioned for delaying a goal kick. Benfica continued to push high, with Sudakov taking powerful shots and Hornicek once again proving a formidable barrier. Richard Ríos also had an opportunity, but his powerful shot went wide, highlighting Benfica’s struggle to convert possession into clear-cut scoring chances.

Despite Benfica’s persistent pressure, Braga delivered the decisive blow. In a crucial moment, Gustaf Lagerbielke, who had been listed as injured in some pre-match reports but was notably in Braga’s starting lineup, scored a goal that sealed his team’s victory. This goal, leading to a 3-1 scoreline, effectively dashed Benfica’s hopes of a comeback and secured Braga’s passage to the final. Benfica made further substitutions, bringing in Ivanovic for Aursnes and Cabral for Suydakov, but they couldn’t find the breakthrough needed to alter the outcome.

A Legacy of Rivalry and Shifting Dynamics

The Benfica-Braga rivalry is steeped in history, with 163 matches played across all competitions. Historically, Benfica has held a significant advantage, boasting 105 wins compared to Braga’s 25, with 33 draws. In the Allianz Cup specifically, Benfica stands as the most successful club with eight titles, won between 2008-09 and 2024-25. Braga, while trailing, has also lifted the trophy three times, in 2012-13, 2019-20, and 2023-24.

This semifinal was a repeat of last season’s encounter, where Benfica had secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Braga en route to winning their record eighth title. However, the dynamics had shifted. Heading into this match, both teams faced significant injury concerns. Benfica was without key players like Enzo Barrenechea, Antonio Silva, Alexander Bah, Nuno Félix, Bruma, Dodi Lukebakio, and Samuel Soares. Braga also contended with absences, including Amine El Ouazzani, Jonatas Noro, Sandro Vidigal, and Sikou Niakaté, who was away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The pre-match uncertainty surrounding Lagerbielke’s fitness, as noted by SSBcrack and Sportskeeda, only added to the narrative, making his goal even more impactful.

In Liga Portugal, both clubs are strong contenders, with Benfica in third place with 39 points and Braga in fifth with 27 points. Benfica’s recent form included two wins and a draw, notably a 3-1 victory over Estoril Praia with a Vangelis Pavlidis hat-trick. Braga’s form was less consistent, with one win and two losses, including a 3-3 draw against Estrela Amadora where they relinquished a two-goal lead. José Mourinho’s pre-match comments to VAVEL underscored the challenge of adapting to injuries and maintaining squad depth, a factor that undoubtedly played a role in the semifinal’s outcome.

Braga’s decisive 3-1 victory over Benfica in the Allianz Cup semifinal represents more than just a win; it is a testament to their strategic execution and resilience against a historically dominant, yet injury-plagued, opponent. By clinically converting their chances and weathering Benfica’s late surge, Braga not only secured their place in the final but also underscored the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, where current form and adaptability can often triumph over legacy and expectation.