Benfica v Braga, Getty Images 08 January 2026, 00:46

The Portuguese League Cup semi-final match between Benfica and Braga took place on a neutral ground in Leiria. The match ended with the victory of the team from Braga with a score of 3:1.

In the starting line-up of Benfica, two Ukrainians entered the field at once – goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin and midfielder Georgy Sudakov. However, already in the first half, the Eagles found themselves in a difficult position. In the 14th minute, Pau Victor opened the scoring, and in the 33rd minute, Rodrigo Salazar doubled Braga’s advantage.

After the break, Benfica tried to regain the intrigue. In the 53rd minute, Sudakov was close to the goal, who, after a pass from his partner, shot from the line of the penalty area into the left corner, but the goalkeeper of Braga saved his team with a spectacular save.

Vangelis Pavlidis, who converted the penalty and reduced the deficit to a minimum, brought back hope for the Lisbon team.

The final fate of the meeting was decided by Gustav Lagerbilke’s goal in the 81st minute, which made the final score 3:1 in favor of Braga. At the end of the match, Benfica remained in the minority – Nicolas Otamendi was sent off for a foul.

Braga reached the final of the Portuguese League Cup, where they will play against Vitoria Guimaraes. The opposition secured their place in the decider with a 2-1 win over Sporting.

Benfica — Grout 1:3
Goals: Vangelis Pavlidis, 64 (pen) – Pau Victor, 19, Rodrigo Salazar, 33, Gustav Lagerbilke, 81

Withdrawal: Nicolas Otamendi, 89 (Benfica)