Braga – Benfica, Picks and Tips
Braga impressed in the European cups, where they qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. "The 'Minho Warriors' have not fared as well in the league, where they are only fourth, far from the Champions League places. The Braga - Benfica duel could strengthen the fourth position for the home team. The most recent match that Carlos Carvalhal-coached team played was on March 20, away to Portimonense. Braga won that duel 2-1 thanks to goals scored by Moura in the 5th minute and Couto in the 22nd minute. The hosts at Portimonense managed to score in the second half through Carmo's own goal. Earlier, Braga had to play a derby for fifth position against Gil Vicente. The "Minho warriors" were not so brave and lost that home duel 0-1. The only goal of the guests was scored by Gomes in the 89th minute. Braga also drew against Boavista, 1-1. Horta opened the scoring for the guests from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, but Njie equalised for the hosts early in the second half. Braga are fourth in the Portuguese top flight with 49 points after 27 games. If the situation is not very satisfactory in the league, Braga are doing very well in the European cups. The Portuguese are qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, after having passed the French team AS Monaco in the last 16. In the round in Braga the hosts won 2-0 thanks to goals from Ruiz (3rd minute) and Oliveira (89th minute). In the return leg, Carvalhal's side finished 1-1 after Ruiz scored first in the 20th minute but Diasi equalised in extra time. In the quarter-finals, Braga will play Scottish side Rangers in a double-header.
Benfica don't have much chance of winning the title in Portugal, with Porto and Sporting a considerable distance behind. However, the Eagles have made a fine showing in the Champions League, where they are through to the quarter-finals. Braga - Benfica could be the match that gives the visitors a decisive advantage in consolidating their third position in the championship. The Jorge Jesus-coached side is coming off an excellent run in the Primeira Liga, where they have notched four wins in their last five games. The most recent match the Eagles played was on 20 March, at home. The opponent was Estoril and in the end Benfica won narrowly, 2-1. Silva and Ramos scored the two goals for the hosts, while for the guests Franco scored in extra time. Between the four wins there was also a draw, also at Stadio Da Luz, but with Vizela. Cassiano scored for Vizela, while young Araujo scored for Benfica. At the same time, Benfica also won 2-1 at Portimonense. Grimaldo and Ramos were the goalscorers for the guests, led from the bench by the legendary Juan Jesus. Benfica are third in the Portuguese standings with 61 points after 27 games. "The Eagles have six points to make up on Sporting and 12 points on FC Porto, the current leaders in Portugal. Benfica also performed well in the Champions League, where they qualified for the quarter-finals. The Lusitanians advanced past Ajax in the last 16 after a draw at Da Luz and a narrow win in Amsterdam. Darwin Nunez scored the Portuguese away goal in the 77th minute.
Our recommendation tip for Braga – Benfica: BENFICA SCORES OVER 1.5 GOALS @ 2.00