Braga vs. Benfica Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready football fans! On 17 May 2025, Braga will face off against Benfica at the Estadio Municipal de Braga in what promises to be an electrifying end to their Liga Portugal campaigns. The stakes couldn’t be higher as this is the final matchday (round 34) in a season that has seen both teams competing at the top end of the table.
Benfica, currently ranked 2nd with 79 points, come into this match in incredible form. They are unbeaten since January 25 and have kept clean sheets in three of their last five games. With players like Vangelis Pavlidis firing on all cylinders, Benfica are also tied on points with Sporting Lisbon for the top spot, making this an essential match for the title race.
Braga, positioned 4th with 65 points, have had a mixed bag of results recently. However, with only one clean sheet in their last five games, they still have the home advantage and a solid lineup led by Carlos Carvalhal. The likes of Ricardo Horta and Fran Navarro will be looking to exploit Benfica’s defence and secure a positive result.
Miguel Nogueira will officiate the game, and the weather conditions are set fair, providing an ideal backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Braga vs Benfica Prediction & Betting tip
Taking into account both teams’ current form and performance stats, our recommended betting tip is for Braga to win or draw.
| Braga vs Benfica Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Braga to win or draw | 4.26 |
- Braga managed to secure a victory against Benfica earlier in the season, demonstrating their capability to compete with the Lisbon giants.
- Despite Benfica’s stellar form, football matches can be unpredictable, especially with strong opposition like Braga having home advantage.
- The high stakes of the match and Benfica’s unbeaten run could lead to a fiercely contested game, making a draw or narrow win for Braga a plausible outcome.
Braga vs Benfica Odds
The betting odds for this thrilling encounter show Benfica as the clear favourite. Nevertheless, there’s value in betting on Braga considering their home advantage and previous victory against Benfica this season.
| Braga vs Benfica Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Braga | 5.08 |
| Draw | 4.26 |
| Benfica | 1.56 |
Given the high stakes, both teams are expected to be fully motivated. Braga will look to leverage their home advantage, while Benfica will aim to maintain their excellent form and secure a crucial away win.
Braga Team Analysis
Braga Recent Performance
Let’s take a closer look at Braga’s recent performances:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Pia AC | Braga | 2025-05-10 | Liga Portugal | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Braga | Santa Clara | 2025-05-03 | Liga Portugal | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Famalicao | Braga | 2025-04-25 | Liga Portugal | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Estoril | Braga | 2025-04-19 | Liga Portugal | 0-2 (Win) |
| Braga | AVS Futebol SAD | 2025-04-13 | Liga Portugal | 4-1 (Win) |
Recent Form: LDDWW
Braga have shown resilience in their recent matches, managing two wins, two draws, and one loss. They’ve been averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five outings and kept one clean sheet. Despite a recent loss against Casa Pia AC, Braga will be keen to leverage their home advantage. Their defence, conceding 0.9 goals on average this season, will be crucial.
Expect Braga to aim for a strong finish in front of their fans, especially with top scorer Ricardo Horta leading the attack.
Braga Key Players
Braga’s key players will undoubtedly influence the outcome of the match. Leading the charge is Ricardo Horta, Braga’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. His knack for finding the back of the net makes him a constant threat to Benfica’s defense.
In midfield, veteran Joao Moutinho’s experience and Uros Racic’s defensive work anchor the team. Look out for their interplay with Rodrigo Zalazar, who provides creativity in the attacking midfield role. Then there’s Fran Navarro, expected to lead the line as the center forward, aiming to exploit any lapses in Benfica’s defense.
Expected lineup for Braga:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hornicek
- Defenders: Victor Gomez, Sikou Niakate, Paulo Oliveira, Francisco Chissumba
- Midfielders: Joao Moutinho, Uros Racic, Ricardo Horta, Rodrigo Zalazar, Roger Fernandes
- Forward: Fran Navarro
Key individual battles to watch include Horta vs Otamendi and Navarro against Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Braga Suspensions & Injuries
Braga enters this crucial match without any suspensions, allowing them a full squad for tactical flexibility. However, they will be missing Jonatas Noro due to an Achilles tendon injury. His absence might impact the team’s depth and defensive rotations, as options are limited in the backline.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jonatas Noro | Achilles tendon injury | Late June 2025 |
Despite Noro’s absence, Braga will look to their mainstays, like João Moutinho and Ricardo Horta, to ensure they remain competitive against a strong Benfica side.
Braga Tactics and Formation
Braga Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Fran Navarro
- Midfield Trio: Joao Moutinho, Uros Racic, Ricardo Horta
- Defensive Setup: Lukas Hornicek in goal with a backline featuring Victor Gomez, Sikou Niakate, Paulo Oliveira, and Francisco Chissumba.
Braga’s approach focuses on a solid defensive structure complemented by a creative midfield. Moutinho and Racic provide a protective shield in front of the defense, while Horta orchestrates attacks from the right wing.
Despite only achieving one clean sheet in their last five games, Braga’s defensive lineup is known for its resilience. Their strategy often includes building attacks from wide areas and taking advantage of Horta’s playmaking abilities to break down opposition defenses.
Braga vs Benfica Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 May 2025
Benfica Team Analysis
Recent Performance DWWWW
Benfica have been in formidable form lately, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. Their recent results have solidified their position as one of the teams to beat this season.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Sporting CP | 2025-05-10 | Liga Portugal | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Estoril | Benfica | 2025-05-03 | Liga Portugal | 1-2 (Win) |
| Benfica | AVS Futebol SAD | 2025-04-27 | Liga Portugal | 6-0 (Win) |
| Benfica | Tirsense | 2025-04-23 | Taca de Portugal | 4-0 (Win) |
| Vitoria de Guimaraes | Benfica | 2025-04-19 | Liga Portugal | 0-3 (Win) |
- Recent Form: DWWWW
- Average Goals Scored in Last 5 Matches: 3.2
- Clean Sheets in Last 5 Matches: 3
Benfica have been extraordinary both defensively and offensively, averaging 3.2 goals per game and securing three clean sheets in their last five encounters. Their ability to score consistently and maintain a solid defense makes them a formidable opponent.
Benfica Key Players
Benfica boasts a star-studded lineup featuring top performers both in attack and defense. Vangelis Pavlidis, the club’s top scorer with 18 goals, is expected to lead the frontline and cause problems for the Braga defense. Angel Di Maria, a seasoned creator, will provide an attacking spark from the wing, while Orkun Kokcu’s vision and passing ability will be key in the midfield. Key individual battles to watch include Pavlidis against Braga’s Sikou Niakate and Di Maria versus Francisco Chissumba.
Expected lineup for Benfica:
- Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
- Defenders: Tomas Araújo, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Fernandez Carreras
- Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luis, Angel Di Maria, Orkun Kokcu, Kerem Akturkoglu
- Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
With their balanced squad, Benfica will look to utilize their attacking prowess to secure a crucial win.
Benfica Suspensions & Injuries
Benfica will be navigating some significant absences due to injuries, which might affect their performance on the field.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Bah | Cruciate ligament injury | Late October 2025 |
| Manuel Jorge Silva | Cruciate ligament injury | Late October 2025 |
| Renato Sanches | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
These injuries, especially to key players like Alexander Bah and Manuel Jorge Silva, mean Benfica will have to rely on their squad depth. Renato Sanches being doubtful is another concern, as his midfield presence is crucial. This could be an opportunity for Braga to exploit any potential weaknesses or lack of cohesion in Benfica’s defense and midfield.
Benfica Tactics and Formation
Benfica’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
- Midfield Duo: Florentino Luís and Fredrik Aursnes
- Defensive Setup: António Silva and Nicolas Otamendi as the central defensive pair
Benfica typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, which balances both defensive solidity and offensive prowess. Vangelis Pavlidis leads the attack, consistently troubling defenses with his scoring ability (18 goals this season). Ángel Di María and Kerem Aktürkoğlu provide width and creativity from the wings, while Orkun Kökçü pulls the strings as the attacking midfielder.
Fredrik Aursnes and Florentino Luís anchor the midfield, offering protection to the backline and facilitating transitions. Their defense has been strong, keeping three clean sheets in the last five games.
Expect Benfica to dominate possession, using their high pressing system to regain the ball quickly and launch swift counter-attacks. The experienced trio of António Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin will be crucial in maintaining defensive discipline.
Braga vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Braga | 2025-02-26 | Taça de Portugal | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Benfica | Braga | 2025-01-08 | League Cup | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Benfica | Braga | 2025-01-04 | Liga Portugal | 1-2 (Win) |
| Benfica | Braga | 2024-04-27 | Liga Portugal | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Benfica | Braga | 2024-01-10 | Taça de Portugal | 3-2 (Loss) |
The last five encounters between Braga and Benfica have largely favoured Benfica. Braga managed one win, while Benfica secured four victories.
These matches showcase Benfica’s ability to dominate in cups and leagues alike, but Braga’s win in the recent Liga Portugal encounter proves they can surprise their formidable opponents.
Expect another competitive outing at Estadio Municipal de Braga, where Braga aims to leverage home advantage.
Odds accurate as of 15.05.2025 18:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
