The Eagles may be facing this game without key members of their staff and squad due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.

The 2020-21 Taça da Liga will see its second semi-final being played today despite the setbacks suffered by one of the teams involved.

Sporting Braga and Benfica lock horns in what should be an exciting game to watch. The winner of this tie will play against Sporting, who defeated Porto in the other semi-final fixture.

Braga will enter this game after losing two of their last three league matches, where they have only been capable of scoring two goals. Carlos Carvalhal's men last claimed a win in a Portuguese cup clash against Torrense, but they will need a bit more effort to beat their rivals on Wednesday.

As for Benfica, the Eagles have drawn two of their last three league games, including a one-all result against Porto in O Classico last Friday. Nevertheless, the main problems for coach Jorge Jesús have developed recently due to a massive COVID-19 outbreak within the team, which has seen over 30 people between staff and players infected. Benfica had requested to delay this game, but the tight schedule forced the Portuguese Football Federation to deny that request.

Benfica will aim to reach their eighth Taça da Liga final, while Braga will try to defend the title they won last year. The Eagles have won each of those seven previous Taça da Liga finals, while Braga have played three title games, winning two of those. Which of these will claim the remaining spot in the final? We are hours away from finding out.

Sporting Braga vs Benfica - Head-to-head

  • The most recent game between these teams ended in a 3-2 win for Braga back in November 2020.

  • Benfica have outscored Braga 14-7 in their last six games (all comps).

  • Benfica last claimed a win against Braga in a competitive match on December 18, 2019. That Cup game ended with a 2-1 victory for the Eagles.

  • Benfica's boss Jorge Jesús has faced Braga 34 times as coach. So far, his teams have won 15 games, with five games ending in draws, and 14 losses.

  • Braga's tactician Carlos Carvalhal will face Benfica for the 18th time. The coach's record against the Eagles shows only three wins, five draws, and nine losses. 

Sporting Braga vs Benfica - Who's in and who's out?

Sporting Braga:Injured: Francisco Moura, Rui Fonte, Nicolás Gaitán. Doubtful: Paulinho, Lucas Piazón. 

Benfica: Injured: André Almeida. Ineligible: Gilberto, Jan Vertonghen, Alejandro Grimaldo, Diogo Gonçalves, Gian-Luca Waldschmidt, Everton, Nicolás Otamendi, Nuno Tavares.

Broadcast info - Sporting Braga vs Benfica

In Portugal - Sport TV LIVE, Sport TV1.

In Croatia - Arena Sport 1.

In Germany - sportdigital

In Switzerland - sportdigital.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Sporting Braga 2 - 1 Benfica

January 20, 2021 2:45pmEstádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa (Leiria)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

Benfica TV International
BTV Online