Two consecutive defeats cost Benfica first place, plunging the team into the most unstable phase since Bruno Lage’s return to Luz. Heading into the League Cup semi-finals, uncertainty loomed, but one thing was clear: losing to Sp. Braga again was simply not an option. Failing to reach the final was unacceptable, and harboring further doubts was out of the question.
Opposite stood Sp. Braga, fresh from a convincing victory at Luz, where Benfica only seemed to wake up after half-time. This echoed their previous performances against Sporting at Alvalade. The days leading up to the match had seen a wave of criticism aimed at Lage’s selection, player choices and tactical decisions, but the Benfica boss maintained his faith in his team.
“When we went in, we did it with no margin for error. In the first matches we found a team that gave us guarantees and showed a series of solid performances. With no margin for error in the league or Champions League, both crucial for the club, we aim to close the gap to the top. I felt more confidence in certain players and the way they connected on the pitch. However, playing every three days has seen some players lose form recently. I know people will tell me that I say I count on everyone, and it’s true, I don’t abandon anyone. But to work with me, players have to give their best. I have to feel that they are prepared to work and play at this level,” Lage explained before the match.
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On Wednesday, with Sporting having already defeated FC Porto to secure a place in the final, Lage reiterated that he was “counting on everyone” while making various changes to his starting XI. Schjelderup started in place of Aktürkoğlu, alongside Florentino instead of Leandro Barreiro, while Tomás Araújo gave way to António Silva in the defensive unit. Carlos Carvalhal of Sp. Braga, the reigning League Cup champions, was without João Moutinho but retained Bruma and Ricardo Horta to support Fran Navarro.
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The opening moments of the match made it clear that this League Cup semi-final would be different from their recent league encounter. Benfica dominated from the start, taking control and completely penetrating the opposition midfield. Tomás Araújo almost scored with a header that hit the crossbar in the opening minutes (5′), setting up a first half full of attacking football.
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Di María tested Adrián Marín shortly after (11′), Carreras sent a powerful shot deflected by Matheus (21′), and Pavlidis sent his header over the bar (26′), while Bruma had his goal disallowed for offside (23′) – marking the only time Sp. Braga came close to Trubin’s goal in the first half. The tenacity of Florentino and Aursnes made a significant impact in midfield, while Tomás Araújo complemented Di María well on the right flank. Álvaro Carreras gave a remarkable performance on the left.
Almost at halftime, the inevitable happened. Pavlidis cut inside from the right, Di María connected with Tomás Araújo, and fired low near the post to open the scoring (27′). A minute later the second goal followed. Carreras received a pass from Kökçü on the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful shot to quickly double the lead (28′). After the two goals, Benfica slowed down the game, but still managed to add a third before the break, Di María getting on the scoreboard again after a lethal counter-attack led by Pavlidis on the left (37′ ).
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By half-time, Benfica not only led 3-0 but had also completely controlled the game. Carlos Carvalhal’s side were a shadow of their former self at the Luz, finding it difficult to threaten or even defeat themselves. approaching Trubin’s goal, while the Eagles provided a clear and coherent response to their weekend defeat — both in offensive efficiency and defensive solidity, in contrast to their previous passivity.
Carvalhal made changes at halftime, replacing Ricardo Horta and Gabri Martínez with Roger and Diego Rodrigues. Sp. Braga looked keen to contest the semi-final, with Roger shooting wide early in the second half (48′). However, their resurgence was short-lived. Benfica quickly regained control, creating chances to extend their lead, with Schjelderup’s effort met with a vital save from João Ferreira (49′) and Pavlidis shooting wide (56′).
Bruno Lage started to save energy as the hour approached, introducing Renato Sanches and Aktürkoğlu in place of Kökçü and Schjelderup. The match entered a phase of complacency: Sp. Braga lacked the threat to approach Trubin’s goal, while Benfica had no need to rush. Carvalhal pulled out all the stops for the final 20 minutes, bringing on Jónatas Noro and Gharbi, but the young central defender was sent off with a straight red card for a harsh challenge on Carreras.
Lage still had time to give playing time to João Rego, Arthur Cabral and Beste, the last ten minutes seeing an absence of incidents while the result was already well established. Benfica triumphed over Sp. Braga in Leiria, securing their place in the League Cup final where they will face Sporting, hoping to reclaim a trophy that has eluded them since 2016. Lage said he is counting on everyone, and he is has proven – yet it is undeniable that he must continually rely on more of Di María.
