The Portuguese semi-final of Europa League is on for Thursday, Benfica meets Braga. A semi-final where both teams know each other so no surprises
Benfica reached this stage of the tournament after eliminating Stuttgart with two victories 2:0 and 2:1. Next the Portuguese team faced PSG, beating them at home with 2:1 and drawing the away game 1:1 in France. Next Benfica met PSV crushing them at home with 4:1, and finishing 2:2 in Holland in order for the team to qualify for the semi-finals. So far Benfica are unbeaten at home, in all six European games this season, winning 4 and drawing 2. The team has scored 13 goals in 6 games, but has conceded 6, an average of 1 goal per game.
Braga faced Sparta Prague, and eliminated them after a 0:0 in Portugal and a 2:0 away in the Czech Republic. Next, their biggest obstacle Liverpool was beaten at home with 1:0 and after a 0:0 on Anfield the Portuguese advance. In the quarter-finals they met Dynamo Kiev, the team that eliminated Manchester City from this tournament. After a 1:1 draw in Ukraine and a 0:0 in Portugal, Braga advanced to the semi-finals with an away goal.
Braga has never beaten Benfica as a visitor in their recent history. The last and only victory ever achieved here was back in season 1954/55. Benfica’s record at home reads W43 D11 L1 which is impressive. Here are the latest matches between both team in the Portugal Liga:
03/10/2010 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 1:0
27/03/2010 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 1:0
11/01/2009 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 1:0
24/02/2008 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 1:1
16/04/2007 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 0:0
25/03/2006 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 1:0
26/09/2004 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 0:0
13/12/2003 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 2:0
30/11/2002 Benfica vs. Sporting Braga 3:0
Six victories and three draws in the past nine years. Braga are up for a challenge here, especially with only one away victory this season against FC Partizan with 0:1.
I am willing to back Benfica in this match, as they proved in the quarter finals that they are an incredible host, and their statistics against Braga is somewhere near perfect. In fact I believe this can be your banker for the night. My prediction, Benfica to win. Good luck betting.
Recommended Bet:
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Benfica to win @ 1.57 | Place a Bet at Bet365 |
