At the Estádio da Luz on Saturday evening, SL Benfica narrowly defeated SC Braga (1-0) and thus consolidated its first place in the standings of the Portuguese championship.
These were the first of the two big meetings that await Benfica until the end of the season. Before moving to Sporting Garden on May 21, he Carnados Welcome them to the current third of Liga Bwin: Braga. Less successful since April, Roger Schmidt’s men, in addition to being eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals, have also lost twice in the league. Two defeats saw them lose their comfortable lead and left FC Porto down to four points.
But in front of their own fans, it was Benfica who largely controlled the match (20 goals to 5). Even the goal of Rafa Silva (67 ′), which was perfectly fired by David Neres, the Reds and Whites multiplied attacks and failures, including the goal of Goncalo Ramos (61 ′). On the counterattack, Rafa was fired at full speed by his Brazilian team-mate, ending his very long drought without scoring a goal in the league, which had lasted since October 29, 2022, against Chavez (5-0).
This victory allows the Lisboans to maintain their lead over FC Porto, their first pursuer who is now seven points behind, while they await the move in turn, at Arouca Park, on Monday.
