Braga secure Taca da Liga final with 3-1 win over Benfica
SC Braga booked their place in the Taca da Liga final with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Benfica at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro, in a dramatic semi-final that left Jose Mourinho grappling with disappointment. The scoreline was a stark reminder of Braga’s control in the tie, as Benfica’s hopes were punctured by an early red card and a composed display from the hosts.
The evening began with high expectations for Benfica, who had entered the tie as one of the tournament’s heavyweights. A red card for a defensive lapse left Mourinho’s side to chase the game, and Braga capitalised, stamping their authority with a goalscoring burst that secured their place in the final. The defeat marks a chastening setback for Benfica in a competition they had hoped to use as a springboard for morale and momentum.
Mourinho’s post-match response: a call for unusual discipline
In the wake of the loss, Mourinho publicly outlined a controversial plan that has dominated the aftermath: he reportedly demanded that Benfica players sleep at the training ground to better focus on regaining form and building squad unity. While the approach has drawn questions from commentators about motivation versus punishment, it is part of Mourinho’s broader philosophy: extreme measures to prompt collective accountability and quick recovery after setbacks.
The manager has long been known for his intensity and insistence on maintaining high standards, especially in moments of adversity. This latest demand—sleeping at the training facility—illustrates his willingness to push players beyond comfort zones in pursuit of immediate results. Supporters of the tactic argue it can reinforce discipline, while critics worry about player welfare and the balance between rest and recovery after a draining match schedule.
What went wrong for Benfica?
Several factors contributed to Benfica’s exit. The red card early in the match disrupted their rhythm and forced them into a more cautious approach, which Braga exploited with precision and pace. The home side’s tactical setup allowed Braga to press higher up the pitch, stifling Benfica’s creativity and reducing their options in the final third.
Benfica’s forwards failed to convert chances into a decisive breakthrough, and Braga’s defence managed to withstand pressure while maintaining offensive threat on the counter. The pivotal moment of the game arrived after the numerical disadvantage, when Braga converted their chances with clinical finishing, sealing the tie before the final whistle.
<h2Looking ahead: how Benfica can respond
Benfica now face a difficult period as they pivot from cup disappointment to league duties and potential European commitments. Mourinho’s plan, whatever readers think of its merits, signals a deeper desire to rebuild confidence and unify the squad quickly. The coming days will be crucial for player morale, conditioning, and tactical adjustments that can help Benfica restore momentum heading into the next phase of the season.
Braga, by contrast, can celebrate a deserved win and use the result as a catalyst for their own cup ambitions. The final will be a high-stakes affair, pitting Braga against the rival winner of the other semi-final and giving both teams a chance to showcase their best football in a title-deciding match.
