Sat Jan 04 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Benfica Aims for Bounce-Back Against Braga in Crucial Portuguese League Clash

**LISBON, Portugal** – Benfica, currently third in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, will look to reclaim their top spot when they face Braga this Saturday at 3 PM Brasília time (8 PM GMT) at Estádio da Luz. The match marks a crucial encounter in the title race, with Benfica trailing leaders Sporting and second-placed Porto by just two points.

The Eagles suffered a setback last week, losing 1-0 to Sporting, relinquishing their league lead. However, manager Bruno Lage is expected to field his strongest available XI, with star player Ángel Di María, the team’s top scorer with 11 goals, confirmed to start. Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia remain sidelined through injury.

Benfica’s predicted lineup is: Trubin; Bah, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Carreras; Kökçü, Aursnes, Florentino Luís; Aktürkoglü, Di María, Pavlidis.

The match will be broadcast on ESPN (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming) internationally. In Portugal, SPORT TV+ will carry the game. A victory for Benfica is essential to keep their title hopes alive in a tightly contested league.

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