Benfica vs Braga: Goals not expected in Portugal
Published:Backing under 2.5 goals at Europa League odds of 8/11 looks the best betting opportunity of the first leg of the all-Portuguese semi-final clash between Benfica and Braga.
Over/Under 2.5 goals
Braga have stuck by the solid gameplan of being tough to beat in the Europa League and this has proved successful in helping them reach the last four.
Since entering the competition at the last-32 stage, Braga have mustered just four goals in their six games, but have progressed through to the latter rounds thanks to only letting in twice.
Therefore, it is likely that things will be kept tight again in their first leg in Benfica, where the strategy will be to keep themselves in the tie ahead of the return leg at home.
Furthermore, the Portuguese league meeting between the pair at Benfica featured under 2.5 goals as it was won 1-0 by the home team.
Match Odds
Benfica have not a Europa League fixture since the turn of the year and have won all three of their matches at the Estadio de Luz.
Meanwhile, they have hosted Braga 55 times in Portuguese league games and lost only once, which was back in 1955.
Benfica are 8/15 in the Europa League betting to beat Braga.
Braga will take hope from the fact that Benfica have failed to register a clean sheet in their last three Europa League home games and they may be able to pinch a goal on the break.
It is 6/1 that Braga beat Benfica and anyone fancying this result may want to also consider taking advantage of the 9/1 on the 1-0 in the correct scoreline market, as this is the most liable result in their favour.
The draw is rated as an 11/4 chance.
A £30 stake on Benfica beating Braga would return £150. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
