A sizzling first-half goal from red-hot Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis was enough for Benfica to overcome Braga and book a Portuguese Cup semi-final berth against 4th-tier Tirsense.
The Eagles dominated a one-sided opening 45 minutes and although Braga improved after the break Carlos Carvalhal’s team never truly threatened to get back into it, the home goalkeeper Samuel Soares without a save to make all night.
At the other end of the pitch a catalogue of fine stops from the impressive Lukas Hornicek kept the game alive until the final whistle but Benfica deservedly progress and will be overwhelming favourites to make it to Jamor.
Bruno Lage’s team have now won seven and drawn one of their last eight matches and have been given the weekend off to help them prepare for next Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Barcelona.
Croatian striker Petar Musa is enjoying life as a star player in the MLS for FC Dallas. The 26-year-old has been talking about his career trajectory and his time in the Primeira Liga.
Vitória de Guimarães earned a deserved 1-1 draw against Porto thanks to a late equaliser from Úmaro Embaló.
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 against AVS to reclaim top spot in the Primeira Liga.
Benfica 3-0 Boavista