The Sporting de Braga team, under the guidance of Carlos Carvalhal, is aiming to solidify their hold on third place as they face Famalicão in the opening match of round 31 in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The encounter is crucial for both teams—while Braga looks to secure their position, Famalicão still has ambitions of European qualification.
As the league stands after 30 rounds, Braga boasts 10 wins, two draws, and just one loss in the second half of the season, totaling a hefty 32 points. This run includes an impressive five victories in their last six matches, with the only blemish being a narrow 2-1 defeat at Vila do Conde. Their strong form keeps them just a point ahead of FC Porto, who is lurking in fourth place and has a Saturday match ahead.
Famalicão, on the other hand, is hoping to bounce back from a recent setback. After winning three consecutive matches, they lost 2-1 against FC Porto in their last outing, but they remain in the hunt for a fifth-place finish that would grant them a spot in the Conference League for the 2025/26 season. Currently, they sit at 43 points, trailing behind Vitória de Guimarães, who has 48 points.
To keep their European dream alive, Famalicão will need to replicate their thrilling performance from earlier in the season when they fought back to earn a 3-3 draw against Braga in round 14. As round 31 unfolds, all eyes will be on the fixtures involving the top two teams, with the leader Sporting traveling to Bessa to clash with Boavista, while Benfica plays host to AVS.
Famalicão will invite Braga to Estádio Municipal de Famalicão in the Primeira Liga on April 25, 2025. The third-placed visitors have a 20-point lead over the seventh-placed Famalicenses in the league table. The hosts met Porto in their previous outing last week and suffered a 2-1 away loss, ending their winning streak after three games. Substitute Pedro Bondo scored the consolation goal for them in the 82nd minute.
Braga is unbeaten in their last six league games, registering their fifth win during that period last week, as Ismaël Gharbi's first-half brace helped them record a 2-0 away triumph over Estoril Praia. The two sides have crossed paths 21 times in all competitions, with Braga recording nine wins, Famalicenses five wins, and seven games ending in draws.
Both teams registered away wins in their league meetings last season, and the reverse fixture in December ended in a 3-3 draw. Os Arcebispos have the joint-best defensive record in the Primeira Liga this season, conceding 25 goals, eight fewer than the hosts. Famalicão has an unbeaten home record in 2025 and are on a four-game winning streak at home.
Braga are unbeaten in their last three away games, recording two wins. They have won their last two away meetings against the hosts, scoring five goals while conceding just once. The last eight meetings between the two teams have produced over 2.5 goals, with the visitors scoring at least two goals in seven games during that period.
Famalicenses have seen conclusive results in their last nine league games, recording six wins. They have won their last four home games, scoring 10 goals while conceding just once, and will look to continue that form here. Notably, they have won just one of their last five meetings against the visitors, and that triumph was registered away from home last season.
Óscar Aranda was booked last week and will serve a suspension here. Gil Dias, who picked up an assist last week, is likely to start in his absence. Rodrigo Pinheiro was suspended against Porto and should return to the starting XI. Os Arsenalistas are unbeaten in their last six games, recording five wins.
They have scored 11 goals in these games while keeping three clean sheets. Fran Navarro and Jonatás Noro are the two confirmed absentees for the visitors here. Roger Fernandes was an unused substitute against Estoril Praia and will likely start from the bench again. The visitors head into the match in great form and should be able to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Famalicao 1-2 Braga. Famalicao will welcome Braga to the Estadio Municipal de Famalicão in the 31st round in the Primeira Liga on April 25, 2025. Famalicao's Pedro Bondo's effort in the 82nd minute only served as a glimmer of hope in a 2-1 defeat at Estadio do Dragão against FC Porto last time out.
Despite their recent loss, Famalicão occupy seventh place in the Primeira Liga standings. The Estadio Municipal de Famalicão has been good to Famalicão in recent weeks as they have won four straight with three shutouts maintained during this period. Rodrigo Pinheiro is back from suspension after serving his one-match ban and is likely to retain his place as a right back.
Braga failed to get the job done in the reverse fixture in December when they had to come from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Famalicao at home. This time, they will be anticipating a different outcome given their impressive showing in the Primeira Liga. Os Arcebispos are unbeaten in six league fixtures, recording five wins and one draw.
Their most recent league game was a comfortable 2-0 away win to Estoril Praia, thanks to Ismael Gharbi's brace, extending their winning streak to two games. Carlos Carvalhal's men have been promising on the road as they have avoided defeat in three league games (W2, D1). This comes after going two games without a win.
In the last 12 meetings, FC Famalicao has won 2 times, Braga has won 5 times, and there have been 5 draws, with the goal difference being 24-17 in favour of Braga. Famalicao has seen each of their last five matches in the Primeira Liga end with over 2.5 goals. Ricardo Horta has scored three goals in his last six appearances for Braga.
This match promises to be an exciting clash as both teams vie for their respective goals—Braga to secure third place and Famalicão to keep their European dreams alive. With the stakes high and both teams in good form, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at the Estádio Municipal de Famalicão.
