Benfica cruised past Braga 3-0 on Saturday to reach the final of the Portuguese Cup, a competition they have not won since 2017. Rafa Silva, Joao Mario, and Goncalo Ramos scored the goals in a match that was dominated by the Lisbon giants.
Benfica will now face Porto in the final, a repeat of the 2020 showpiece which the Dragons won on penalties. Lage will be hoping to lead Benfica to their first major trophy since 2019 when they won the league title.
Benfica were in control of the match from the start, with Braga rarely threatening their goal. The Lisbon side had 64% possession and completed 600 passes, compared to Braga's 36%. They also had 16 shots to Braga's 7.
Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with a low drive from outside the area. Joao Mario doubled Benfica's lead in the 57th minute with a penalty, after Braga goalkeeper Matheus had brought down Darwin Nunez.
Goncalo Ramos made it 3-0 in the 76th minute, with a header from a Rafa Silva cross. It was the young striker's 14th goal of the season.
Lage set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Rafa Silva and Pizzi playing behind Darwin Nunez. The front three caused Braga's defense all sorts of problems, with their pace and movement.
Lage also made some tactical changes during the match, bringing on Adel Taarabt and Julian Weigl to add some creativity and control to Benfica's midfield.
Braga were disappointing on the night, and they never really looked like they could get back into the match after conceding the first goal. The Guimaraes side had won their previous three matches in all competitions, but they were outclassed by Benfica.
Braga coach Carlos Carvalhal will be hoping for a better performance in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Rangers on Thursday.
Benfica were the deserved winners of the match, and they will now be confident of beating Porto in the final and winning the Portuguese Cup for the first time in five years.
Lage will be delighted with his team's performance, and he will be hoping that they can continue their good form in the league and the Champions League.
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