Caldas vs Braga prediction 23.12.2025 | Taca de Portugal

Caldas travelled to Tondela in the fourth round last month hoping to extend an impressive cup run, and in the end, they did just enough.

The Pelicans went through on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes, a strange game that snapped a run of five straight matches with a goal. What stands out more is the defence.

Four consecutive clean sheets in the Cup is no accident, and it explains why José Vala’s men might quietly believe in an upset, especially after winning their last three home cup games.

However, league form tells a different story. Caldas have lost their last four matches in the third tier and failed to score in three of them, which is hard to ignore.

Miguel Velosa and Duarte Maneta are the only players with two goals this season and should start in midfield and up front.

Braga come into this match slightly bruised. The Archbishops went to Estoril on Friday aiming for a fifth straight win, something they have not managed since August, and instead walked away with a surprise defeat.

It was their first blank in 16 matches, and Carlos Vicens will be demanding a reaction. Still, it is worth mentioning that all three of Braga’s recent non-wins came away from home, which makes this trip feel a bit less routine than it might appear.

Ricardo Horta remains the heartbeat of Vicens’ side, with seven league goals to his name, and should spearhead the attack here.

Rodrigo Zalazar is likely to play just off him, bringing nine goals across all competitions and a knack for arriving late into dangerous areas.

Braga will be without Jonatás Noro and Amine El Ouazzani, sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury and a metatarsal fracture respectively.