Benfica and Braga are set to face off in the Taca da Liga semi-final in Leiria on January 20 with the winner of the semi-final advancing to the Final on January 23 against the winner of the FC Porto and Sporting encounter. Benfica advanced to the semis after a quarter final victory in penalties over Guimaraes while Braga defeated second division side Estoril 3-1. Benfica are seven time winners of the Taca da Liga but last won the competition in 2016 while Braga are the current defending champions and also won the competition in 2013. The two clubs met in league action in November with Braga defeating Benfica 3-2.
Valencia are linked with a loan move for Benfica center back Ferro, the Spanish side is said to have already contacted the Lisbon club to discuss the 23 year old according to Spanish radio. Ferro who is down the pecking order in options for Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has played only 106 minutes across all competitions this season and is keen to make a move away from the club in January as he looks for regular playing time. Valencia has been one of the worst defending teams in La Liga this season and currently sits mid table in Spain and have also been linked with Porto defender Diogo Leite in recent weeks. Ferro is a Benfica academy graduate and has appeared in 64 games across all competitions for Benfica scoring four times.
Benfica continue to be linked to players currently playing in Brazil's Serie A with the latest player rumoured to have interest from the club being Internacional's midfielder Patrick. According to Globesporte, Benfica is not alone in their interest of the 28 year old, with Mexican club America and Argentina's Boca Juniors also linked for the services of Patrick. Benfica manager Jorge Jesus is said to appreciate the quality that Patrick displays on the field and would not mind having the player in Lisbon. Patrick joined Internacional in the winter of 2018 has appeared in 31 games across all competitions for them this season, scoring four goals and setting up another two.
