[6] Benfica will go into the match as the Taça da Liga title holder, having won the previous three finals, in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
In the first game of the group stage, they beat Vitória de Guimarães 4–1 at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.
[7] Their next two group stage games were at home; they beat Liga de Honra side Santa Clara 2–0[8] before also recording a 3–0 win against Marítimo.
[10] Gil Vicente started their Taça da Liga campaign back in October 2011 in the second round.
Following a 2–1 away loss,[11] Gil turned the deficit around with a 2–0 win over Lisbon side at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos.
[14] Their last group, a winner-takes all affair against Sporting CP at the Estádio José Alvalade, ended 1–0 to Gil.
[15] Gil Vicente topped Group A with seven points and progressed to the semi-final stage, where they played Braga.