Benfica and Porto are looking to isolate themselves in the caretaker leadership of the Portuguese Football League when they meet each other this Friday at the Estádio da Luz in the seventh round of the tournament under the watchful eye of Sporting.
At the start of the first clash of the big boys in the 2023/24 championship season, the national champion is in third place, one point behind the Dragons and Lions, who will not take to the field until Saturday in their stronghold of Farense, 11- y.
The two clubs have already faced each other this season, with Benfica winning 2-0 to win the Super Cup, but the recent record in Lisbon is more favorable to the Porto side, who have won their last two visits to their rival’s home . where he even celebrated winning the title in the 2021/22 season.
German coach Roger Schmidt will have a full Benfica squad, in contrast to Sergio Conceição, the visiting coach, who has influential central defender Pepe in doubt, with an injury list of greater or lesser severity that also includes Marcano, Zaidou, Veron. Danny Namaso and Evanilson.
After a false start in League One, losing 3–2 to Boavista, Benfica began a run of five straight wins which, if extended, would result in Porto’s first defeat of the tournament as the runner-up’s worst record , is a 1:1 draw against Arouca.
The meeting between Benfica and Porto, which kicks off at 20:15 and will be refereed by Joao Pinheiro, will take place on an unusual day due to the two clubs’ commitments next week for the second round of the Champions League.
Sporting are another team yet to lose in the league and could take advantage of the clash of the other two title contenders to complete the team round when they face Farense, who have returned to the top flight this year.
Seventh day program:
– Thursday, September 28:
Estrela da Amadora – Sporting Braga, 2:4
– Friday, September 29:
Benfica – Porto, 20:15
– Saturday, September 30:
Visela – Portimonense, 15:30
Boavista – Famalican, 18:00
Farense – Sporting, 20:30
– Sunday, October 1:
Arouca – Desportivo de Chaves, 15:30
Vitoria de Guimarães – Estoril Praia, 18:00
Rio Ave – Moreirense, 20:30
– Monday, October 2:
Gil Vicente – Casa Pia, 20:15
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.