Sporting face a tough trip to Arouca this Sunday for the 25th round of Football League I, which could be one of the most important tests for the Lions in the title race.
The team led by Ruben Amorim, which came out as a result of a draw with the Italian Atalanta (1-1), will meet in the first match of the 1/8 finals of the Europa League with the team that took seventh place in the I League, having lost the first round in Alvalade by a minimum lead (2-1) and this season managed to win against Porto, a draw with Dragao (1-1) and a recent victory at home (3-2).
With favoritism on their side, Sporting are enjoying a great moment – they remain undefeated in the league through 10 rounds, with a crash away at Vila do Conde (3-3) – and lead with 59 points to Benfica’s 58 points. With one more game to play and 55 points from third place, Porto beat Portimonense on Friday (3-0).
On the day of the legislative elections, the competition, scheduled for 18:00, at the municipal stadium of Arouca, precedes the game of the Reds, who will host the failed Estoril Praia (16th place) from 20:30.
Champions Benfica, without suspended captain Otamendi, will try to put an end to the unpleasant situation after poor performances and results against the Lions (in the first leg of the Cup semi-final, 2-1). and the Dragons (5-0 in the championship) and a 2-2 draw with Rangers for the Europa League.