Tens of millions of euros are at stake in today’s derby

Alvalade has tens of millions of euros at stake, directly or indirectly. Firstly, because only the national champion has direct access to the next Champions League. The second-placed team will have to compete in the qualifying rounds or, in the case of Benfica finishing second, wait for the Europa League winner to secure a place in the million-dollar league through their championship – in this case the Eagles » will be replenished directly for the group stage.

The next Champions League will be the first in the new format. UEFA has not yet announced a formula for distributing the money, but in the case of the Portuguese teams the starting prize should average around 40 million euros. Added value of sporting results (each group stage win should be worth more than the current €2.8 million). And there is also indirect income. Each team now plays eight games, four of them at home. This ensures increased advertising, box office and merchandising revenue.

Another factor to consider is player recognition, which has been boosted by the Champions League. For example: Antonio Silva and Gonzalo Inacio were valued in March 2023 by the specialized website Transfermarkt at 25 million euros. Both have been called up to the national team. The Benfica player has played in the millionaire’s league this season and his current price is €45 million, compared to the Sporting player’s price of €40 million.

French police ban Benfica fans
French police have banned Benfica fans from the Stade Vélodrome during the game between Marseille and the Reds in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals (18/04). La Provence newspaper claims the decision is due to fears of serious clashes between fans. UEFA and Benfica have not yet been informed, but if this scenario is confirmed, the Eagles will consider doing the same to the French fans in Luz (11/04).

DETAILS
ARGENTINA DON’T FORGET BENFICA
“I would like to hug my Benfica teammates, former teammates and the entire technical team. “Fideo” [Di María]Otamendi, Argentines… Gianluca [Prestianni], Benjamin Rollheiser. Hugs to everyone,” said Argentine Enzo Fernandez at the end of Chelsea-Man. United (4-3) in DAZN statements.

EQUALITY IN OTHER DERBIES
Benfica and Sporting will meet each other for the fourth time this season. In the Cup semi-final, the Lions won (2-1) in the 1st match and drew (2-2) in the 2nd match. In the 1st round of the championship the “Reds” won, also with a score of 2-1. Thus, the Eagles have an advantage in direct competition for the League, but equality reigns in all competitions: each team scored 5 goals.