Porto - Benfica - Classico Preview

With four games left in the season, Benfica continues to fight for a Champions League berth. This week, it will be their most difficult challenge of this final stretch as Benfica will travel to Porto to play the Classico.
A Classico is always a Classico, and despite Porto having already wrapped up the title, there will be no laying down on their part, not to mention they will be playing in front of a sold out Dragao. Porto's fans will be looking for their team to beat Benfica and show the superiority.


Benfica is currently going through their most difficult period of the season, with losses against Academica(0-3) and Sporting(3-5) for the Portuguese Cup. This Sunday's game will undoubtedly be a test of character for some players, who have been questioned about their worth and competence to wear the "sacred mantle".

For this game Chalana has called... all of the players. Yes, Freddy Adu also.
Despite this, only 18 players will be able to suit up with 7 of them being on the bench.
David Luiz is the only player hurt, and unavailable for Chalana.
Petit is also doubtful as he has been complaining of an injury.

Here's my starting 11:

Quim in goal; Nelson, Luisao, Katsouranis and Leo in the back. Binya in the defensive midfield, Rui Costa, Rodriguez and Maxi as the top part of the diamond. Up Front, Cardozo and DiMaria.

Guimaraes tied yesterday, and it would be a perfect opportunity for Benfica to cut the 3 point gap to second place, which might be Sporting's by Sunday night.

It's hard to speculate what Benfica we will see at the Dragao, Benfica hasn't won in 3 games, and have 1 win in their last 9 outings. Will it be the Benfica that played against Boavista, or will it be the Benfica that played against Sporting?
Benfica has allowed 8(!!!) goals in their last 2 games, they will face the league's best attack, who has yet to lose at home, having only allowed 1 goal at home in domestic play.
Regardless, it is time for the players to really reach down and show who they really are. Rui Costa will play the last Classico of his career, and it's a shame that the team hasn't been able to make the Maestro's last season one to remember.
Benfica will need to win if they they are to have any hopes of reaching second place or even 3rd, which would still give them a chance to play in the Champions League, but only after playing a pre-qualifier. With a win Benfica would ascend to third, tied with Guimaraes, but with the edge on head to head match ups.

One thing is for sure, Porto will not make things easy for Benfica, and they will treat this game as if the championship depended on it.

Last round it was like this:

ZeroZero.pt Game board


How I saw it

I will be doing Live Commentary on Sunday, the game starts at 8.30pm local time, the Live Commentary will start around 8.00pm, 3.00pm if you're in the Eastern Standard Time Zone, I hope you join me.
See you then.