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Benfica vs Sporting CP Lisbon Match Preview

On the face of it the logical answer to that question is a resounding yes. Benfica are on an astonishing run of 17 consecutive victories in all competitions. Not even in the halcyon days of European glory led by Eusebio in the 1960s did the Eagles achieve such a sequence.

Sporting, on the other hand, could hardly be in a bigger mess. If they fail to beat their city neighbors they will equal the club’s worst ever run of games without a victory – eight. Having lost their president, football director and coach within the last couple of months, instability is rife at all levels of the club.

So Benfica to walk it, right? Wrong, in all likelihood. When has logic had anything to do with predicting football results, especially when talking about one the greatest local derbies in world football?

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is all too aware of the fact. “In a derby there are no favorites. It’s true that Benfica have been in better shape, but tomorrow is an important match, both for Benfica and for Sporting, because both teams want to get to the final. It’s a game that could very well decide the winner of the trophy.

“Benfica is still fighting on four fronts while for Sporting it’s the only possibility they have of winning a trophy this season. We feel it’s going to be a more difficult game than the one we played at Alvalade (league clash ten days ago which Benfica won 2-0).

“Benfica are not going to underestimate Sporting. It doesn’t matter which team is on form because tomorrow a title is up for grabs. Benfica have to play at the same level we have been recently and respect the opponent, with humility, and not ignore the quality of Sporting. We want to win and will only do so if we do all this,” concluded the Benfica boss.

Given Benfica’s hectic schedule of recent weeks, Jesus is expected to rest several of his most utilized players, one of whom being Nico Gaitan. The Argentine playmaker has been a revelation since the turn of the year but may be rested with next week’s Europa Cup match-up against PSG in mind.

Sporting will be led out onto the Estadio da Luz pitch by a new coach. Jose Couceiro takes over team affairs in the wake of Paulo Sergio’s sacking at the weekend. The former FC Porto coach says he believes Sporting’s current malaise is down to lack of confidence rather than lack of quality.

“The main issue is psychological, a question of confidence and not quality,” said Couceiro. “It’s obvious that when a team is low on confidence the quality of the squad is always brought into question, but I don’t believe this is the main issue.

“We (the coaching staff) have been working on confidence in the short time we have had with the team. I have to talk much more than I should. But any player who represents a great club like Sporting has to know how to react to adversity.”

Sporting were given a late boost with the news that influential Chilean midfielder Jaime Valdes is back in the squad after missing the last fortnight with a groin strain. However, it is not yet certain Valdes will start.

Benfica vs Sporting CP Lisbon Match Report

The Eagles have now won eighteen successive matches in all competitions. The last two victories in that remarkable run were achieved thanks to dramatic last-gasp goals.

It was Spaniard Javi Garcia who was in the right place at the right time in the 92nd minute to complete Benfica’s comeback. Helder Postiga had given Sporting an early lead, with Oscar Cardozo equalising in the first half.

As for Sporting, despite the much improved performance, the Lions have now gone eight matches without a victory, equalling an unwanted club record.

Just shy of 50,000 fans filled the stands in the Portuguese capital, creating a superb atmosphere. And while Benfica started big favourites, Sporting proved with a bright opening that in derby matches form counts for little.

Forwards Helder Postiga and Yannick Djalo were asking plenty questions of the Benfica defence, and even when Sporting captain Daniel Carrico was forced off injured it did not break Sporting’s rhythm. Jose Couceiro’s team were rewarded for their bright opening when Postiga – now captain after Carrico’s departure – headed in Matias Fernandez’s free-kick in the 21st minute. Benfica goalkeeper Roberto was not exempt from blame.

The hosts came back strongly and gradually began to push back their city rivals. When Polga grappled with Garcia in the box the referee did not hesitate and awarded the penalty. Up stepped Oscar Cardozo but his spot kick was brilliantly saved by the diving Rui Patricio.

It was only a temporary reprieve however, as from the resulting corner Cardozo rose well and sent a thumping header into the back of the net. Both sides continued to show plenty of attacking intent, but no further chances were created up to the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sporting starting brightly but Benfica progressively taking charge of proceedings. After Postiga had fired a good effort narrowly over, Cardozo and Martins both shot just off target. In the 83rd minute a goalmouth scramble seemed certain to result in a Benfica goal, but Cardozo’s header came back off the bar.

With no extra time in the Bwin Cup, neither team seemed interested in the tie being settled by penalties. An enthralling finish to the match saw Matias Fernandez clean through on goal in the 88th minute, but Roberto pulled off a fine reaction save to deny the Chilean.

The miss would prove decisive as Oscar Cardozo again made a nuisance of himself in the box and Javi Garcia was on hand to calmly hit home the winning goal. Benfica will play either Paços de Ferreira or Nacional da Madeira in the final.

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