For those who enjoy Portuguese football, the highly-anticipated "O Classico" has arrived at the perfect time. Both Benfica and Porto will be coming into the first big clash of the 2015/2016 season following an eventful past week both in domestic and continental affairs.
Benfica
Last season, the Águias (Eagles) edged out arch-rivals Porto to clinch their record-breaking 34th league title. However, this summer saw the departure of popular and successful manager Jorge Jesus to Sporting and Rui Vitoria arrive in his stead. The hosts did hit a slight snag when they lost 1-0 to a high-flying Arouca side on the road on matchday two, but since then, they have been in absolute imperious form.
A hard-fought 3-2 win over Moreirense was followed by a 6-0 hammering of Belenenses. Jonas, who was nominated as the league's best player and finished second in the scoring charts with an impressive 20 goals, was again the star of the show last Friday. The Brazilian attacker grabbed a brace, assisted two more and looks like he is developing a good understanding with veteran Greek international Konstantinos Mitroglou, who also earned himself a goal for his efforts.
With a 2-0 victory over Champions League debutants Astana - courtesy of goals from Nico Gaitan and Mitroglou - Benfica have outscored their opponents by eight to nil. Of course, this will be seriously tested when they make the trip to Porto's home ground, especially given how their opponents have also started off the season on a good note.
In their two meetings last term, Benfica defeated Porto on the road in December, but were unable to match that same success in the home fixture this past April.
Porto
Although talismanic attacker Jackson Martinez, who was last season's top marksman has now departed for Atletico Madrid, Julen Lopetegui's men have nonetheless made a great start to this season thanks to the rise of young striker Vincent Aboubakar. The Cameroonian international has netted four goals in the league alone and given that he has scored in all but one of his side's four games, the 23-year-old will be one that Benfica's defenders will have to keep their eyes on.
With the exception of a frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Maritimo, the Dragões (Dragons) have been largely untroubled. They will be disappointed to have conceded late in their Champions League clash with Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev - in which the in-form Aboubakar grabbed a brace - but it is oftentimes not easy for visiting sides to have to play in Ukraine. Moreover, a draw is certainly better than a loss and thanks to Aboubakar's two goals, Porto have two vital away goals in hand.
Given that they lost this same fixture last season in their own stadium, Porto will definitely have extra incentive to strike first in the first of the two derby clashes of this season. The last time they got the better of familiar opponents Benfica was back in May 2014, when the Dragons were able to slay the Eagles 2-1.
Despite it being early in the season, both sides will be gunning for all three points. For the hosts, who sit on top of Sporting on goal difference and just one point ahead of Benfica, a win would not only earn them first bragging rights but also widen the gap to a slightly more comfortable four points. Meanwhile, for the visitors, victory would take them to the top of the table.
If you're a Primeira Liga fan, this is arguably one of the biggest matches of the season. And to ensure you do not miss out, LiveSoccerTV's got you covered. Make sure you bookmark our special Porto vs. Benfica match page to find specific viewing options and times for your current location.
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