Uniao da Madeira - Benfica
The reigning Primeira Liga champions gave their legions of fans something to smile about earlier this week as they defeated Atletico Madrid on the road to make it two wins in two in their group stage Champions League. Prior to the victory over the Rojiblancos, Benfica did not have a good track record against Spanish opponents. Additionally, with Diego Simeone's side in a good vein of form, the general feeling was that Atletico would have the slightly needed edge in order to overcome Rui Vitoria's squad. Well, with top spot and six points in the bag, the Eagles will now turn their attention to defending their league crown and making their way up the table.
Fortunately, after their tough continental match, Benfica have been given a bit of a breather in their upcoming domestic clash. Uniao da Madeira, who will be hosting the 34-time league title winners, are one of two newly promoted teams from the second division. As such, this should represent the perfect chance for the visitors to cruise to all three points before the Primeira Liga halts for the international hiatus.
Porto - Belenenses
Meanwhile, fellow title rivals Porto also had a good result in midweek, defeating Chelsea 2-1 at home. Like Benfica, who really had to dig deep against Atletico Madrid, Porto had to fight tooth and nail against the Blues to earn a hard-fought three points in front of their fans. But it was all worth it for the team, and especially Iker Casillas, who was facing former manager Jose Mourinho for the first time in a competitive fixture. Domestically, the Dragons have also done very well, with the bragging rights in the first edition of this season's "O Classico" going to them after downing Benfica 1-0.
Although they stumbled to a draw against current relegation candidates Moreirense, their superior goal differential keeps them ahead of Sporting, who are also on 14 points from their first six games. Unlike Benfica, Porto have yet to lose a match in domestic play this season, but Belenenses could possibly pose a tricky test. Although the visitors will be coming into this game having being humiliated 4-0 by Fiorentina in Europa League action, they finished in a decent sixth last season.
Sporting - Vitoria de Guimaraes
Finally, the other member of the "Big Three", Sporting, will welcome Vitoria de Guimaraes. The Lions, now with former Benfica coach Jorge Jesus at the helm, still continue to struggle in European competition and are still seeking their first win in the Europa League. However, domestically, they have done quite well as they seek to overthrow Benfica and Porto's dominance of the league title and currently sit second behind Porto only on goal difference.
Sporting have an excellent opportunity to head into the international break as league leaders - provided that they can defeat their upcoming opponents and Porto are held to a draw or loss. Meanwhile, Vitoria de Guimaraes have just one win in their opening six games, sit in 15th place, and will be heading into this game having lost their most recent match against Sporting Braga.
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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