Benfica will pay a visit to the Estadio Cidade de Coimbra on Sunday to take on Academica de Coimbra. Two clubs with very different goals, but the victory will be all that matters.
Academica, or as some would say, Os Estudantes is one of Portugal's oldest sport's institutions. Having been founded in 1876, A Briosa has searched long and hard for a top level title, but the closest they came was a 2nd place finish back in the 1966-67 season.
As of late, Academica has been an up and down club, struggling to find consistency in their play as well as results. Finishing 13th in the final standings was overshadowed by claiming the Taca de Portugal, which was only the second in their history. The first one came in the 1938-39 campaign when they defeated Benfica 4-3.
When these two clubs meet, it is normally a heated affair. Last season Benfica left Coimbra with a scoreless draw and a number of complaints. In the middle of a title race with rivals Porto, one point away to Academica was just another step backwards for the Aguias.
Heading into the match this weekend, Benfica finds themselves in first place with seven points from a possible nine. Academica is currently in ninth place, with three draws in their first three matches of the new season.
A mid-week draw in Scotland against Celtic will have the Benfica players somewhat confident but also fatigued. They had to play without right back Maxi Pereira and Luisao, while they are still trying to adjust to the departures of Axel Witsel and Javi Garcia.
In the Europa League, Academica let a 0-1 lead slip away against Plzen, having been defeated 3-1 in their first match in the competition.
Without a victory in the Portuguese League thus far, Academica will be under pressure to perform on Sunday. Going up against Benfica should provide their squad with enough confidence and ambition to take it to the Lisbon side.
From their last six meetings, Academica has only defeated the Aguias once, and that was a 1-2 victory at the Estadio da Luz in 2010. Since 2009, Academica has been outscored 13 to 5 with one win, one draw and four losses.
Fans can expect an exciting match that should provide some eye catching plays here and there. Academica will be sure to not allow Benfica to much space, while Jorge Jesus' side will be looking to make quick business of the Briosa. A defeat for Academica could really put Pedro Emanuel's position in jeopardy which would be the last thing they need after a win-less start to the season.
As of late, Academica has been an up and down club, struggling to find consistency in their play as well as results. Finishing 13th in the final standings was overshadowed by claiming the Taca de Portugal, which was only the second in their history. The first one came in the 1938-39 campaign when they defeated Benfica 4-3.
When these two clubs meet, it is normally a heated affair. Last season Benfica left Coimbra with a scoreless draw and a number of complaints. In the middle of a title race with rivals Porto, one point away to Academica was just another step backwards for the Aguias.
Heading into the match this weekend, Benfica finds themselves in first place with seven points from a possible nine. Academica is currently in ninth place, with three draws in their first three matches of the new season.
A mid-week draw in Scotland against Celtic will have the Benfica players somewhat confident but also fatigued. They had to play without right back Maxi Pereira and Luisao, while they are still trying to adjust to the departures of Axel Witsel and Javi Garcia.
In the Europa League, Academica let a 0-1 lead slip away against Plzen, having been defeated 3-1 in their first match in the competition.
Without a victory in the Portuguese League thus far, Academica will be under pressure to perform on Sunday. Going up against Benfica should provide their squad with enough confidence and ambition to take it to the Lisbon side.
From their last six meetings, Academica has only defeated the Aguias once, and that was a 1-2 victory at the Estadio da Luz in 2010. Since 2009, Academica has been outscored 13 to 5 with one win, one draw and four losses.
Fans can expect an exciting match that should provide some eye catching plays here and there. Academica will be sure to not allow Benfica to much space, while Jorge Jesus' side will be looking to make quick business of the Briosa. A defeat for Academica could really put Pedro Emanuel's position in jeopardy which would be the last thing they need after a win-less start to the season.
