Porto shocked the world last week, when their performance against Bayern Munich ended up with a 3-1 victory at Estadio Do Dragao. This week, Julen Lopetegui's side was brought back to reality with a shocking 6-1 loss against the German champions, and that loss may have left a wound not ready to be healed. The Dragons need to recover from their disappointing loss last Tuesday to focus on the only title they are still fighting for: The Portuguese Primeira Liga. With the return of their backs, Danilo and Alex Sandro, Porto will desperately need to win against league leading Benfica in order to stand a chance for silverware. Here are the key elements for them to even their total points with The Eagles.
1. Porto's strong defense
The Dragons have kept a clean sheet in 9 of their most recent 11 games, even with a "B" squad as the one that faced Academica last week. Even if Bayern exposed their defensive flaws last Tuesday, it is true that Benfica's strikers cannot be compared to Thomas Müller, Robert Lewandowski & Co, and with the return of Danilo and Alex Sandro (who missed the game against the Bavarians after being booked), The Dragons might have a chance to cancel the league leaders' strikers. In fact, Porto is the team with the least goals allowed in the Portuguese top-flight, and if they can manage to keep their goal intact, their chances of an upset will increase.
Martins Indi will also have a major role in the game's outcome, with his set pieces ability being crucial for The Dragons.
2. Jackson Martinez's goal scoring skills
The Colombian striker was the only one who stood strong against Bayern during Tuesday's game, and his skills will be much needed to get the result the Dragons need. His 17 goals in 24 games speak for themselves, and with the help of Yacine Brahimi clearing the way, Benfica will have a hard time stopping the 28-year old. Martinez needs to make his presence felt on the pitch, since the tie-breaker states that the first criteria to determine who will be crowned as champions will be the team with the best goal difference between the sides involved. Right now, Benfica hold a 2-0 advantage, so Martinez's help will be appreciated by Lopetegui.
Primeira Liga's top scorer will be heavily guarded by Benfica's defenders.
3. Casemiro and Hector Herrera have to balance the team
The Brazilian player, on loan from Real Madrid, is one of the key player's for Lopetegui's team. His drive, his ball handling skills and his hard-hitting legs have made many experts wonder how in the world Carlo Ancelotti agreed to let him go. Casemiro's display this season has been superb, and he has proven to be one of the best in the business as a defensive midfielder.
Mexican Hector Herrera will also be an asset for Porto's display on Sunday. "The Fox" as he is known in his home country, has been quite useful for Lopetegui, since he can adapt to any midfield position his coach needs. His skills have even been praised by Bayern's coach Pep Guardiola, and even if he doesn't score a lot (only three Primeira Liga goals for him this season) his involvement in the team's creative process is an asset that could be key for the Dragons' victory.
Herrera and Casemiro, Lopetegui's generals in Porto's midfield.
In order to make it a much tighter race until the end of the season, Porto must try to forget the recent stats when facing Benfica at Estadio Da Luz. Out of their six previous meetings, Porto has only been able to win two games, losing three times and drawing one. Their most recent win goes back to the year 2012, and if they want to keep their title hopes alive, they will need to win this game no matter what happens.
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