Although nearly 30 points divided Sporting, who finished in third place with 76 points from Paços de Ferreira, whose 47 point haul earned them an eighth placed spot, neither side were able to find a way past each other during the 2014/2015 Primeira Liga campaign. Not surprisingly, historically the Leões (Lions) hold the head-to-head advantage over the Castores (Beavers), with 17 wins, six draws, and eight losses from their 31 matches played since December 17, 2000 across all competitions.
However, last season, this Saturday's hosts had to settle for two one-all stalemates both at home and on the road. Still, one does not have to go too far back to find their most recent win over their visitors, which occurred on December 1, 2013 when they crushed them 4-0.
Both Sporting and Paços de Ferreira began their 2015/2016 seasons on the best footing possible: with all three points in the bag following wins over Tondela and Academica. Yet, although Jorge Jesus's men managed to overpower their opponents to earn a 2-1 result, it did not come easy. Many had predicted that Sporting, as one of Portugal's "Big Three" would have no trouble seeing off Tondela, who are featuring in Portuguese football's top tier for the first time ever in their history.
Well, Sporting fans and general Primeira Liga followers were in for an interesting match this past Friday. Instead of being the one-sided mauling that most had expected, Tondela put up a brave fight and gave their opponents quite a scare when they equalized in the second half. Fortunately for Jorge Jesus, who recently defeated his ex-club Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, his squad were able to snatch a last-gasp winner with literally the last action of the match to keep pace with title rivals Benfica and Porto at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Paços de Ferreira managed to grind out all three points after finally overcoming a resolute Academica side in an ill-tempered affair that left both teams with ten men on the pitch, courtesy of a late goal from Roniel in the first 45. It was a brilliant way to mark his debut in the top flight for the 21-year-old Brazilian international, who is currently on loan from Porto's reserves. Like Sporting, the visitors also have a new man on the bench, with Jorge Simão having taken over this past June.
Given that his side narrowly missed out a shot at European football last season, the former midfielder will obviously want to build some positive momentum as quickly as feasible. However, they will be taking on a team with a manager who is the most decorated Portuguese coach of all time, with an impressive 12 titles already to his name.
Matchday one of the 2015/2016 Primeira Liga brought plenty of surprises and entertainment for Portuguese football fans. And matchday two certainly will not be any different. Only one team will be able to make it two wins in two this Saturday. Will it be Sporting? Or will Paços de Ferreira beat them at home for the first time since January 5, 2013?
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