Although several of Europe's big leagues - with the exception of the Premier League - are still on hiatus for the Christmas and ensuing holiday season, Portuguese football is back in action. Much to the joy of its legions of fans, they will be able to watch two of the league's biggest sides, Porto and Benfica in action in the Taça da Liga this Tuesday, December 29th.
Porto
Although Porto will have to "settle" for Europa League football after being dumpedo out of the Champions League group stages, the Dragons are having an absolutely fantastic season in the Primeira Liga. Not only have they won their last five leageu matches, but they are presently the only undefeated side remaining among the 18 teams in the top flight and will be coming into this Taça da Liga match having cruised to all three points in their last domestic game before the Christmas break.
Given that this is a new tournament - only established back in 2007 - there have been just three teams to lift the trophy. Unfortunately, the closest Porto have come was back during the 2010 and 2013 editions, when they had to settle for a runners-up spot after losing 3-0 to Benfica and then 1-0 to Braga. Whilst they have enjoyed a better season so far than their upcoming opponents Maritimo, this is a game that Julen Lopetegui's men will not want to take lightly. Firstly, Maritimo, despite losing their own Primeira Liga fixture recently, did make it to last season's final only to lose 2-1 to Benfica. And secondly, keeping all his players fresh will be crucial as they will have a huge clash against fellow title rivals Sporting coming up just three days after this match.
Maritimo
Meanwhile, Maritimo in tenth place with 17 points, certainly are not in danger of relegation, but have not experienced a good run of form as of late. They have lost three out of their last five league games, but are currently top of the table in Group A in the Taça da Liga after beating Feirense 4-2 back in November.Given that this stage is a round-robin format, each team plays each other twice, and with three points already in the bag, this may gave the visitors a spot of confidence as they take on the current Primeira Liga leaders on the Dragons' home turf.
After making it all the way to the final last time around, Ivo Vieira's side will surely like to have another crack at lifting the title and have experienced success against Porto - having defeated them in the latter stages of last season's tournament.
Which channel is broadcasting Porto vs Maritimo on TV or Online?
Fans of Portuguese football have options to catch this Taça da Liga clash via TV or other devices. Here are some selections for those living in these countries:
- In the USA at 13.00 EST on: NGSN USA, Premium Sports Broadband, Sport TV Americas, fuboTV
- In Portugal at 18.00 WET on: Sport TV1
- In Canada at 13.00 ET on: Sport TV Americas, Premium Sports Canada
For those who live elsewhere, check out the Porto vs Maritimo page for viewing times and options for your specific location.
Benfica
Only a handful of teams have won the Taça da Liga, and not surprisingly, it's Portuguese powerhouse Benfica who not only are the reigining champions but also have won it the most times. The Eagles have clinched this title in six out of the eight tournaments contested since its inception back in 2007 and will surely want to make it a seventh this upcoming spring.
It surely has not been easy for Rui Vitoria to fill the huge shoes left behind by legendary tactician Jorge Jesus, but fans will be happy to see their team in the last 16 of the Champions League. Although they are five points behind Porto, the Eagles nonetheless have won four out of their past quintet of matches and made sure they remained in the title race with a resounding 3-1 win over Rio Ave prio to the holiday hiatus.
With the exception of Oriental, Benfica's other two opponents in their Taça da Liga quartet also feature in the Primeira Liga. Their upcoming adversary, Nacional, currently sit in 13th place and have a poor head-to-head record against the reigning Primeira Liga champions, with just one win in their last 12 meetings across all competitions.
Nacional
Nacional, unfortunately, as noted previously do not have a good track record when it comes to facing Benfica. Three meetings across all competitions last season resulted in three losses for tomorrow's visitors, and with the exception of a 2-2 draw during the 2012/2013 Primeira Liga season one would have to go back to August 21, 2010 to see the last time the visitors were able to get the better of their hosts.
Having lost their last two games on the trot, Nacional's confidence will be pretty low, but nonetheless, given that each team play each other twice, they do have a chance at staging what would be an impressive (and highly unlikely) upset. Benfica, naturally, are viewed as the heavy favorites to take all three points, but Eagles supporters, wanting to see their team win at least one title this season, will expect their squad not to take this first game too lightly.
Which channel is broadcasting Benfica vs Nacional on TV or Online?
After the Porto vs. Maritimo game, Benfica followers in the countries listed below can watch their team take on Nacional in the Taça da Liga on the following channels:
- In the USA at 14.45 EST on: NGSN USA, Premium Sports Broadband, fuboTV
- In Portugal at 19.45 WET on: TVI
- In Canada at 14.45 ET on: Premium Sports Canada
Live elsewere? Check the Benfica vs. Nacional broadcast page to see if there are some viewing times and options for wherever you call home.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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