The Taça da Liga is one of the newest cup tournaments in Europe - having only been created in the 2007/2008 season - and there is one side who have enjoyed the most success so far. Benfica currently are not only the reigning title holders, but also have won it in six out of the eight tournaments contested thus far. Only Braga and Vitoria de Setubal have managed to break their hold on the winners' podium, and now, there are a total of 16 sides all battling for a chance to make it to the final this April.
Four of them, Oriental de Lisboa, Benfica, Portimonense, and Sporting CP will all be in action later today.
Oriental de Lisboa
The hosts, who ply their trade in Portuguese football's second division, will be coming into this match having drawn their last league game. In terms of the Taça da Liga, João Barbosa's side are bottom of Group B after being defeated 4-2 by Moreirense on December 29th and will face a tough test against Benfica later today, whom they are facing for the first time in over a decade in any competition.
The last time Oriental de Lisboa and Benfica met, it was back on October 27, 2004 in a Taça da Portugal clash that finished as a 3-1 win in favor of the reigning Primeira Liga champions. In fact, in their 18 meetings dating back to October 6, 1946, Oriental de Lisboa have never beaten Benfica and have only managed to avoid defeat on four occasions.
Benfica
Meanwhile, Benfica closed the gap on top-placed Sporting CP with a hard fought win against Estoril over the weekend to remain in second and behind just by two points. Rui Vitoria's side also are in second place in their Taça da Liga quartet, level with Moreirense on points but behind on goal difference after narrowly beating Nacional 1-0 late last December. Benfica nonetheless are viewed as the overwhelming favorites to take all three points in this fixture, having beaten Oriental de Lisboa in 14 out of their 18 past games. It will also be an interesting reunion for João Barbosa and Rui Vitoria, who worked together whilst managing Benfica's youth sides over a decade ago.
Given that one side finished as champions of the Primeira Liga whilst the was in the bottom half of the second tier last season, this match has all the makings of a one-sided, David-versus-Goliath type of clash. Still, as has been seen in other leagues, cup ties are where small clubs like to shine and upsets have occurred, so indeed, anything is possible.
Which channel is broadcasting Oriental de Lisboa vs Benfica on TV or Online?
If you are a Portuguese football fan and able to catch this game live, great, but if not, LiveSoccerTV.com has plenty of options to view it from your TV, computer, phone, or tablet. Here are some selections for the folllowing countries:
- In the USA at 10.00 EST on: NGSN USA, Premium Sports Broadband, Sport TV Americas, fuboTV
- In Portugal at 15.00 WET on: Sport TV1
- In Canada at 10.00 ET on: Sport TV Americas, Premium Sports Canada
Live elsewhere? Check out the Oriental de Lisboa vs Benfica match page to see viewing options and times for wherever you call home.
Portimonense
Second-division side Portimonense are currently on a four match winning streak across all competitions, including three wins on the trot in the league and sit sixth with 42 points from their first 25 games. The hosts also enjoyed success in their opening Taça da Liga match, cruising to a comfortable win over Arouca to find themselves on top of their quartet.
However, they will be missing quite a few players due to injury and suspension. One key man the hosts will surely miss is attacking midfielder André Carvalhas, who netted a hat-trick during their rout of Arouca, but will not be able to feature after being ejected in his team's game this past weekend. Portimonense and Sporting CP are no strangers to each other; the two have met on 15 occasions prior to today's game, with four wins for Portimonense, six victories for Sporting CP, and five stalemates.
Sporting CP
Sporting CP will come into this match having drawn their most recent Primeira Liga game 2-2 versus Tondela. In terms of the Taça da Liga, the Lions earned maximum points in their clash versus Paços de Ferreira but sit second in group C after their upcoming opponents, Portimonense beat Arouca 4-1 to top the quartet on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP boss Jorge Jesus admitted that new signing Marvin Zeegelaar will make his official debut in their Taça da Liga clash later today. However, as to where he will be used will be interesting to see; the 25-year-old Dutch player, bought from Rio Ave for a reported €400.000, is quite versatile and can be deployed as a left-back or midfielder.
Which channel is broadcasting Portimonense vs Sporting CP on TV or Online?
Able to view this game live in person? Good for you. If not, LiveSoccerTV.com has you covered with options to watch from your TV, phone, tablet, or computer. Here are some choices for those who live in these countries:
- In the US at 14.45 EST on: NGSN USA
- In Portugal at 19.45 WET on: TVI, Sport TV1
Live somewhere else? Check out the Portimonense vs Sporting CP match page to see if there are some viewing options for wherever you are currently based.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
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