O Clássico preview: Benfica look to end Porto's title hopes in Thursday's Estádio da Luz clash

May 6, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Benfica, Porto, Primeira Liga

The Eagles will host the Dragons in the latest edition of their bitter rivalry. Here's a preview of Thursday's highly-anticipated showdown.

Benfica vs Porto – preview

O Classico is here! Portuguese giants Benfica and Porto are gearing up to do battle on Thursday, with the Eagles aiming to end their bitter rivals' title chase. Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica is the venue for this 12:30 p.m. ET showdown as fans eagerly await to see who will come away with the bragging rights.

A look at the Primeira Liga table will show you that Sporting CP are running away with the title. The Lisbon giants have not lost a single domestic fixture this entire season and as a result, second-placed Porto find themselves trailing the Lions by a whopping nine points.

The league leaders have played a game extra, meaning victory over Benfica would see the Dragons slash that lead to six points. However, failure to win would leave them with an eight, or worse, nine-point disadvantage with only three fixtures left in the campaign. In other words, Sergio Conceicao's side must triumph or their title push will be over.

Porto had fought their way back, coming within four points of the table-toppers after going on a seven-game winning streak. However, a disappointing 1-1 draw with Moreirense late last month set them back, and while Pepe and Co. returned to winning ways last weekend, beating Famalicao 3-2 on Friday, that April 26 stalemate looks to have cost them their late title surge.

Benfica, on the other hand, stand no change of winning a 38th Primeira Liga trophy due to the 13-point deficit. However, what the Eagles can achieve is catching up with Porto, and possibly, overtaking their bitter rivals. Only four points separate the hosts from their second-placed opponents, meaning victory would see them move within a point of Sergio Conceicao's side.

Jorge Jesus' men head into this tie on the back of excellent form, having won their last three matches in a row and having lost only once in their last 10 league fixtures. Benfica will be keen on earning automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage and in order to do that, they must secure the second spot. Victory over Porto would go a long way in doing that.

Team news

Benfica: Adel Taarabt and forard Darwin Nune are expected to miss this game. Jardel, Andre Almeida, and Andreas Samaris also remain on the sidelines. However, Otamendi is back from suspension while Julian Weigl is also expected to return to the lineup.

Porto: Corona is a doubt while Ivan Marcano remains on the sidelines. Furthermore, Pepe is back from suspension, which is a huge boost for the visitors.