O Classico

 

 

 

As important as The Lisbon Derby is for Benfica fans, this weekends Classico at the Luz against Porto is even more important because both head-to-head matches will determine the outcome of this season's champion. In the past seasons, Benfica was threatened by both Porto and Sporting however, as we have noticed this season Sporting are in shambles. This does not mean that Porto is the only threat to a very confident SLB. (We always have a hard time against Academica and Braga is not an easy team either. )

There is a lot at stake in this Sundays Classico. Regardless of the final outcome, someone will drop in points. Ideally a tie would mean both teams remain in first place but the 2 points potentially lost may make a difference towards the end of the season.

According to the statistics in the last ten years Benfica have played Porto 23 times in all competitions. Benfica have won 5 times (3 times at home) tied 6 times (3 at home) and lost 12 times (6 times at home). Since this game is at luz the odds of them winning are slightly greater then losing or ending in a tie.

 

It was only since 1994 that FC Porto began dominating the Portuguese League. (Part of this was because of Benfica's financial situation) Statistics show the following:

International Competition

FC Porto -  SL Benfica
European Champion Clubs' Cup / UEFA Champions League 2 -  2
Intercontinental Cup 2 -
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup / UEFA Cup / Europe League 2 -
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup - -
UEFA Super Cup 1 -

National Competition

FC Porto -  SL Benfica
Portuguese Championships 26 -  32
Championship of Portugal/Portuguese Cup 20 -  27
Portuguese League Cup - 4
Portuguese SuperCup 19 -  4

Total: FC Porto  72 - SL Benfica 69

Porto has excelled in the Portuguese Super Cup which although is still silverware, is not as impressive as 32 Portuguese Championships and 2 back to back UEFA champions league.

In December of 2007 I witnessed the Classico in person at the luz. A few of us went over and had a "Soccer Week." A week in which I will always remember for the rest of my life. It was that week in which I went from becoming a Benfica fan to becoming a passionate Benfica fan. I was fortunate to see Benfica draw 1-1 to AC Milan in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. We traveled to the Braga stadium to witness one of our Benfica heroes João Pinto play with Braga against Bayern Munich in the Europa League. Although all of that was spectacular the main purpose of our trip as was to watch the Classico.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEMQtwIwBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Drm34oPusLYE&ei=23bvUIPAC-Ol2AW0x4G4BA&usg=AFQjCNGiPIBrdrjDF-ASuV1LSy5d5PZMDQ&sig2=JNUN0GPuJ3JOviU6qqwD-Q
 

The intensity of the 60,000 + at the Luz was incredible. 5,000 Porto fans were at the game and at times they cheered louder then the Benfica fans especially in the 41' when Quaresma scored the only goal in the game. Porto were victorious this day at Luz 1-0. Fights broke out, the GNR were there to calm the crowd with batons. As we left the Benfica Megastore there were 3 of us and 5,000 Porto fans headed our way. The GNR immediately told us to leave and directed us out of the sea of blue. We knew that if that angry mob of blue got a hold us that we probably would not make it out alive.

Was it worth it? You better believe it and I will do it again someday.Here was the match lineups and information regarding that game.

http://www.planetbenfica.co.uk/news.php?item.204.1

My prediction; Benfica is confident and are still undefeated this season. Porto will lose points this weekend as Benfica will be victorious 2-1 with goals from Cardozo and Lima.

I wish JJ will play a 4-2-2-2

Artur, Maxi, Luisão, Garay, Luisinho (more likely Melgarejo) Matic, Gomes or Enzo complementing Matic, Salvio, John on wings ( Gaitan also looking good, don't know about Nolito) Cardozo, Lima and at some point Aimar will show up.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX3Rj-pm-tA