Benfica aim to spoil Sporting party
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Article summary
Sunday's Lisbon derby at the José Alvalade stadium could make or break either team's season.
Article body
All to play for
A Sporting win will keep them on course for their second 1. Liga title in three years, while Benfica hope to stay in touch with FC Porto in the race for third place and UEFA Cup football. Last term was the first in the Eagles' 98-year history that they did not qualify for Europe.
Vital Lisbon win
Sporting have a three-point lead over champions Boavista FC. If the sides are level on points at the season's end, Sporting will be crowned champions thanks to their victory over Boavista in Lisbon earlier in the campaign. Of the two, Laszlo Bölöni's team have the easier run-in, travelling to Vitória Setúbal before signing off with a home game against relegation-threatened SC Beira Mar. Awaiting Boavista are Varzim SC in Porto, Benfica at the Da Luz stadium, then Setúbal back at the Bessa.
In Benfica's hands
So Benfica are likely to have their say in the destination of the title as they themselves look to pip Porto to third spot. The sides are currently locked on 59 points.
One to watch
Sporting start as favourites on Sunday with ex-Benfica player João Pinto linking up with Europe's leading scorer, Mário Jardel. Surprisingly, the Brazilian's 37 goals were not enough to earn him a place in his national squad for the midweek friendly with Portugal. The visitors will rely on the attacking talents of Africa's young player of the year, Pedro Mantorras, and the Lithuanian Edgaras Jankauskas.
'Motivates the supporters'
Benfica will not want for motivation, however. President Manuel Vilarinho has informed his squad of the consequences of failing to reach the UEFA Cup. "A UEFA Cup spot is important because it motivates the supporters and leads to good financial prospects," he said.
'I will support Benfica'
Meanwhile, Benfica's injured winger Simão Sabrosa, who began his career with Sporting before moving to FC Barcelona, has stoked the fires this week claiming that: "I will support Benfica as it is the club I play for and it would be even better if Benfica could take the title away from Sporting in the Alvalade stadium."
