Game week 30 in Liga Zon Sagres, Porto travelled to Sporting Lisbon, and Benfica travelled to Beira Mar in what turned out to be an interesting weekend in the Zon Sagres Title Race.
Porto were in fine form and still unbeaten in the league going into the game at the Alavalade, many had them odds on to get a win against a very young Sporting side. Porto began the game in typical fashion; all out attacking and being dominant, but were unable to find a way past a stubborn Sporting back line who were as determined as ever to not concede. As half time approached, Porto began to get frustrated which was allowing Sporting into the game. In the first half, Porto had plenty of chances to score the opening goal of the game, Jackson Martinez had a few chances but was unable to take them due to Sporting’s sheer determination at the back.
Into the second half, Sporting came out with a lot more confidence, which showed from their play. Young players including Bangna Bruma, Rick van Wolfswinkel and Eric Dier grew in confidence and began to see more of the ball throughout the half. Ricky van Wolfswinkel probably had the best chance of the game which he failed to convert, and was on a few occasions, let in by Bruma and Dier. Porto still had their chances in the half, but neither side was able to take them and the game finished 0-0. This saw Porto drop a crucial 2 points in the title race, some would say for this struggling Sporting side, it was 1 point gained in a difficult season.
With Jesualdo continuing to nurture these Sporting youngsters, time can only tell how good they can become and the next game will show just how much confidence and how many positives they will take from this hard thought, yet deserved draw with the experienced Porto side.
The day later, Benfica played against Beira Mar, and the Lisbon side were ahead inside the first 15 minutes thanks to an Oscar Cardozo penalty. During the full 90 minutes, Benfica just pushed and dominated and had the majority of the chances. Beira Mar did threaten the Benfica goal at time during the match, and although Benfica were dominated they didn’t have it all their own way as Beira Mar had a wave of attacks in the final 15 minutes. This made the manager and fans of Benfica nervous as they felt their side would blow it and not take advantage of Porto’s slip up at Sporting. They all thought Benfica wouldn’t defend their lead and 3 very important points would slip from their grasp.
BUT, they didn’t as Benfica held out for the all important win which sent them 2 points clear of Porto at the top of the Zon Sagres table. The title race took a huge twist over the weekend and you just wonder how this will affect both sets of teams going into the last 9 games. The 2 play each other on May 12th, it will be a highly anticipated game in Portugal and one that will more or less decide the Zon Sagres title’s destination for the next 12 months.
Will it be Porto OR will it be Benfica who claim the title this season ?
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