A Una Seguros League Series A ends this Saturday and, although there is no longer anything to decide regarding qualification for the Elite Division, there is another big event on the agenda: the eternal derby between Sporting and Benfica.
In what is the last round of this second stage of the national championship, Lisbon’s rivals already have a guaranteed presence in the Elite and defined positions. Still, on the Leo side, there is certainly a poorly digested record that João Coelho wants to improve… Since March 2021 – there are precisely 17 games – that Sporting cannot beat Benfica.
Thus, even though the opponents are already defined in the next phase – Benfica will face AA Espinho (4th) and Sporting Leixões (3rd) -, a derby always takes on special contours: if on one side Sporting wants to break a record which is starting to be quite significant, on Benfica’s side, the Eagles want to remain invincible in national competitions.
Voice of the protagonists:
João Coelho, Sporting coach: «It’s to continue to grow, it’s to win, whatever the circumstances in specific terms. We approached this game like a final, now everyone will be like that. We have things to improve and mature in terms of the game as well. The opponent has some characteristics that are difficult to combat, which is why they haven’t lost this season yet, but we want to maintain our very own identity, continue to grow and show signs that we are increasingly prepared to win these types of games. That’s what we’re going to try to do on Saturday.”
Pearson Eshenko, Benfica player: «Let’s take the game seriously. We will give everything on the field and hope to be able to end this game with another victory».
