Benfica-Sporting: More than one semi-final will be played

The two Lisbon rivals play the first of two consecutive derbies, with this one defining the first finalist of the Portuguese Cup

Benfica hosts Sporting tonight, at 8:45 pm, in the final match that will define the first finalist of the 2023/24 Portuguese Cup. The lions have an advantage, after defeating the eagles 2-1, in Alvalade, but they know that anything other than total focus could result in an Easter disappointment for Rúben Amorim’s team.

It is the third meeting this season between the two Lisbon rivals. Benfica came out on top in the first round of the League, with two goals in stoppage time, and at the time overtook the green and whites at the top of the championship. However, the Eagles would allow themselves to draw in the following round, against Moreirense, resulting in the loss of first place.

Regarding the Portuguese Cup, it will be the 39th time that the two clubs have faced each other, with some advantage for Sporting, who defeated Benfica on 20 occasions. The eagles smiled 16 times, with both teams recording four draws.

The last time they met in the Cup, the Lions eliminated the Reds in the 2018/2019 semi-final, having become champions after beating FC Porto in the final.

João Pinheiro is chosen to referee the match, and will have Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia as assistant referees, with Fábio Veríssimo as fourth referee. Hugo Miguel and Pedro Martins complete the refereeing team, with VAR/AVAR duties.

It is a Benfica team present on three fronts that takes to the pitch today, and knows that, if the night doesn’t go well, there will be one less title available for Roger Schmidt’s team.

With the end of the season approaching, the Eagles are still without a starting eleven, and fans continue to protest the poor performances. However, the results have been showing, with Benfica recording just three defeats in national competitions since the start of the season. After losing two games in a row against their two main rivals, the Reds recorded a draw (against Rangers) and four wins, which earned them passage to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and a secure (but somewhat lacking) second place. place in the championship.

There is an expectation to understand who will start the game from the start: Roger Schmidt did not open the game on the chosen forward, but, after using a mobile attack in the first leg — in which Rafa was the most advanced man, with Kokçu in support — a more classic approach is expected in Luz, with a reference striker.

The midfield can also raise doubts: if João Neves has been indisputable in the center, his partner has varied. Florentino has been the chosen one in recent matches, and offers greater defensive solidity; Kokçu has more access to the area, but, despite peace being made with the German coach, he should start from the bench.

Benfica midfielder stands out when under pressure and reacting to loss, one of the team’s problems this season

Probable eleven: Trubin; Alexander Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes; João Neves, Florentino; Di María, Rafa, João Mário, Arthur Cabral.

Injured: Tiago Gouveia.

The figure: Di Maria. Although he missed a penalty in the last match, it was his feet that assisted João Neves’ goal. The Argentine doesn’t know how to play badly, and fans can always count on the magic of El Fideowhether with a goal, an assist or a simple dribble that lifts the stadium.

What Roger Schmidt, Benfica coach, said: «The big difference is that we play at home. The second big difference is that it is a decisive game, it is the second leg of the semi-final and tomorrow will be decisive to know who goes to the final. It’s all very clear. We have 90 minutes to play good football and turn the result around, that’s what we have to do. We have a lot of motivation to reach the Cup final, we have already shown this in previous qualifiers and now it is up to us to play a top game in our stadium, against a very good team, and show that we deserve to be in the final.”

Although they play away, it would not be unreasonable to consider that Sporting enters this match as favorites. The lions are leaders in the championship with one game less and won the first leg of the semi-final, having, that night, achieved a portentous performance that barely allowed the eagle to breathe, let alone take flight.

Rúben Amorim’s team has been playing chocolate football, decimating most of the opponents they meet, having lost just two matches in 2024: first against SC Braga in the semi-final of the League Cup and, more recently, against Atalanta, in Italy, which led to the Lions’ exit from the Europa League. Outside of the two competitions mentioned, the green and whites want to lift the two trophies they still compete for, being able to deliver the two final blows to their red rivals this week.

Daniel Bragança was captain in Sporting’s last game, against Estrela da Amadora, and Rúben Amorim gave him plenty of praise when previewing the derby. There will be expectations to see if the Portuguese midfielder will be able to start from the start, relegating Morita or Hjulmand to the bench. Coates is also back, after being left out in the last League game due to gastroenteritis.

Rúben Amorim also addressed Liverpool’s alleged interest in signing him. If they beat Benfica and lift the trophy at the end of the season, can the Portuguese coach start packing his bags?

Green and white coach at press conference

Probable eleven: Franco Israel; Diomande, Coates, Gonçalo Inácio; Geny Catamo, Morita, Hjulmand, Nuno Santos; Francisco Trincão, Gyokeres, Paulinho.

Injured: Antonio Adán, Pedro Gonçalves.

The figure: Gyokeres. Words don’t do justice to the time the Swedish striker is having with the Lions. The Nordic tank continues with 36 goals and 13 assists, numbers at the level of predestined. If Benfica is unable to cancel out the striker’s play, Sporting will always be closer to victory and qualification for the final.

What Rúben Amorim, Sporting coach, said: “We have a one-goal lead in a two-game tie and it allows us to always be in the game. I don’t want the players to think about it, but as the tie progresses, it’s an advantage. I expect Benfica in the same way. Clubs in these games always have to win and go after their opponents. We are prepared and I think we can be even better.”