Sporting tied the League final (1-1). On Thursday afternoon, and after three hours, the lions received and beat Benfica, by 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 23-25 and 15-11). In an always balanced encounter, João Coelho’s men blocked the derby at the start, but only sealed the triumph in the “black”.
Remember, here, the game film.
The outcome of the opening set was designed by Wagner Silva and Galabov, who were decisive in stopping the Eagles and accumulating points. Even though they started better, Sporting were – momentarily – held back by Lucas França and Eshenko.
In any case, the consistency of the hosts proved decisive. Credit to the leader of the lions, João Coelho, who chose surgical moments to stop the clock and fine-tune strategies.
The principle of Benfica’s reaction
Galvanized, the hosts built six-point leads, with Van Berkel, Thiago Barthe, Galabov and Wagner in evidence. However, Eshenko and Lucas França’s responses allowed Benfica to restore equality (16-16), taking advantage of the lions’ permeability in the net.
In a somewhat nervous end to the set, Sporting suffered, but regained control of the derby, sealing the lead at 25-23.
The victory of the second set increased the celebration at Pavilhão João Rocha, with many fans believing that the victory in the match was close.
The eagle on the top millstone
After a superb recovery, Marcel Matz’s men took advantage of the momentum for the third set. In a match worthy of four-time national champions, the Eagles went 0-3 and 0-4 – which culminated in 2-7 – before extending their advantage to six points.
Sporting’s reaction followed, sponsored by the Czech Galabov, which contributed to the draw at 23 points. But the lions were not in the clear. Erratic in their services, they offered successive advantages to their rivals, who did not respond.
As such, Benfica won the third set, 23-25 (2-1).
Sporting under pressure
In the fourth set, the game was more psychological than tactical or technical. Pablo Natan and Vítor Casas galvanized the Eagles to a promising lead. If the first was decisive in the attack, the second stood out. And not just because of the alternative equipment. This is because Benfica’s number 7 raised spirits on the field and in the stands, affecting his fans.
Thus, Benfica took a look at the second set, extending the lead to 20-22. At that moment, Wagner Silva rose again to achieve the turnaround (23-22). In any case, the Eagles remained consistent and won another set, once again by 23-25 (2-2).
Unlike the first round of this final, it was necessary to resort to the decisive set. The euphoria of the leonine hosts gave way to apprehension.
The lions’ heroes
The start of the final set was a real shocker, with Licek and Lucas Van Berkel giving the Lions an interesting lead (12-7).
In a unique set, Sporting sealed the victory 15-11, thanks to another accurate shot from Wagner Silva. At the last horn, Gil Meireles was the first to dive into the arms of the fans.
The last time Sporting managed at least three wins over their rivals was in the 2017/18 season. This afternoon’s triumph was the second in the championship, after five meetings.
It is important to remember that the lions won the Portuguese Cup, eliminating Benfica in the semi-finals.
Reactions to a balanced and exciting derby
Vítor Casas (Benfica): «Balance is the right word, the teams are making the home advantage count. We managed to recover 2-0. Congratulations to Sporting. It’s up to us to do the work in the third game».
Marcel Matz (Benfica coach): «We must try to be as efficient as possible. Both teams knew how to take advantage of less good moments. It was a good game for the fans. The League deserves full pavilions, in a growing sport».
Gil Meireles (Sporting): «We never thought it would be easy. We lost concentration in the third set, but we managed to turn it around. We want to settle the final, at home, on May 1st. We have to win and it will be this year. It is possible to win in the Light, if everyone is with us».
João Coelho (Sporting coach): «We dropped our quality in the third set, but we went after the result. The moment didn’t affect us at all. We came out alive to fight for the title. We owe this to the fans and we have a great sense of responsibility. Nothing is impossible. We can win, we are playing on equal terms. It’s impossible to always be on top of the encounter. We are fair winners. We play at home on May 1st, but we want to win at Luz, on Sunday. We know there will be few fans, because there is football, but we always believe. We are aware of what we are asking for, only once in history has the club achieved the double.”
The third round of this final is scheduled for 6:30 pm on Sunday, at Benfica. In a tie decided by the best of five games, the final could be decided on Wednesday night (7pm, May 1st), at Pavilhão João Rocha.
Tags: Volleyball Sporting doubles Benfica draws League final
--
