Eagles beat lions in derby at under-17 level and could become two-time national champions in the next round, if they beat SC Braga and FC Porto ‘slip’
Benfica is on an intractable path in its intentions to revalidate the national youth title: it leads alone and undefeated after ten rounds, having defeated its rival Sporting this Sunday morning, who started the round as vice-leader, in the visit to the Leo Academy (2-1).
After a balanced start to the game, the Eagles took the lead through Eduardo Fernandes, in the 22nd minute, with a half-turn shot in the Sporting area after good work by Stevan Manuel, dropped to the left side. Benfica’s advantage continued until the second half and Sporting’s reaction came in the 54th minute with the result equal, achieved by Miguel Almeida with a chest deflection corresponding to a free kick taken from the right.
The tie continued until the final minutes, until Benfica were awarded a penalty that would be successfully converted by Tomás Soares, who had entered a few minutes earlier and ended up proving decisive in a victory that leaves the Reds in a position still more favorable to guarantee the national title: the result made it possible to further extend the advantage for the lions, who are now nine points away and have even been overtaken by FC Porto in second place in the standings.
Benfica now added 26 points, maintaining the eight-point difference over the Dragons, now second-placed, with 18. Next, immediately behind, is Sporting, with 17, with four matches remaining until the end of the season. competition. Thus, the Reds can complete the title and become two-time champions of the division next Saturday, if they defeat SC Braga and FC Porto do not lose Belenenses, in the second to last round of the competition.
