Similar positions on the field, very different performances in the derby: in essence, the distance between the success of one and the other was the distance between the collective performances of Sporting and Benfica.
Pedro Gonçalves and David Neres had the objective of creating a lot, but only the Portuguese international fulfilled the mission.
Data from SofaScore, partner of More football, show the influence that Pote had on Leo’s 2-1 triumph, particularly in the first half, a period of greater dominance for Rúben Amorim’s men. First of all, the goal was scored in the ninth minute, in the most unconventional way for the 25-year-old striker.
Furthermore, he made three crucial passes during the match, something that David Neres was unable to do on any occasion. Zero was, moreover, a number that accompanied the Brazilian international during the meeting. No goals, zero intercepted shots, he didn’t make any crucial passes and he also couldn’t make a long pass.
On the other hand, Pedro Gonçalves did a little of everything, similar to the spaces he occupied throughout the game, as can be seen in the «heatmap» provided by SofaScore. Six duels won out of the thirteen he played, four successful long passes, the same efficiency with which he dribbled past an opponent on three occasions.
The performance of both had, consequently, an impact when they left the four lines. David Neres was replaced by Casper Tengstedt, curiously, the moment in which Benfica balanced the game and shortly afterwards managed to reduce the deficit.
Pedro Gonçalves lasted practically until the end, when Rúben Amorim changed three leonine chess pieces. St. Juste, Daniel Bragança and Paulinho entered, the latter replacing the Portuguese international.
If we look at the performance during the season of both athletes, the numbers also give supremacy to the lion. David Neres has had an irregular season in terms of use, as he began as a substitute and was sometimes trusted by Roger Schmidt to be a starter.
Between injuries and periods of little or no influence on the Reds, the Brazilian striker has so far scored four goals and seven assists in 21 games for Benfica.
Pedro Gonçalves is having a season similar to what he has done since arriving in Alvalade. In the season when Sporting were champions, Pote was the team’s top scorer with 23 goals, but in the following seasons the record maintained a stability that deserves to be highlighted.
In a reference to basketball, from the 2021/22 season to date he has always managed to score a “double-double”, with 15 goals and 11 assists right away. In the following season he raised the bar, reaching 20 accurate shots and 13 passes on goal. In 2023/24, Pedro Gonçalves already has 14 goals and 12 assists, impressive numbers given his versatility on the four lines.
The performances of both athletes in Sporting’s 2-1 victory over Benfica will remain in memory, but on April 3rd, the same protagonists could change the course of history, in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Portugal.
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