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Thursday, 05 July 2012 18:16 |
2012/13 fixtures revealed
Benfica-Braga highlights Round 1
 This evening saw the revealing of the 2012/13 fixtures in Portugal's top two divisions, and as ever, the computer threw up a number of mouthwatering clashes, highlighted by a Clássico at the Dragão in the penultimate round.
Liga ZON Sagres
As ever, the Liga draw was conditioned by the prevention of meetings between Porto, Benfica and Sporting during the early rounds. However, it appears that the regulations have not yet caught up with reality. Although Braga have become part of the title conversation in recent years, they are still eligible to face Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in the opening round, which will be played over the weekend of August 18th/19th and reads as follows:
Benfica-Braga
Gil Vicente-Porto
Vitória de Guimarães-Sporting
Rio Ave-Marítimo
Nacional-Vitória de Setúbal
Paços de Ferreira-Moreirense
Beira Mar-Académica
Olhanense-Estoril.
The first traditional Clássico of the campaign takes place in Round 6 at the Dragão, between Porto and Sporting, whilst Benfica meet their city rivals for the first time in Round 11, at the Alvalade. 2013 will see both meetings between champions Porto and Benfica, in Rounds 14 and 29 respectively.
Liga de Honra
The introduction of B teams means that there will perhaps be more eyes on Portugal's second tier than in the past, and the expansion in size means that the Liga de Honra will continue until December 23rd - when Porto B host Benfica B. Round One, to be played over the weekend of August 11th/12th, reads as follows:
Benfica B-Braga B
Tondela-Porto B
Oliveirense-Sporting B
Leixões-Marítimo B
Vitória de Guimarães B-Sporting de Covilhã
Naval-Santa Clara
Belenenses-Feirense
União da Madeira-Freamunde
Aves-Trofense
Varzim-Arouca
Penafiel-Atlético.
Taça da Liga
Portugal's 'other' cup competition, for which the B teams are not eligible, will commence its group phase on July 29th, with the next two rounds taking place on August 1st and August 5th. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the next phase:
Group A: Belenenses, Oliveirense, União da Madeira, Freamunde
Group B: Naval, Leixões, Arouca, Sporting de Covilhã
Group C: Feirense, Penafiel, Varzim, Atlético
Group D: Aves, Trofense, Santa Clara, Tondela
Ben Shave
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On a side note, I read in an article on the Record website, that JJ is already not counting on the services of Gaitan and Witsel for next season. This was quite disappointing to read. I already knew Gaitan was a definite gonner by the end of last season (even though there seems to have been a big stall on his transfer away at the moment). But I was hoping Witsel would stay another season, as he was our most important player last season IMO. If he really will be sold after just one season, it's a damn shame that we always have to sell our very best players every single summer. I hope we play hard-bargain with offers for Axel, and manage to keep him for another season..
Liga de Honra now has 50 teams competiting? Yes I'm exaggerating, but the amount is ridiculous.
Braga was very annoyed that they weren't given the same considerations that the "Big 3" were.
Any motivation is better than no motivation. They've proven me wrong last campaign, but it's hard to see them do it yet again with the same bunch. Braga needs to reach the Group Stage in the CL in order to capitalize financially. The question will be whether they have enough to compete in multiple fronts. They have stood pat in the silly season, so far.
Granted there's still plenty of time left in the silly season. Porto, Benfica and Sporting still have plenty of moves to make.
We'll see how all those chips fall.
A little something off the subject. I read in abola.pt an interview with Roberto Carlos. Yes he had nice things to say about Benfica players, but what struck me was when he said; "Essa Camisola them peso".
As fan, and a demanding one at that, we tend to forget the weight of that jersey when players put it on. Demands are high and we all knw the expectations. Not an easy chore.