Huge week ahead for Portugal’s Big Three – Champions League permutations
Just a fortnight after being beaten 6-0 by the same opponent, Marítimo caused an upset by becoming the first team to defeat Benfica in the Liga NOS this season, winning 2-1 in Funchal on Friday night.
Sporting saw off Vitória Setúbal 2-0 at Alvalade on Saturday to move to within two points of their city rivals, one week before the Lisbon derby.
Porto ended a goal drought that had lasted over 8 hours as a last-gasp winner from young substitute striker Rui Pedro gave the Dragons victory over Braga.
Marítimo stun leaders
After a poor start to the season Marítimo have improved significantly upon the appointment of Daniel Ramos as their new coach. Nevertheless, after the recent mismatch when the two sides met in the Portuguese Cup, and given Benfica’s formidable form and good recent record in Madeira, most saw this match as an away banker.
Marítimo had other ideas though, and took the lead through Armenian midfielder Gevorg Ghazaryan early, and only a fine double save by Ederson prevented the hosts from adding to their lead.
Benfica got back on level terms in fortunate fashion when Semedo’s shot deflected off the heel of Gonçalo Guedes to leave Marítimo goalkeeper Gottardi stranded as the ball skittled into the corner of the net. From that moment onwards, Benfica were on top, with chances being created in abundance after half time and only some magnificent goalkeeping from Gottardi prevented the visitors from taking the lead.
But it was Marítimo who found the net, centre-back Maurício heading home a corner, and the islanders held on for the three points.
Sporting sweep aside Setúbal
Not even torrential rain in the lead-up to the match could prevent Sporting from putting in one of their best performances of the season. By the time William Carvalho expertly headed the Lions into the lead from a pinpoint Gelson Martins cross in the 6th minute the home side had already been close to scoring on three occasions.
In a sparkling first-half display, captain Adrien Silva saw Vitória goalkeeper Varela produce an outstanding save to tip his goal-bound shot over the bar, and Bas Dost then had a goal ruled controversially, before Bruno César smashed a spectacular angled free kick from a tight angle into the top corner.
Sporting had another goal – this time by Coates – dubiously ruled out in the second half, but will go into next weekend’s derby in good heart.
Porto scoring curse lifted
Porto coach Nuno Espírito Santo had insisted before the match that there was not a lot wrong with his team’s attacking movements, despite his side having failed to score in the previous four matches.
And as the Dragons proceeded to completely overwhelm Braga, create chance after chance, and still not find the net, it was difficult not to have a degree of sympathy for the coach.
An André Silva penalty was saved, Diogo Jota headed over an open net, Danilo hit the post, and Braga goalkeeper Marafona showed why he is now being called up to Portugal’s senior squad with a series of highly impressive saves.
Just when it seemed certain Porto were destined to play out their fifth successive 0-0 draw, 18-year-old substitute Rui Pedro burst clean through and showed tremendous composure to neatly dink the ball over Marafona and score the winner in the 95th minute of the match. The tumultuous celebrations showed how much of a pressure-cooker situation the scarcity of goals had created at Porto, and Pedro’s big moment could prove a crucial turning point in Porto’s season.
Do or die in Europe
This week the final round of Champions League matches will be played. Here’s the situation involving Portugal’s three participants in this season’s competition.
Benfica vs. Napoli, Tuesday 6 December
If Benfica win they qualify for the Champions League knockout round as Group B winners.
If Benfica draw they can still finish 2nd and qualify for the Champions League knockout round, provided Besiktas do not win at Dynamo Kiev
If Benfica lose they will finish 2nd and qualify for the Champions League knockout round only if Besiktas draw or lose at Dynamo Kiev.
If Benfica draw or lose and Besiktas win at Dynamo Kiev, Benfica will finish 3rd and drop into the Europa League.
Porto vs. Leicester, Wednesday 7 December
If Porto win, or if Copenhagen fail to beat Club Brugge in Belgium, Porto will finish 2nd in Group G and qualify for the Champions League knockout round.
If Porto draw or lose and Copenhagen win at Club Brugge, Porto will finish 3rd and drop into the Europa League.
Legia Warsaw vs. Sporting, Wednesday 7 December
If Sporting draw or win in Poland they will finish 3rd and qualify for the Europa League.
If Sporting lose, they will finish 4th and be out of Europe.
By Tom Kundert
