FC Porto --> Champions League Group Stage
Benfica Lisbon --> Champions League Group Stage
Pacos de Ferreira --> Champions League Play-off Round
SC Braga --> Europa League Play-off Round
Estoril --> Europa League Third Qualifying Round
Vitoria Guimaraes --> Europa League Group Stage
Showing posts with label Porto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Porto. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Sunday, 26 May 2013
The Icing on the Cake of Shame
Three trophies. Three trophies that Benfica could have won. And maybe should have won.
But they won none.
Not even the one in which they faced a team like Vitoria Guimaraes in the final.
We're not talking Porto or Chelsea anymore. We're talking losing a final against the likes of 9th-place Guimaraes.
No doubt about it, Jorge Jesus has got to go.
Either that, or Benfica's leadership is full of suckers, to put it mildly.
Highlights:
But they won none.
Not even the one in which they faced a team like Vitoria Guimaraes in the final.
We're not talking Porto or Chelsea anymore. We're talking losing a final against the likes of 9th-place Guimaraes.
No doubt about it, Jorge Jesus has got to go.
Either that, or Benfica's leadership is full of suckers, to put it mildly.
Highlights:
Sunday, 19 May 2013
No Great Effort from Pacos de Ferreira
FC Porto is the new champion of the Portuguese Primeira Liga!
Sure, they are good, but how is a match between the first- and third-placed teams going to be so dull and unidirectional?
Pacos de Ferreira did practically nothing to try to stop Porto from winning.
Now, that's a shame!
Highlights:
Highlights from Benfica-Moreirense:
Sure, they are good, but how is a match between the first- and third-placed teams going to be so dull and unidirectional?
Pacos de Ferreira did practically nothing to try to stop Porto from winning.
Now, that's a shame!
Highlights:
Highlights from Benfica-Moreirense:
Saturday, 11 May 2013
The Drama of Losing a Title at the Death
Benfica should not have lost in Oporto.
But FC Porto had one lucky break, when Kelvin decided to shoot from an unconventional position, in the 92nd minute, and that inspiration probably took the title from their bitter rivals and gave it to the team from the north.
Of course, Porto still has a hard match coming up, against 3rd-placed Pacos de Ferreira. But Pacos has nothing left to play for, because they can no longer be reached by Braga even if they lose.
Benfica has probably the easiest match of the season, against Moreirense at home, but it's all for naught if Porto wins.
Again, I just have to talk about Jorge Jesus. The image of the Benfica coach falling down on his knees after Kelvin's goal says it all. Jesus is not good enough to win titles. Benfica needs a better coach. And that's that.
Maybe if he wins the Europa League, against Chelsea, management will be lenient. But losing a title like this, to your biggest rivals, is worse than losing by 20 points, for instance.
How much longer will Jorge Jesus' incompetence be tolerated?
But maybe I shouldn't talk in advance. Maybe Pacos de Ferreira will not lose to Porto.
(Don't bet on it, though!)
Highlights:
But FC Porto had one lucky break, when Kelvin decided to shoot from an unconventional position, in the 92nd minute, and that inspiration probably took the title from their bitter rivals and gave it to the team from the north.
Of course, Porto still has a hard match coming up, against 3rd-placed Pacos de Ferreira. But Pacos has nothing left to play for, because they can no longer be reached by Braga even if they lose.
Benfica has probably the easiest match of the season, against Moreirense at home, but it's all for naught if Porto wins.
Again, I just have to talk about Jorge Jesus. The image of the Benfica coach falling down on his knees after Kelvin's goal says it all. Jesus is not good enough to win titles. Benfica needs a better coach. And that's that.
Maybe if he wins the Europa League, against Chelsea, management will be lenient. But losing a title like this, to your biggest rivals, is worse than losing by 20 points, for instance.
How much longer will Jorge Jesus' incompetence be tolerated?
But maybe I shouldn't talk in advance. Maybe Pacos de Ferreira will not lose to Porto.
(Don't bet on it, though!)
Highlights:
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Portuguese Champions, Out!
FC Porto disappointed probably even more people than their die-hard fans, by being eliminated from the Champions League, in Andalusia, today.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan for them.
They had a win, even though it was a small one, in the first leg, and they hadn't conceded goals.
On top of that, referee Rizzoli clearly offered a helping hand to Porto by whistling Saviola's goal off for a non-existent foul, in the first half.
Regardless, Porto played poorly, and many might say justice was done when Isco scored with a brilliant effort from just outside the box, only 2 minutes before the end of the first half.
Porto goalkeeper Helton, who made errors before both the cancelled goal and the one that stood, could be perceived as guilty for the second valid Malaga goal, too. In the 77th minute, he failed to come out for a corner kick cross, and could not do anything to prevent Santa Cruz's powerful header from only a few metres out.
Thus, Porto is out, and Spain still has three teams left to fight for the Champions League title.
And, for Portuguese fans, it's all about Benfica now, who is still alive in the Europa League.
Highlights:
Everything seemed to be going according to plan for them.
They had a win, even though it was a small one, in the first leg, and they hadn't conceded goals.
On top of that, referee Rizzoli clearly offered a helping hand to Porto by whistling Saviola's goal off for a non-existent foul, in the first half.
Regardless, Porto played poorly, and many might say justice was done when Isco scored with a brilliant effort from just outside the box, only 2 minutes before the end of the first half.
Porto goalkeeper Helton, who made errors before both the cancelled goal and the one that stood, could be perceived as guilty for the second valid Malaga goal, too. In the 77th minute, he failed to come out for a corner kick cross, and could not do anything to prevent Santa Cruz's powerful header from only a few metres out.
Thus, Porto is out, and Spain still has three teams left to fight for the Champions League title.
And, for Portuguese fans, it's all about Benfica now, who is still alive in the Europa League.
Highlights:
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
PSG Tops the Group
After the humbling defeat at Nice, PSG responded quite well, by beating Porto, at home, to win group A of the Champions League.
And, so far, they have the best record, of any team involved in the Champions League (and Barca and Man. U. can only match it, in terms of points, should they happen to win their respective matches, on Wednesday):
5 wins and one loss - 15 points.
But maybe it should not have happened like that.
...Because Porto equalized almost immediately (- 4 minutes after the initial goal, actually -) and it was only a huge mistake by goalkeeper Helton, who failed to fully catch a ball which he appeared to have a good hold of; and that ball trickled into the net (in minute 61), putting PSG ahead a second time. Lavezzi was the player whose shot made the Porto goalie look foolish.
Porto could not come back from behind again, though, and they will finish second.
But the two pots (- winners of groups can only face runners-up of groups, in the next round, and vice versa -) are quite evenly balanced, anyway.
As a matter of fact, many might agree that, come February, you would rather want to face Malaga (- winner of group C -) than Arsenal (- runner-up of group B -), or you would rather want to face PSG or Schalke (- winners of group A and B, respectively -) than Real Madrid (- runner-up in D -).
See highlights here.
And, so far, they have the best record, of any team involved in the Champions League (and Barca and Man. U. can only match it, in terms of points, should they happen to win their respective matches, on Wednesday):
5 wins and one loss - 15 points.
But maybe it should not have happened like that.
...Because Porto equalized almost immediately (- 4 minutes after the initial goal, actually -) and it was only a huge mistake by goalkeeper Helton, who failed to fully catch a ball which he appeared to have a good hold of; and that ball trickled into the net (in minute 61), putting PSG ahead a second time. Lavezzi was the player whose shot made the Porto goalie look foolish.
Porto could not come back from behind again, though, and they will finish second.
But the two pots (- winners of groups can only face runners-up of groups, in the next round, and vice versa -) are quite evenly balanced, anyway.
As a matter of fact, many might agree that, come February, you would rather want to face Malaga (- winner of group C -) than Arsenal (- runner-up of group B -), or you would rather want to face PSG or Schalke (- winners of group A and B, respectively -) than Real Madrid (- runner-up in D -).
See highlights here.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
PSG Still Not There Yet
For all the money they spent, PSG is still just only an okay team in the Champions League, apparently.
This time, not only could they not break down FC Porto, but they even lost (and they lost it quite late).
They had a few chances, more so in the first half, most notably through Ibrahimovic, but the finishing touches were always sub-par for the Parisians.
(Ibrahimovic, for example, preferred one of his trademark high kicks, to direct the ball on goal, rather than controlling it and going for a more secure finish, even when alone with Helton, the Porto goalie.)
Porto missed a few good opportunities, too, in all fairness, but their supporters won't be mad at all, after seeing the winning goal, a beautiful curved volley from James Rodriguez, only 7 minutes before the end of regulation.
The good thing for PSG is that now they are going into a two-match sequence against the weakest team in their group. But they will be hard-pressed to get the full six points, or else they might have to do serious battle for second spot in group A.
Highlights:
This time, not only could they not break down FC Porto, but they even lost (and they lost it quite late).
They had a few chances, more so in the first half, most notably through Ibrahimovic, but the finishing touches were always sub-par for the Parisians.
(Ibrahimovic, for example, preferred one of his trademark high kicks, to direct the ball on goal, rather than controlling it and going for a more secure finish, even when alone with Helton, the Porto goalie.)
Porto missed a few good opportunities, too, in all fairness, but their supporters won't be mad at all, after seeing the winning goal, a beautiful curved volley from James Rodriguez, only 7 minutes before the end of regulation.
The good thing for PSG is that now they are going into a two-match sequence against the weakest team in their group. But they will be hard-pressed to get the full six points, or else they might have to do serious battle for second spot in group A.
Highlights:
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Big Trouble in Little Rio Ave
Despite the fact that they had beaten Sporting, a few matchdays before, almost nobody thought Rio Ave would be capable of beating FC Porto, too, even though they were playing at home.
But Rio Ave almost did just that.
Porto took the lead early in the match, through a very easy goal by Miguel Lopes. (He scored in the empty net, because the goalkeeper was left struggling by a free kick effort that had rebounded off the post.)
And it seemed that Porto was on track for the win, especially when they almost put in a second goal, in the 69th minute. They hit the bar with that one.
But, then, Tarantini decided to take matters into his own hands. He fought for a ball maybe harder than everybody expected, and managed to score a scrappy, but very good, goal in the 78th.
And, eight minutes later, came an amazing shot by the same Tarantini, that silenced the away supporters. 2-1.
To their credit, Porto did not give up, and they did succeed in grabbing one point from this match, in the 90th minute, through a header by Jackson Martinez (which might not have happened if the Rio Ave defender marking the Porto forward had been an inch taller).
So, Porto only draws level on points with Benfica, after this result, but has to settle for second spot, courtesy of one more goal scored by Benfica.
Highlights:
But Rio Ave almost did just that.
Porto took the lead early in the match, through a very easy goal by Miguel Lopes. (He scored in the empty net, because the goalkeeper was left struggling by a free kick effort that had rebounded off the post.)
And it seemed that Porto was on track for the win, especially when they almost put in a second goal, in the 69th minute. They hit the bar with that one.
But, then, Tarantini decided to take matters into his own hands. He fought for a ball maybe harder than everybody expected, and managed to score a scrappy, but very good, goal in the 78th.
And, eight minutes later, came an amazing shot by the same Tarantini, that silenced the away supporters. 2-1.
To their credit, Porto did not give up, and they did succeed in grabbing one point from this match, in the 90th minute, through a header by Jackson Martinez (which might not have happened if the Rio Ave defender marking the Porto forward had been an inch taller).
So, Porto only draws level on points with Benfica, after this result, but has to settle for second spot, courtesy of one more goal scored by Benfica.
Highlights:
Monday, 4 June 2012
Portugal - UEFA Club Competitions Participants - 2012-2013
FC Porto --> Champions League Group Stage
Benfica Lisbon --> Champions League Group Stage
SC Braga --> Champions League Play-off Round
Sporting Lisbon --> Europa League Play-off Round
Maritimo Funchal --> Europa League Third Qualifying Round
Academica Coimbra --> Europa League Group Stage
Benfica Lisbon --> Champions League Group Stage
SC Braga --> Champions League Play-off Round
Sporting Lisbon --> Europa League Play-off Round
Maritimo Funchal --> Europa League Third Qualifying Round
Academica Coimbra --> Europa League Group Stage
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Porto Wins the Title in Portugal
Benfica could not beat Rio Ave today.
This means FC Porto are the new Primeira Liga champions!
The rules of the Portuguese league state that FC Porto has the tiebreaker over Benfica (- direct matches -) who is the only team that could still end up tied on points with the Oporto giants.
So, Porto wins this title without even playing. I'm sure they're having some fun at the expense of Benfica's humiliating failure.
In hindsight, Porto was clearly the best team, though, beating Benfica and Braga (and Maritimo, which makes it three of the other four from the top five) away from home! That's just excellent form!
This is Porto's 26th title. (Benfica has 32 overall.)
Highlights from Rio Ave - Benfica 2-2:
Highlights from Maritimo - Porto 0-2:
This means FC Porto are the new Primeira Liga champions!
The rules of the Portuguese league state that FC Porto has the tiebreaker over Benfica (- direct matches -) who is the only team that could still end up tied on points with the Oporto giants.
So, Porto wins this title without even playing. I'm sure they're having some fun at the expense of Benfica's humiliating failure.
In hindsight, Porto was clearly the best team, though, beating Benfica and Braga (and Maritimo, which makes it three of the other four from the top five) away from home! That's just excellent form!
This is Porto's 26th title. (Benfica has 32 overall.)
Highlights from Rio Ave - Benfica 2-2:
Highlights from Maritimo - Porto 0-2:
Monday, 9 April 2012
Okay, Porto's Probably Gonna Take It Now
Benfica could not substantiate its claim to being a strong title contender.
They were defeated by Sporting today, 0-1, away, which allowed FC Porto to open up a 4-point gap on their closest rivals.
Benfica should have had a penalty in the second minute, but the referee did not see it that way. Instead, he gave Sporting a penalty way too easily, at the other end. van Wolfswinkel scored, in minute 18, and that was the last and only goal of the match.
Sporting even seemingly played better after scoring, but Benfica had some chances, too.
Anyway, the penalty incidents were crucial, clearly, and some Benfica fans might even say the referees might have been on Jorge Nuno de Lima Pinto da Costa 's payroll.
Highlights:
Momentos - Sporting 1-0 Benfica by jimbrasalonso
They were defeated by Sporting today, 0-1, away, which allowed FC Porto to open up a 4-point gap on their closest rivals.
Benfica should have had a penalty in the second minute, but the referee did not see it that way. Instead, he gave Sporting a penalty way too easily, at the other end. van Wolfswinkel scored, in minute 18, and that was the last and only goal of the match.
Sporting even seemingly played better after scoring, but Benfica had some chances, too.
Anyway, the penalty incidents were crucial, clearly, and some Benfica fans might even say the referees might have been on Jorge Nuno de Lima Pinto da Costa 's payroll.
Highlights:
Momentos - Sporting 1-0 Benfica by jimbrasalonso
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Braga's Challenge, Over?
Looks like Sporting Braga lost it exactly when they needed it most.
They had two huge matches, Benfica away and Porto at home, and, given their previous form of over 10 consecutively won games in the league, Braga seemed like they could really do it to their much-more-famous rivals.
Unfortunately for them, though, Braga cracked and could not muster even a single point from these two matches.
Porto, who beat them 1-0 in Braga today, thanks to a Hulk goal, early in the second half, is now 5 points ahead of Braga.
Benfica faces a tough challenge on Monday - they're playing Sporting Lisbon away - but they could stay within one point of Porto and pull away from Braga, too.
(Of course, though, Sporting needs points for their fight against Maritimo, too.)
...And Braga seems lost in between the top two and 4th and 5th, now, with nowhere to go.
Highlights:
They had two huge matches, Benfica away and Porto at home, and, given their previous form of over 10 consecutively won games in the league, Braga seemed like they could really do it to their much-more-famous rivals.
Unfortunately for them, though, Braga cracked and could not muster even a single point from these two matches.
Porto, who beat them 1-0 in Braga today, thanks to a Hulk goal, early in the second half, is now 5 points ahead of Braga.
Benfica faces a tough challenge on Monday - they're playing Sporting Lisbon away - but they could stay within one point of Porto and pull away from Braga, too.
(Of course, though, Sporting needs points for their fight against Maritimo, too.)
...And Braga seems lost in between the top two and 4th and 5th, now, with nowhere to go.
Highlights:
Saturday, 31 March 2012
A Short Ride for Braga
Sporting Braga had a very-short-lived life at the top of the Primeira Liga.
The smaller team had to bow to the masters today as both Benfica and Porto won. While Porto defeated Olhanense, 2-0, at home, Benfica beat no other than Braga. 2-1, final score, and the winning goal came in the dying moments.
So, Braga's run of 13 successive wins in the league is over. They had last lost in Oporto, against FC Porto, 2-3, back in December. Now, their newest loss comes at the hands of the other Portuguese giant.
Perhaps Braga should have gotten a draw from this match.
And most people probably thought they would get it, after Hugo Viana (in minute 82) cancelled Witsel's penalty opener (78).
But Bruno Cesar (90) begged to differ, and made the home fans very happy.
He couldn't make them as happy as they would want, though, because now FC Porto is on top.
But at least Benfica is currently occupying the second Champions League spot.
Highlights from Porto - Olhanense 2-0:
Highlights from Benfica - Braga 2-1:
The smaller team had to bow to the masters today as both Benfica and Porto won. While Porto defeated Olhanense, 2-0, at home, Benfica beat no other than Braga. 2-1, final score, and the winning goal came in the dying moments.
So, Braga's run of 13 successive wins in the league is over. They had last lost in Oporto, against FC Porto, 2-3, back in December. Now, their newest loss comes at the hands of the other Portuguese giant.
Perhaps Braga should have gotten a draw from this match.
And most people probably thought they would get it, after Hugo Viana (in minute 82) cancelled Witsel's penalty opener (78).
But Bruno Cesar (90) begged to differ, and made the home fans very happy.
He couldn't make them as happy as they would want, though, because now FC Porto is on top.
But at least Benfica is currently occupying the second Champions League spot.
Highlights from Porto - Olhanense 2-0:
Highlights from Benfica - Braga 2-1:
Monday, 26 March 2012
Braga Did It
Sporting Braga had to hold their nerves in the last moments of their home win against Academica (2-1), but they got the win they needed to go top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Mossoro opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Lima made it 2-0 in minute 45. Braga seemed to be rolling towards the win, but Academica had a really good second half. However, all the Coimbra team was able to do, despite the pressure, was to reduce the deficit: David Simao, in minute 62, made it 1-2, with a spectacular long-range shot.
Braga's victory sees them going on top, alone, with 58 points.
Porto trails them, on 57, and Benfica now has 56 in third (which would not guarantee a Champions League presence next year for the only remaining Portuguese team in this year 's CL).
1-0:
2-0:
2-1:
Mossoro opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Lima made it 2-0 in minute 45. Braga seemed to be rolling towards the win, but Academica had a really good second half. However, all the Coimbra team was able to do, despite the pressure, was to reduce the deficit: David Simao, in minute 62, made it 1-2, with a spectacular long-range shot.
Braga's victory sees them going on top, alone, with 58 points.
Porto trails them, on 57, and Benfica now has 56 in third (which would not guarantee a Champions League presence next year for the only remaining Portuguese team in this year 's CL).
1-0:
2-0:
2-1:
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Could Have Shock Leader in Portugal Very Soon
Due to the fact that both Benfica and Porto failed to win this matchday, Sporting Braga has a huge chance to reach the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Benfica could not win at Olhanense (0-0), while Porto also dropped points at Pacos de Ferreira (1-1).
Porto led, but found themselves scored on with 11 minutes to go.
Braga, who now has 55 points, can win at home against Academica, to overtake Porto (57 points) and Benfica (56).
Braga was close to winning the Portuguese league in 2009-2010, but Benfica eventually took that one away from them. Is it payback time? I'm also referring to payback for Porto, too, who beat Braga in the Europa League final in 2010-2011.
There are still six more matchdays to go, but Braga won their last 12 straight matches in the league!
Highlights from Pacos de Ferreira - Porto 1-1:
Paços de Ferreira 0-1 FC Porto by simaotvgolo12
Benfica could not win at Olhanense (0-0), while Porto also dropped points at Pacos de Ferreira (1-1).
Porto led, but found themselves scored on with 11 minutes to go.
Braga, who now has 55 points, can win at home against Academica, to overtake Porto (57 points) and Benfica (56).
Braga was close to winning the Portuguese league in 2009-2010, but Benfica eventually took that one away from them. Is it payback time? I'm also referring to payback for Porto, too, who beat Braga in the Europa League final in 2010-2011.
There are still six more matchdays to go, but Braga won their last 12 straight matches in the league!
Highlights from Pacos de Ferreira - Porto 1-1:
Paços de Ferreira 0-1 FC Porto by simaotvgolo12
Friday, 23 March 2012
Tough Nut to Crack
Olhanense seems to be one small Portuguese team that can give a lot of problems to the Portuguese football giants.
1-1 away and 0-0 at home against Sporting, 0-0 at home against Porto, and now another 0-0 at home against Benfica.
Benfica could not even say that they outplayed Olhanense (although they did have a big, big chance to win the game in injury time, through Saviola).
Porto could now put three points between themselves and Benfica again, with a win at Pacos de Ferreira, and even Braga could pass Benfica when they host Academica, on Monday. (Let's remember, though, that Academica recently led Porto at the Estadio do Dragao until the 92nd minute...)
1-1 away and 0-0 at home against Sporting, 0-0 at home against Porto, and now another 0-0 at home against Benfica.
Benfica could not even say that they outplayed Olhanense (although they did have a big, big chance to win the game in injury time, through Saviola).
Porto could now put three points between themselves and Benfica again, with a win at Pacos de Ferreira, and even Braga could pass Benfica when they host Academica, on Monday. (Let's remember, though, that Academica recently led Porto at the Estadio do Dragao until the 92nd minute...)
Saturday, 10 March 2012
It's Getting Really Close in Portugal
Porto disappointed their supporters today.
For a while, I suppose it was fun for them, because Braga's win had put Benfica in third place, but they were awaken to a much harsher reality when Edinho headed the ball in, to give Academica de Coimbra the advantage, in minute 39, at the Estadio do Dragao.
As the minutes kept passing, in the second half, and Porto still could not score, I cannot but speculate that the Oporto spectators were watching in terror.
Luckily for them, and out of nothing, a silly hand-ball mistake was sanctioned by referee Dos Santos Ferreira, in the 90th minute, a lucky decision which Hulk promptly converted to keep Porto alone at the top of the standings.
Braga's win, two hours earlier, means Porto leads by only one point over Sporting Braga. Benfica could pull level with Braga (and actually take over second spot due to a superior goal difference) with a win at Pacos de Ferreira on Sunday.
Highlights from Porto - Academica 1-1:
Πόρτο - Ακαντέμικα 1-1 by buitre9
Highlights from Braga - Leiria 2-1:
Μπράγκα - Λεϊρία 2-1 by buitre9
For a while, I suppose it was fun for them, because Braga's win had put Benfica in third place, but they were awaken to a much harsher reality when Edinho headed the ball in, to give Academica de Coimbra the advantage, in minute 39, at the Estadio do Dragao.
As the minutes kept passing, in the second half, and Porto still could not score, I cannot but speculate that the Oporto spectators were watching in terror.
Luckily for them, and out of nothing, a silly hand-ball mistake was sanctioned by referee Dos Santos Ferreira, in the 90th minute, a lucky decision which Hulk promptly converted to keep Porto alone at the top of the standings.
Braga's win, two hours earlier, means Porto leads by only one point over Sporting Braga. Benfica could pull level with Braga (and actually take over second spot due to a superior goal difference) with a win at Pacos de Ferreira on Sunday.
Highlights from Porto - Academica 1-1:
Πόρτο - Ακαντέμικα 1-1 by buitre9
Highlights from Braga - Leiria 2-1:
Μπράγκα - Λεϊρία 2-1 by buitre9
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Big Teams Are Not So Big Anymore in Portugal!
Although Porto still leads in the Portuguese standings, they could face a tough battle.
But... against who? Not against Benfica, I gather, but Braga!
Braga keeps rolling over opponents in the Primeira Liga. Their team is the only one that has 5 wins out of 5, in the last five encounters.
Just today, Braga showed very good resilience, to come down from 0-1 and beat Nacional 3-1, in Funchal.
They are tied on points with Benfica now, with a goal difference inferior by only two goals, and, judging by how Benfica is going, Braga should get into second spot very soon. (And Benfica would be out of both Champions League spots, then.)
Also, Sporting CP Lisbon lost at Vitoria Setubal, which is massive in the fight for fourth spot. (Yes, Sporting is no longer one of the top three in Portugal, it seems.)
Maritimo Funchal could take advantage of that, if only they can get any points from their trip to Guimaraes. (Careful, though, Vitoria G. beat Benfica there, just a few days ago.)
So, considering these situations, the gap between the big three and the rest has certainly shifted significantly.
And the big question, now, is, of course: Can Braga win it all?
Highlights:
But... against who? Not against Benfica, I gather, but Braga!
Braga keeps rolling over opponents in the Primeira Liga. Their team is the only one that has 5 wins out of 5, in the last five encounters.
Just today, Braga showed very good resilience, to come down from 0-1 and beat Nacional 3-1, in Funchal.
They are tied on points with Benfica now, with a goal difference inferior by only two goals, and, judging by how Benfica is going, Braga should get into second spot very soon. (And Benfica would be out of both Champions League spots, then.)
Also, Sporting CP Lisbon lost at Vitoria Setubal, which is massive in the fight for fourth spot. (Yes, Sporting is no longer one of the top three in Portugal, it seems.)
Maritimo Funchal could take advantage of that, if only they can get any points from their trip to Guimaraes. (Careful, though, Vitoria G. beat Benfica there, just a few days ago.)
So, considering these situations, the gap between the big three and the rest has certainly shifted significantly.
And the big question, now, is, of course: Can Braga win it all?
Highlights:
Friday, 2 March 2012
The End for Benfica?
Today's derby in Portugal was a roller-coaster of emotions for the fans.
Benfica came down from 0-1 (cancelling Hulk's goal, from minute 7), courtesy of Oscar Cardozo (41 and 47), but eventually lost 2-3, at Estadio da Luz, to huge rivals FC Porto.
James Rodriguez brought the guests level, in minute 64, on a nice counter-attacking move, but it was Maicon Pereira Roque 's header, from an undetected (by the officials) offside position, in minute 87, that gave Porto this enormous win in the title race.
Before Friday's encounter in Lisbon, even when tied on points, Benfica was thought to have the edge, especially because they were going to play Porto on their home field.
But now, after Jorge Jesus ' team fucked up so badly, it is very likely that they will surrender this title to FC Porto, too.
Man, what a catastrophe for Benfica!
Sure, they were robbed, too, but they really had it coming, playing in such a shallow manner, in these last few weeks...
Highlights:
Benfica 2-3 FC Porto - All Goals by simaotvgolo12
Also, Braga is coming from behind, too, and could be tied on points with Benfica by the end of this matchday. Hell, if they win at Nacional by 5 goals, they could pass Benfica.
Benfica came down from 0-1 (cancelling Hulk's goal, from minute 7), courtesy of Oscar Cardozo (41 and 47), but eventually lost 2-3, at Estadio da Luz, to huge rivals FC Porto.
James Rodriguez brought the guests level, in minute 64, on a nice counter-attacking move, but it was Maicon Pereira Roque 's header, from an undetected (by the officials) offside position, in minute 87, that gave Porto this enormous win in the title race.
Before Friday's encounter in Lisbon, even when tied on points, Benfica was thought to have the edge, especially because they were going to play Porto on their home field.
But now, after Jorge Jesus ' team fucked up so badly, it is very likely that they will surrender this title to FC Porto, too.
Man, what a catastrophe for Benfica!
Sure, they were robbed, too, but they really had it coming, playing in such a shallow manner, in these last few weeks...
Highlights:
Benfica 2-3 FC Porto - All Goals by simaotvgolo12
Also, Braga is coming from behind, too, and could be tied on points with Benfica by the end of this matchday. Hell, if they win at Nacional by 5 goals, they could pass Benfica.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Porto Leader Again
After Benfica stumbled yet again, Porto had the opportunity to see that five-point difference from a couple of weeks ago reduced to nothing, if only they could beat 15th-placed Feirense at home.
But it was way harder than Porto fans thought.
The ball would just not go in. When the supporters saw Hulk miss a penalty, after an hour of play, they must have feared the worst.
However, Porto eventually delivered the goods. Two goals, coming in minutes 68 and 72, saw the giants from the north of Portugal go top once again, albeit only on goal difference (3 better than Benfica).
And, wow, next matchday, they will travel to Estádio da Luz, to take on The Eagles. Then, we'll see who's really the leader, and who deserves it more.
Highlights:
FC Porto 2-0 Feirense - Highlights by simaotvgolo12
But it was way harder than Porto fans thought.
The ball would just not go in. When the supporters saw Hulk miss a penalty, after an hour of play, they must have feared the worst.
However, Porto eventually delivered the goods. Two goals, coming in minutes 68 and 72, saw the giants from the north of Portugal go top once again, albeit only on goal difference (3 better than Benfica).
And, wow, next matchday, they will travel to Estádio da Luz, to take on The Eagles. Then, we'll see who's really the leader, and who deserves it more.
Highlights:
FC Porto 2-0 Feirense - Highlights by simaotvgolo12
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