The Lisbon Derby, one of the most intense rivalries in Portuguese football, takes center stage as Sporting Lisbon hosts SL Benfica at the Estádio José Alvalade on December 29th, 2024.
With both sides vying for supremacy in the Primeira Liga, this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle. This fixture is more than a battle for three points; it is about pride, history, and fans bragging rights in the Portuguese capital.
Sporting and Benfica are part of Portugal’s Big Three with Porto, that have influenced not only Portuguese football but also in European tournaments (UEFA Champions League and Europa League).
Since the league format was created in 1934, out of 70 teams there have been only 5 winners. Benfica have 38 titles, Porto 30, and Sporting Lisbon 20. There have been only two other winners in Belenenses (1945–46) and Boavista (2000–01).
Since being known as the Primeira Liga in 1999, Porto have 11 titles, Benfica 8, Sporting CP 5, and Boavista one. The domination is so strong, that there have only been 8 other teams involved in the top 3 in the entire league history (Belenenses are most notable with 17, and Braga the recent challenges with 4 in the last 15 years).
So it’s the clear the fixture goes deeper than just the football game, with a chance to lead the league before the turn of the year in sight. On the footballing front, both sides are filled with immense quality and this should make for an exciting encounter.
| Rank | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porto | 15 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 36 | 9 | 27 | 37 |
| 2 | Sporting | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 10 | 33 | 36 |
| 3 | Benfica | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 34 | 8 | 26 | 35 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | 14 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 27 |
* Sporting and Benfica play today, and Porto next play 28th December
Sporting Lisbon Form
Sporting Lisbon, affectionately known as the ‘Lions,’ have been a powerhouse in Portuguese football since their establishment in 1906. The club boasts of 20 Primeira Liga titles and has produced some of the greatest talents in football, including the likes of legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
Under the stewardship of their now former manager, Ruben Amorim, Sporting regained their competitive edge in recent years. Amorim, who was appointed in 2020, led the club to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020/21 season. Amorim quickly became known for his tactical prowess as he fully installed the 3-4-3 formation as the main thing in the league. He was also loved for his ability to develop young players into global superstars. He built a side that combines youthful legs with experienced heads.
Among those who benefited greatly from the manager’s tutelage is Viktor Gyokeres who is currently a sought after property in Europe and scoring goals for fun, including a hat trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Amorim’s replacement, João Pereira will hope to continue from where his predecessor stopped and keep the domestic dominance going but it’s been a tricky start. Although media talk is star striker Gyokeres could be off to the Premier League once the January transfer window opens.
Currently sitting 2nd in the Primeira Liga with 36 points from 14 matches, Sporting have struggled to maintain the excellent form of Amorim’s leadership. Since losing 5-1 at home to Arsenal in the Champions League, there were shock league loses to Santa Clara at home, and Moreirense away. Last time out though they did get a 3-2 home win against Boavista, followed up a midweek cup win against Santa Clara after extra time.
They are away to Gil Vicente today, and will be hoping to win handsomely to give a confidence boost for next weeks big fixture.
Games like the Lisbon derby are an extra motivator though, and home fans will want to make Estádio José Alvalade a fortress once again. Especially because of the weight and nature of this fixture.
They will need to be on ground en masse in order to support their team. For them to do this, they will need to purchase Sporting CP tickets from an online resale store.
Benfica Form
SL Benfica, also known as the ‘Eagles,’ are the most decorated club in Portuguese football history. Founded in 1904, they have claimed a record 38 Primeira Liga titles and two European Cups. Their storied history is filled with iconic players like Eusébio, whose legacy still resonates with fans all over the world.
Managed by Roger Schmidt, Benfica have been a force to be reckoned with for many years. Schmidt, a German tactician known for his high intensity pressing game style, has brought a fresh approach to Benfica since his appointment in 2022. His philosophy emphasizes quick passes, aggressive pressing, and ultra attack, making the Eagles one of Europe’s most exciting teams to watch.
Benfica are currently third in the Primeira Liga table with 35 points from 14 games. They have been in blistering form this season, and with Sporting recently dropping points, both sides are within reach of the summit.
Today they face Estoril at home, and could be top of the league by the time they visit Sporting.
Their attacking trio of Angel Di Maria, Evangelis Pavlidis and Muhammed Arkturkoglu have been largely clinical, spearheaded by the legendary Di Maria who brings with him decades of experience at the top of European football.
Sporting Lisbon vs SL Benfica Past Results
The sides have met 76 times, with Sporting coming out on top over the last 5 matches.
| Competition | Date | Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| Primeira Liga | Sat, Apr 6, 2024 | Sporting CP | SL Benfica | 2:1 |
| Taça de Portugal Placard | Tue, Apr 2, 2024 | SL Benfica | Sporting CP | 2:2 |
| Taça de Portugal Placard | Thu, Feb 29, 2024 | Sporting CP | SL Benfica | 2:1 |
| Liga NOS | Sun, Nov 12, 2023 | SL Benfica | Sporting CP | 2:1 |
| Liga NOS | Sun, May 21, 2023 | Sporting CP | SL Benfica | 2:2 |
Match tickets
The Estadio José Alvalade, with its vibrant atmosphere and capacity of 50,000, will be the stage for this epic clash. Sporting CP vs SL Benfica tickets for the derby are always in high demand, with fans eager to witness one of the most iconic fixtures in Portuguese football.
Both Sporting and Benfica have made tickets available through their official websites, with allocations for away fans.
Supporters are advised to secure their tickets early due to the high demand and the significance of the game. For those unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on major sports networks and streaming platforms worldwide.
Team news
Sporting Lisbon
Sporting Lisbon have a relatively healthy squad, though Joao Pereira will have to manage player fatigue amid a congested fixture schedule. Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyokeres are expected to lead the attack.
Defensively, Goncalo Inacio’s leadership and strength will be vital against Benfica’s potent attack. Sporting’s ability to remain focused and disciplined at the back while exploiting opportunities on the counter could be a key tactical approach in this game for Joao Pereira.
Sporting CP XI: Israel, St. Juste, Diomande, Inácio, Quenda, Hjulmand, Morita, Araujo, Edwards,Trincão, Viktor Gyokeres
SL Benfica
Benfica will hope to not have any major injury concerns heading into this derby, in order to give Schmidt the luxury of fielding his strongest XI. Evangelis Pavlidis will spearhead the attack, supported by Angel Di Maria and Muhammad Arkturkoglu, whose pace and crosses will be crucial.
In midfield, Florentino Luis and Orkun Kokçu will look to dominate possession and disrupt Sporting’s rhythm. Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi and Tomas Araujo form a reliable partnership, while Alexander Bah and Alvaro Carreras provide width and attacking impetus from the full back positions.
SL Benfica XI: Trubin, Bah, Otamendi, Araujo, Carreras, Luís, Kökçü, Aursnes, Arkturkoglu, Pavlidis, Di María
Prediction
This clash is expected to be tightly contested, with both sides capable of winning. Sporting without Amorim are struggling, and if Viktor Gyokeres is distracted by transfer speculation. this match is a tough call.
A month ago you would have plumped for a 2-1 home win. Benfica no doubt are a strong team and have the better recent form. So I expect an entertaining game and going for equal spoils.
Sporting Lisbon 2-2 SL Benfica
Further Reading
