Benfica is set to face Alverca today in the 21st round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, aiming to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the classic match between FC Porto and Sporting, which will conclude the round on Monday.
Following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Tondela last week, the ‘encarnados’ are seeking to close the gap between themselves and the league leaders, FC Porto, who currently have nine points more. Sporting, positioned second, is ahead by five points.
The match will take place at Estádio da Luz at 20:30, where Benfica, now coached by José Mourinho and the only unbeaten team in the league, will face an Alverca side struggling on the road, having not secured an away victory since November. Alverca is currently sitting in 10th place.
Earlier in the day, Sporting de Braga will host Rio Ave at 18:00, looking to extend their winning streak to four games to maintain their position in fourth place, a spot currently held by Gil Vicente following their victory over Moreirense on Saturday.
The day will kick off with Nacional taking on Casa Pia at 15:30, with both teams separated by just two points.
The 21st round of fixtures will wrap up on Monday, starting with Famalicão against AVS, the league’s bottom team, at 18:45, before the highlight of the round, the match between FC Porto and Sporting, at Estádio do Dragão at 20:45.
The weekend’s matches promise to bring excitement as teams jostle for critical points in the league standings.