Bettor.com lists the candidates who could be crowned the champions of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 following Friday’s dramatic Classico.
FC Porto
Ranking: 1st
Chances of winning: 60%
Down and out of Europe, failing to match their Lisbon rivals. Things were seemingly on their way down for the Portistas, but football yet again proved to be unpredictable, as the reigning champions capitalized on the league leaders’ dip in form and set up
a mouthwatering tie with them at Estadio da Luz.
With things between the two all level, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 Pereira’s men were gifted the chance to reclaim their stake in the title race and they did just that with a spectacular injury-time win at the Stadium of Light, although the ninety minutes were from comfortable
for them.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo netting a brace. James Rodriguez restored parity, before Maicon’s late winner sparked wild celebrations back in Oporto and in the stadium.
Now a comfortable three points ahead of the Eagles, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 are surely in ascendency and will lift the Primeira Liga trophy in May unless they undo all their hard-work by dropping the ball.
Benfica
Ranking: 2nd
Chances of winning: 30%
Life was perfect for Benfiquistas only a short while ago. Leading the pack in Liga Sagres with many points to spare, facing a difficult but not impossible task to secure their berth in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, the Reds were on a roll.
However things in the beautiful game often change at the blink of an eye and after Friday’s heart-churning defeat to eternal rivals FC Porto that is what exactly happened.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ side gave up a seemingly healthy five-point lead at the summit with lamentable performances against Vitoria Guimarães and Academica respectively, placing the Dragons as favourites when the two met in the Classico.
Maicon’s injury-time winner was something that broke the hearts of many in Lisbon, but it wasn’t undeserved, as the UEFA Europa League holders have battled hard to return to the top.
Benfica, on the other hand, were apparently rejoicing a tad early and lost sight of the game, which eventually led to their downfall.
Three points is a small gap in football, but considering the momentum Porto have now generated they are unlikely to suffer blips, especially in such an important phase of the campaign.
Meaning that the Lisbon outfit have only themselves to blame for, if they miss out on the Liga Sagres title this year.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Braga-c40460
Ranking: 3rd
Chances of winning: 10%
No one would have believed any pundit that would have labeled the quite unfancied SC Braga side as title contenders back in August.
Yes, they were in stunning form during last season’s UEFA Europa League and managed to reach the final, but winning the Primeira Liga is a different proposition all together.
However, the Archbishops have done it. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nuno-c28232 Gomes’ arrival at Estadio AXA during the summer and hasn’t looked back since.
Now 3rd in the table and level on points with Benfica, one would expect that the tactician would be boasting about his feats, but no, he still believes that his team are not worthy of such a glittering prize.
Verdict:
Benfica may have been the league leaders at one point, SC Braga may boast superb form and an eye for quality football, but it’s the standing and the results that matter and that’s where FC Porto have the upper hand.
Vitor Pereira’s men are on course to retaining their crown and in truth, it’s not more than they surely deserve.
Tags: