Benfica take on the visitors Porto in the Portuguese Super Cup. The match will be played on Wednesday, August 9th at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro (Aveiro).
Benfica correctly picked the coach a year ago. After their 37th gold, which they took back in 2019, the Eagles couldn't manage to regain the top position in Portuguese football. In Lisbon, they clearly missed the mark by betting on Jorge Jesus - all the significant investments in the squad went in vain. But the choice made last summer turned out to be correct. Under Roger Schmidt's leadership, the team showed excellent statistics in all tournaments, and only on the last day of 2022, just before the New Year, did the team suffer their first defeat in all competitions. Later, the pace slowed down, and the winter sales, including Enzo Fernandez (for more than 100 million), had an impact. Nevertheless, following their 1st place in the Champions League group (leaving Juventus and PSG behind), they also made it to the playoffs by defeating Club Brugge. And in the Primeira Liga, although they allowed Dragons to get closer, they managed to hold onto the top spot. The offseason came with losses (primarily Weigl and Grimaldo), but considering the signings of Jurasek and Keke Chu (clearly due to the coach who worked with the Turk at PSV) and the return of Di Maria to Lisbon, Benfica looks just as strong as a year ago.
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Porto will try to reclaim the status of the best. Lately, the Dragons have been winning and relinquishing the title every two years. They regain the 1st place on even years - this was the case in 2018, 2020, and 2022. But there's a decline between these surges, which happened in the previous season. Despite all efforts, the tripa remained in 2nd place. Nevertheless, under Sergio Conceicao's guidance, the team still added trophies - they started the season with the Super Cup and ended it with a confident victory over Braga in the Portuguese Cup final. Moreover, they made it to the Champions League playoffs again, where they fought but lost to the future finalist, Inter. However, it's clear that they expect leadership to be reclaimed from the coach and his team. To achieve this goal, they sign influential newcomers. For instance, at the end of July, they struck a deal with Barcelona, taking Nico Gonzalez from them. The 21-year-old midfielder, who played over 50 matches in the Primeira Liga for the blaugranas over two seasons, cost only 8.4 million. However, Barcelona can buy back their academy product (but now for 30 million), and they will receive 40% of any future sale.
Last season, the clubs exchanged victories, both of which were away wins. Judging by the odds, Benfica are considered the clear favorite. Although this year, they haven't appeared stronger than the Dragons. Let's bet that Sergio Conceicao's team won't lose.
Prediction for the match: Porto not to lose.
