FC Porto Faces Benfica in Highly Anticipated Clash

PORTO, Portugal — The highly anticipated classic match between FC Porto and Benfica is set for 21:15 on Sunday as both teams prepare to clash in the 8th round of the championship.

FC Porto, still unbeaten this season with nine wins from nine games, will see significant changes in their lineup compared to their last match against Estrela Vermelha. Coach Francesco Farioli has made nine alterations, retaining only goalkeeper Diogo Costa and defender Bednarek.

The starting eleven for FC Porto includes Diogo Costa; Alberto, Bednarek, Kiwior, and Francisco Moura; Alan Varela, Froholdt, and Gabri Veiga; Pepê, Samu, and Borja Sainz. Their substitutes are Cláudio Ramos, Eustáquio, William Gomes, Zaidu, Pablo Rosario, Prpic, Deniz Gul, Alarcón, and Rodrigo Mora.

On the other side, Benfica coach José Mourinho has affirmed his squad remains intact despite concerns over a recent viral outbreak. Mourinho is expected to stick with the same lineup that played against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. Benfica’s starting eleven includes Trubin; Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi, and Dahl; Richard Ríos, Barrenechea, and Aursnes; Lukebakio, Pavlidis, and Sudakov.

Benfica’s substitutes are Samuel Soares, Ivanovic, Barreiro, Schjelderup, Henrique Araújo, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Oliveira, João Rego, and Ivan Lima.

This match is crucial for both teams as they look to assert dominance in the league. The atmosphere at Estádio do Dragão is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans eager to witness the intense rivalry unfold.

The match will kick off at 21:15, and real-time updates will be available on various platforms, including Maisfutebol.