Football plays a significant role in Europe, especially in some countries such as Portugal. If you take a look at the Primeira Liga, you see that there are loads of good teams that can go up against the best clubs on the continent.
One of the things that makes the Primeira Liga so interesting to watch is the different rivalries. Bettors love them because these matches are unpredictable, usually have good odds and various betting markets. What’s more, some bookies even create special promos that you can use for them.
In this article, we will show you which are some of the biggest football rivalries in Portugal. These matches will always bring a lot of attention, regardless of whether the teams perform well during the season.
O Clássico
We’d like to start with “The Classic”, which is a nickname given to the clash between two of Portugal’s best teams - S.L. Benfica and FC Porto. This match is so popular that some of the bookmakers you will find on Nostrabet online will provide their clients with exclusive odds for the most popular betting markets, like 1x2.
Both teams are a part of the “Big Three” (alongside Sporting CP), which means that the matches between them are always interesting to watch. One of the most interesting things about The Classic is that it was never held in an international competition. It might be hard to believe, but Porto and Benfica have never played against each other in any European football event yet.
The first match between the two took place in 1912, and it was just an exhibition. Despite that, Benfica managed to beat Porto with a score of 8-2.
Derby de Lisboa
The next essential football derby in the country is between two teams that are based in Lisbon - Benfica and Sporting CP. Both of the teams are among the best in the country, which is why this match is watched by people from all over the world.
The first clash between the two was in 1907, and since then both teams have played a total of 85 times against each other.
Dragões vs Leões
Last but not least, we have another derby that you should definitely check out once you start betting because it is between FC Porto and Sporting CP.
Porto and Sporting CP played against each other for the first time in 1922 during the Campeonato de Portugal. Back then, this was a series of matches (best-of-three), and Porto managed to claim the victory.
The clash between the two is always fun to watch, especially if you like one of the clubs.
What should you keep in mind when betting on these matches?
The most important thing that you need to remember if you decide to bet on any of the matches we’ve just mentioned is to check the different markets. Don’t forget that the clash of the titans especially between some of the country’s best teams are more difficult to predict than regular football matches.