Benfica as the number two club is pointing the gun at Farense, aiming to keep their title hopes alive in the upcoming match on Monday 22 April. Retaining their championship crown is a difficult task with just a few league games left in the season, city rivals Sporting seven points ahead, and every point counting toward Benfica’s quest to wrest back top spot.
Here is a more in-depth look at the top players from their respective sides, the present standings and all that this mouthwatering game could bring.
Top players at Benfica
Benfica have a squad packed with talent with some star names who have been the pillars of their many victories this season. Ángel Di María, David Neres and Rafa Silva are just a few of the players who can change this game’s outcome at any instant. This season, Di María, the Argentine World Cup winner, has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists 43 games in all competitions. Expensive Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo was brought in to boost the Lisbon club’s attacking potential in the winter transfer season. Portuguese winger Rafa Silva is another player enjoying a fruitful season, netting 20 goals and chipping in with 14 assists to date.
The stats
Despite trailing Sporting, Benfica have compiled an impressive record in the 2023/24 Primeira Liga, winning 22 times with 4 draws and just 3 losses in their 29 games. Benfica’s numbers make an away win in the Algarve highly probable. Nevertheless, in the football world, one can never know what’s going to happen despite all the statistical forecasts and predictions. The charming nature of football is in its unpredictability; therein lies the edge of every game that can be full of surprises. In the final games of the season, with Benfica still hoping to rein in Sporting, football sites know no certainties, and the game never ends until the final whistle is blown.
Farense’s current position
Farense lie 10th in the Primeira Liga standing with 8 wins, 7 draws and 14 losses. At the moment the team has 31 points after 29 matches. Farense may not be the front-runners, but they have proved that they can be fiercely competitive and can cause upsets against sides above them in the standings, especially when playing at home.
Top players at Farense
Safely positions in mid-table, Farense can play without pressure and that could be a game-changer. Young Algerian forward Mohamed Belloumi has been impressive in his debut season in Portugal, with veteran forwards Zé Luís and Marco Matias also capable of causing trouble for Benfica’s back line.
An away game for Benfica
Being away from home might exacerbate the problems for Benfica. The different atmosphere, home crowd pressures and environment without home support could affect the efficiency of the Eagles. Travel fatigue and unfamiliarity with the stadium are more reasons why footballers often fail to replicate their best when not playing at home. Nevertheless, Benfica will be aiming to counter this obstacle and net a priceless win against Farense. The richly talented line-up of Benfica and their performance through the season makes them strong favourites to collect the three points despite the away venue.
Overall thoughts
In the last days of the season, each match becomes crucial for clubs who are seeking to finish as high as possible in the league table. Benfica should try to narrow the gap to the leaders Sporting with a win against Farense, while José Mota’s men, in turn, will be attempting to take a chance and secure a positive result and make a splash in a high-profile match. The top names on both teams will fight it out for the same goal. So, from the fans’ perspective, the match is anticipated to be a thrilling and a tight contest, which they should not be missed.
