This match is not just a traditional clash but could also determine the champion of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Both teams are tied at the top of the table with 78 points, with only two matchdays remaining. If the teams finish level on points, head-to-head results will decide the champion, making this game a historic moment for one of the two clubs.

Sporting CP, who won the first leg 1-0, will secure the title with a victory tonight. Even if the points remain tied, their head-to-head advantage will favor them. However, Benfica, hosting the match, can claim the trophy with a win by at least a two-goal margin. A 1-0 win for Benfica would leave both teams equal in head-to-head results, and goal difference in the final matchday would determine the champion. Currently, Sporting CP has a three-goal advantage over Benfica.

Filipe Ingelês of Benfica told BBC: “This is the biggest derby in recent years.” He added that in history, such a decisive situation in the penultimate matchweek has only occurred five times, with Benfica winning four and Sporting CP claiming the title just once.

João Paiva, a journalist for CNN Portugal, described the match as “unprecedented,” as Sporting CP could win the title at Benfica’s stadium for the first time—an unbearable scenario for Benfica fans.

Sporting CP won their 20th title last season and started this campaign with 12 consecutive wins. However, the departure of Rúben Amorim to Manchester United in November destabilized the team. His successor, João Pereira, lasted only 42 days, with poor results leading to Rui Borges taking charge. Although Borges couldn’t replicate Amorim’s style, he revived the team’s competitiveness. Benfica, after sacking Roger Schmidt in the fourth matchweek, reappointed Bruno Lage for a second stint. The change worked, and Benfica, with 12 wins in their last 13 matches, are now one step away from their first title since the 2022-23 season.

Paiva added: “In over 70 years, Sporting CP has never won back-to-back titles.” Benfica, with the most titles in Portugal, aims to maintain their historical dominance, while Sporting CP seeks to close the gap. This derby is more than just three points—it’s a battle for pride, history, and supremacy in Portuguese football.