.jpeg)
The Estadio da Luz was jam packed, although not completely sold out for the Classico on Sunday. Both teams, fans and managers knew what was at stake. Not only did this match have three important points on the line, but it also has a whole different meaning to it.
For years now, Benfica and Porto have engaged in on and off the field battles which have been plastered all over the media outlets across Portugal and the globe. Their match on Sunday was no different.
Both teams played to two goal draw, but if we pick this match apart, we can certainly see that the return fixture at the Estadio do Dragao will be highly important for their title aspirations.
Good Teams Take Advantage of Careless Mistakes
Whether you are playing against the last placed team or the first placed team, careless mistakes can come back to haunt you. Porto's first goal came off a free-kick taken by Joao Moutinho which was headed into the back of the net by Mangala. Colombian striker Jackson Martinez flicked on the ball which left Mangala alone in front of Artur who did not really have a chance.
After watching the replay, the Benfica defenders were caught ball watching as Mangala put the visitors up 0-1. In a match of such high intensity, Benfica's lack of concentration hurt them early in the match.
Porto's second goal came as a big surprise with the very consistent Artur losing the ball to Jackson Martinez.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been one of, if not Benfica's most consistent player throughout the season. His brilliant performances have not gone unnoticed but Sunday he will be remembered for the gift he presented to Jackson Martinez. Once again, lack of concentration saw Benfica fall behind 1-2 at home.
Three goals in 14 minutes had this match on it's head. Going down in the match for the second time, Benfica was able to take advantage of a Porto mistake as their defender did not clear the ball properly after Eduardo Salvio crossed the ball and Nico Gaitan had the whole goal to shoot at.
A complete mishit of the ball presented Gaitan with the perfect opportunity to put the Aguias level at 2-2, which is how the match ended.
Nemanja Matic Is The Real Deal
The 24 year-old Serbian midfielder has really impressed since the departure of Javi Garcia to Manchester City this past summer.
Many questioned Benfica's decision to not replace Garcia, but not many believed that Matic would have been such a revelation for the Aguias.
Against Porto he was able to prove once again that with time and hard work he will be able to be just as influential if not more influential than Javi was during his time in Lisbon.
Breaking up the run of play is Matic's forte, but he also enjoys making late runs into the box and getting involved in Benfica's offense. His brilliant left footed strike was clear evidence of that. A knock down from Cardozo to Lima who then laid it off to Matic blew the roof off the Estadio da Luz. His left footed volley only stopped in the back of Helton's net which left the Porto goalkeeper motionless as he watched the ball enter the right side of his goal.
Throughout the season the Serbian has been a fundamental piece of Benfica's midfield and without him, they do not have another true defensive midfielder who can set the tone in the center of the park. His tall stature, physicality and his above average foot skills for a defensive midfielder have forced Benfica to restructure his contract.
It was announced on Monday that Matic had extended his contract with Benfica until 2018 with his release clause at 45 Million Euros.
Porto Is More Than Just James Rodriguez
Many fans as well as neutrals doubted Porto's offense and midfield given the absence of James Rodriguez due to a hamstring injury. After watching the match on Sunday, Porto proved that they can compete with the best without James.
Although Porto did not cause Artur many problems on the offensive side of the ball despite their two goals, Defour, who replaced James, helped to solidify the Porto midfield. He was versatile on both sides of the ball and was involved in most of Porto's plays.
Joao Moutinho was also a key figure in Porto's midfield with the Portuguese International contributing on both sides of the ball. It was his cross that found Mangala's head for his sides first goal of the match.
Porto obviously will not want to play many matches without James, but Sunday they silenced a number of critics who doubted their ability to play a consistent style of football without the Colombian.
Vitor Pereira May Have Won The Tactical Battle
A lively first half with a number of mistakes had both fans on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The second half brought some more composure for both sides with Porto clearly having the better outing in the second half.
The hosts looked to play at a high pace at all times, but Porto was able to keep the ball and take some of the sting away from Benfica's potent offense.
Porto did control the run of play for most of the second half, but they limited themselves on goal scoring opportunities.
Had Porto been able to use James Rodriguez in the match, we could well have seen one very high scoring match. But, with the Colombian out, Vitor Pereira was forced to play a more disciplined tactical approach which in the end worked to perfection.
Keep the ball and frustrate the hosts, not allowing them to play at a frenetic pace as they would like. The visiting manager definitely got his tactical approach spot on.
Fans, Players, Managers and Directors Just Keep Adding Fuel To This Rivalry
This rivalry has been one of the most anticipated matches for years in Portugal and Sunday just reiterated how important both these clubs are to the future of Portuguese Football.
Outstanding players, attractive football and passionate fans always make for a memorable environment in a Classico. It must also be noted that surprisingly, their were not any issues outside or inside the stadium between opposing fans which does not happen very often.
The arguments between both fan bases after the match will continue for years to come as will the interaction between managers and presidents.
Sunday proved why Benfica and Porto are currently Portugal's two best teams and without them, the Portuguese League would be in serious trouble from a domestic and international stand point.
