10 facts on Benfica v Sporting: Eusébio’s haul to Luz cauldron

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Glorioso 1904

·5 December 2025

10 facts on Benfica v Sporting: Eusébio’s haul to Luz cauldron

Sport Lisboa e Benfica takes the field this Friday to write another chapter in the century-old rivalry with Sporting. Before the ball rolls at Estádio da Luz, Glorioso 1904 has compiled 10 statistical facts and curiosities that all Benfiquistas should know to win the debate at the café or on social media.

Check out the list that shows why history wears red and white:

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Historical dominance - This Friday's match will be the 328th chapter of the eternal derby. In the previous 327 games, the eagles clearly lead: they have won 140 times, against 116 for the rival. There have also been 71 draws.
Goal shower - Overall, Benfica's aim has been superior. Benfica has scored a total of 550 goals against the lions, conceding 498.
The fortress of Luz - Playing at home is synonymous with victory. In the 155 derbies held at Benfica's ground, the reds have won 85, drawn 37, and lost only 33.
Recent nightmare for the lion - Luz is a nightmare for Sporting. In the last 20 derbies held at the eagles' home, Benfica has lost only two.
The biggest win ever - The most expressive result happened on April 28, 1948. Benfica won 7-2, with hat-tricks from Arsénio and Mário Rui and a goal from Rogério Pipi. There were also several 5-0 results.
Eusébio, the King of the Derby - The top scorer for the reds in the history of the confrontation is Eusébio, with 27 goals. The top 5 is completed by Alfredo Valadas (20), Nené (17), Guilherme Espírito Santo (16), and José Águas (16).
The exclusive Poker club - Only two players in Benfica's history have scored 4 goals in a single game against Sporting: Joaquim Teixeira (5-4, in 1944) and, of course, Eusébio (4-1, in 1972).
Mr. Derby - Francisco Albino holds the record for appearances, with 56 derbies played. He is followed by Gaspar Pinto (51), Francisco Ferreira (46), Alfredo Valadas (39), and Nené (38).
The last home defeat - The last setback at Luz happened on December 3, 2021 (1-3). Pizzi scored the consolation goal on a night when Sarabia, Paulinho, and Matheus Nunes scored for the rival.
The 'turncoats' - Throughout history, more than 500 players have donned both jerseys, proving that the rivalry is also made of cross connections between Luz and Alvalade.

Frequently Asked Questions about the history of Benfica - Sporting

Who has won more derbies? Benfica has more victories (140 against Sporting's 116).
Who is the top scorer in the eagles' derbies? Eusébio, with 27 goals scored.
What was Benfica's biggest win? It was a 7-2 victory on April 28, 1948.
How many derbies have been played? The next game will be the 328th in history.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.