Porto close to title, but Benfica can shake up the Liga race | OneFootball

The title race in the Liga Portugal Betclic is starting to tighten, and Benfica remain alert to the various possible scenarios in this final stretch. With 75 points from 31 matches, the Eagles still have a direct influence on the decisions that are approaching.

Porto lead with 82 points and need just three more to mathematically secure the title. Sporting, meanwhile, are on 72 points, still with a game in hand, and can reach a maximum of the same 84 points that Benfica and the Lions can achieve. The Reds depend only on themselves to secure qualification for the Champions League - which could define the 2026/2027 season.

The first title-deciding scenario could happen as early as May 2. If Porto beat Alverca at home, they will reach 85 points and secure the title, regardless of everything else. Even so, there are combinations that could make even a draw enough for celebrations at the Dragão.

For that to happen, Sporting would have to fail to beat Tondela (match scheduled for April 29) and Benfica would have to slip up away at Famalicão. In that case, both would be left with a maximum possible total of 82 points, allowing the Dragons to celebrate even without a win.

There is also a second scenario, which could postpone everything until May 4. In that case, Sporting would have to beat Tondela, Benfica would have to fail to win in Famalicão, and Porto would have to fail to beat Alverca. Then, the Lions would still have to slip up against Vitória de Guimarães. Complex calculations, but ones that keep Benfica in the picture until the end. Glorioso could even become champions, but for that to happen the Eagles would need to win all their matches and Porto would have to have a completely catastrophic end to the season, a very unlikely scenario.

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