Sporting-Benfica has millions at stake; derby could be worth... | OneFootball

Sporting host Benfica this Sunday (6:00pm) at the Estádio de Alvalade in a derby for the 30th round of the Betclic League that could prove decisive in the final title race. This will be the third meeting between the two rivals in 2025/26, with both teams focused on securing a win worth more than just three points. Beyond the historic rivalry, the match carries weight in the title race and, above all, in the battle for second place.

Sporting are still keeping alive their hopes of catching Porto at the top, sitting five points behind the Dragons, albeit with a game in hand. Benfica, meanwhile, see the summit as more distant and are focusing their attention on second place, which guarantees access to the Champions League playoff.

It is precisely that objective that heightens the importance of the derby. The team that comes out on top could take a major step toward second place and, consequently, move closer to the significant revenue associated with playing in Europe’s top competition.

Although the figures for the next edition are not yet known, the 2025/26 season can serve as a reference point. Around €30 million was distributed in the Champions League qualifying playoff, with eliminated clubs receiving €4.29 million. Reaching the group stage guaranteed €18.62 million, with additional bonuses of €2.1 million per win and €700,000 per draw. From there, the amounts increase progressively, with the winner receiving €6.5 million.

In the table, Sporting are second with 71 points, while Benfica are third with 69. If Sporting win, Rui Borges’ side could move up to 74 points — or even 77, if they win their game in hand against Tondela — putting themselves very close to securing a place in the Champions League playoff.

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