Sporting and Benfica battle for 2nd place worth... millions | OneFootball

The battle between Sporting and Benfica for second place promises to go down to the wire, in a true “league within the league” that is worth far more than just position in the table. At stake is qualification for the Champions League, even if through the preliminary rounds, and above all the financial and sporting impact on next season.

The numbers help show the scale of the contest. Sporting earned around €80 million from their run to the Champions League quarter-finals, while Benfica took in more than €50 million despite falling in the play-off. By contrast, when they miss out on that competition, their European earnings are close to €10 million, which makes second place absolutely crucial.

At the moment, the Eagles have the edge with 75 points, three more than the Lions, although Rui Borges’ side has a game in hand and more points still available to play for (12 against 9). Even so, everything points to a decision going right down to the final matchday, with Sporting hosting Gil Vicente and Benfica visiting Estoril Praia.

Jefferson, a former Lions player, is still keeping the faith in Sporting: “They have to do their job and win the games they have left. It’s difficult, but not impossible. They need to stay focused and hope the others slip up. They’ve lacked a bit of luck. AVS? They’re already down and playing without pressure. Those are the worst games!”

The green-and-white club return to action next Wednesday, 29 April, against Tondela. The match, corresponding to matchday 26 (rescheduled) of the Liga Portugal Betclic, against the side coached by Gonçalo Feio, will be played at 8:15pm at the Estádio José Alvalade.

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