Shone at Alvalade, plays down Benfica favouritism vs Sporting: very tough | OneFootball

Krasimir Balakov dismissed any favoritism for the Lions in the Benfica - Sporting match, and explained that the derby is a game unlike any other. The Bulgarian player, who shone at Alvalade wearing the Lions’ shirt, gave an interview to the Lusa agency, where he discussed the big match of the 13th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, which will take place next Friday, December 5th.

"Points don’t matter when you play a derby. Of course, it’s important for the standings, but it’s a very special game, very different. When you lose, it’s a different kind of defeat, and when you win, it’s also a very different kind of victory," Balakov began by explaining.

The former Lions striker continued: "I hope that Sporting wins, but the team that makes the most of their chances will win. There are no favorites. Whoever is smarter and wants to win more... will win. Benfica can also win, but Sporting has raised their level in the last four or five years."

"I really enjoy watching Sporting play. They’ve reached a different level and the hope among Sporting’s fans is always very high. That’s why I think that if Sporting plays as they know how, it will be very difficult for Benfica," said the player who scored 60 goals for the Lions, three of them against the Eagles.

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