Benfica legend previews derby, shares thoughts on Mourinho's return | OneFootball

Paulo Lopes believes that the Benfica – Sporting match will be a very close encounter. In the preview of the 13th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, whose appointment of António Nobre caused dissatisfaction among the Eagles, the three-time champion with the Club of Light commented on the arrival of José Mourinho and believes that the Reds are still searching for their best form.

“Any of the contenders can [win the title], because they will all play against each other. The line between being good or bad is very thin. A slip changes the public's opinion and the way players see things. It will be a good race for the title. Sporting and Porto have maintained the standard,” Paulo Lopes begins to say.

“Benfica started very well, then fell a little, and now with the arrival of mister Mourinho, they are looking for their best form. But with the belief they have, one game more or less, they will balance out, I think it will be close,” said the former Reds player about the eternal derby.

“From personal experience, no one usually takes the lead, whether at home or away. It's a derby, everything is different, the emotions, the adrenaline, the atmosphere itself. It's always difficult to make a prediction regarding a derby, but I hope it will be a good game. It's hard to predict what will happen because both sides have players of immense quality who can decide at any moment,” concluded Paulo Lopes.

The Benfica – Sporting match is scheduled for next Friday, December 4th, at 8:15 PM, at Estádio da Luz. The eternal derby, related to the 13th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, will be broadcast on BTV and is essential for José Mourinho's team's aspirations - which will have an important return - in the fight for the title, being three points behind the Lions and six behind Porto.

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