On a double-day weekend in the League, leaders Sporting and second-placed Benfica have demanding commitments against opponents who succeed them in the table.
The lions face Académica de Espinho (3:00 p.m.), fourth in the competition, and tomorrow (6:30 p.m.), at Pavilhão João Rocha, they host Leixões, sixth on the agenda, in matches from the 11th and 12th rounds of the regular phase of the competition.
Edson Valencia, one of the most prominent players in the national champions, previewed the matches. «We are ready for a very complicated double journey. We have a very broad team, anyone can play and have a great performance. We are focused on achieving the best results and closing the year in the best possible way”, assured the Venezuelan to the Sporting media.
The game with Leixões marks the reunion with the only team that beat Sporting, in the first round, in Matosinhos, 3-2. “We quickly forgot about that game because it could generate more pressure or discomfort,” said Valencia.
Benfica, which march a point behind Sporting, they don’t want to lose ground, and if possible recover it. However, the eagles’ task this weekend does not look easy either. This Saturday (5pm) they visit Académica de São Mamede, in Infesta, third placed, the first of the others in Liga Una, and on Sunday (3pm) they host, in Luz, Ala Nun’Álvares, eighth. Ivo Casas, captain and libero of the Reds, previewed the duels: «We will have to be very competent to get the three points in each game, without giving up any set».
«It’s up to us to show that we are better on the field. And that’s how we have to approach the game, responsibly, seriously and knowing that, having different ambitions in the Championship, we cannot give any set or allow this double round to compromise the outcome of the regular phase”, said the Portuguese international.
