Liga Betclic: X-ray of the Benfica-FC Porto match

On Friday, September 29, Benfica hosts FC Porto, in a clash from matchday 7 of the Liga Betclic. This will be the 254th edition of the derby and, on the Eagles' side, the third under Roger Schmidt, who has two victories against their rivals. The last time was when they won the Super Cup, in Aveiro.

Coming off the back of a run of five consecutive wins, the best run in the league, the Reds return to Estádio da Luz after tow away matches (Vizela and Portimonense) and go into the game with a favorable record against the Blue and Whites. In 89 matches played at their ground in the league, the hosts have won 48% (43).

The statistical data collected on the Sofascore and Wyscout platforms predicts a clash between two teams with different approaches.

With a possession percentage of 62.5% compared to FC Porto's 62%, the Eagles have more accurate passes per game (533.2 compared to 420.5) than their next opponents. The trend towards a more associative style of play by Roger Schmidt's team is supported by the higher number of total passes into the deep (49-44), into the final third (408-365), progressive passes (476-438) and per minute of possession (16.3-13.9). In all these areas, Benfica also have a higher percentage of efficiency compared to FC Porto.

On the other hand, the data shows that Sérgio Conceição's team has a certain appetite for direct play: they insist more on crosses (130 against 99) and long passes (283-255), and have more aerial duels than the Eagles (404-361).

As the best attack in the Liga Betclic, with 16 goals scored against FC Porto's 10, Benfica shot more and better than the Dragons. On average per game, Roger Schmidt's team has 18.5 attempts, 7 of them on goal. Their opponents have 16.5 shots, 6 of them on target.

The combination of patient build-up and shooting ability means that the Reds create 24 big chances per game, compared to 15 for FC Porto.

The data collected on the aforementioned platforms also illustrates the Eagles' greater tenacity in defending their goal. Benfica make 21.2 tackles per game compared to 14.2 for the Blue and Whites, one of the worst records in the Liga Betclic in this regard.

Looking at the total number of defensive duels in the six games already played in the competition, the Glorioso have won 62.2% of the 404 they've been involved in, while their opponents are in the bottom half of the league table: they've won 57.1% of the 361 duels.

On an individual level, Rafa is one of the main highlights. The most decisive player in the Liga Betclic, with direct involvement in seven goals (three goals and four assists), the Benfica forward is also the leader in fouls conceded (21) and crucial passes (16) among all the players from the teams that will face each other at the Estádio da Luz.

Kökcü, Otamendi e Di María have higher numbers than any FC Porto player in terms of accurate passes (346), aerial duels won (18) and shots on target (8), respectively.

In the head-to-head between the coaches, Roger Schmidt is ahead of Sérgio Conceição in the percentage of wins in league matches: 83% (33 wins in 40 games) against 79% (166 in 210 games).

In the clash that preceded the derby, Benfica won at Portimonense ((1-3) and started with Trubin, Bah, Otamendi, Morato, Aursnes, Florentino, Kökcü, João Mário, Neres, Rafa and Musa.

FC Porto fielded the following XI in their home win over Gil Vicente (2-1): Diogo Costa, João Mário, Fábio Cardoso, David Carmo, Wendell, Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, André Franco, Galeno, Iván Jaime and Taremi.