Jornada 2 Preview: Class-ee-koh Time

It’s week two and already we have a massive match to be played between Benfica and Porto at da Luz. Benfica looked abysmal last week and escaped with a point against new boys Rio Ave. Porto on the other hand looked like they hadn’t missed a step from last year in their 2-0 win over Belenenses. If Porto win to the tune of 3-0, Benfica will be damaged psychologically and cries for Quique’s head will start from the historically impatient fan base. On the other hand, if Benfica can put on a good show in front of their fans and pull this one out, they can use this match as a means of saying “Okay, now we know that the ‘New Benfica’ has finally arrived and we’ve got a shot at this.” Personally, I think this match is way too early in the season for a Benfica which has a gajillion new signings and is still struggling to find its identity. I wouldn’t be surprised with a Porto thrashing of the Eagles here. Benfica have done nothing to impress thus far and if they’re going to continue to rely on Nuno Gomes for their offense, then they’re really in deep shit. On to the matches…

-=Jornada 2=- All times Eastern (New York City). This week’s edition of FixtureFacts drops da knowledge on each club’s current boss. I know I’ve done this in the past but the managerial situation in Portugal is so volatile that since the last time I gave the associated club/boss combos, I’m sure a bunch have changed. Besides, we have two new teams now!

Friday, August 29th @ 15:30 — Belenenses (Casemiro Mior) v. P. Ferreira (Paulo Sérgio)

Saturday, August 30th @ 15:45 — Benfica (Quique Flores) v. Porto (Jesualdo Ferreira)

Sunday, August 31st @ 11:00 — Académica (Domingos Paciência) v. Rio Ave (João Eusébio)
Sunday, August 31st @ 11:00 — Nacional (Manuel Machado) v. Naval (Ulisses Morais)
Sunday, August 31st @ 11:00 — Trofense (António Conceição) v. Leixões (Ulisses Morais)
Sunday, August 31st @ 13:00 — V. Setúbal (Daúto Faquirá) v. E.d. Amadora (Raul Silva)

Monday, September 1st @ 14:15 — Marítimo (Lori Sandri) v. V. Guimarães (Manuel Cajuda)
Monday, September 1st @ 16:15 — Braga (Jorge Jesus) v. Sporting (Paulo Bento)

The big attraction is obviously the Classico between the Dragons and the Eagles in Lisbon. However, Monday night’s encounter between Sporting and the always pesky Braga in Casa Braga should prove to be a difficult test for Paulie Bento’s boys. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend (if you get Monday off, of course), and make an effort to try something new while you’re getting loaded and eating BBQ. I for one will attempt to get my wife to try out a blumpkin. If that fails, I can have a crack at convincing her to get one of her smokin’ hot friends in the sack for a three way. Wish me luck!

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