Portuguese Super Cup played today
Two familiar foes renew acquaintances tonight as SL Benfica and FC Porto meet at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra in the Portuguese Super Cup.
Final rematch
Domestic and European champions Porto will be seeking to reverse the result of the Portuguese Cup final in May, when Benfica marked their centenary celebrations by coming from behind to defeat Porto 2-1 after extra time.
Greek glory
Simão Sabrosa scored the winning goal on that occasion and Benfica's other cup final goalscorer, Panagiotis Fyssas, will come into the match in good heart having been part of Greece's stunning success at UEFA EURO 2004™.
Coaching changes
Porto, meanwhile, are entering a new era following the departure of coach José Mourinho to Chelsea FC. Luigi Del Neri was appointed as Mourinho's successor but the Italian coach was quickly dismissed and Spanish coach Víctor Fernández took over.
Contrasting fortunes
The UEFA Champions League holders are without the suspended trio of Jorge Costa, Maniche and Pepe, and Derlei, who recently sustained a knee injury. However, Diego and Hugo Leal are fit again after minor injuries and Ricardo Costa and Bosingwa have rejoined the squad after returning from the Olympic Games.
'Team of champions'
"I know that Benfica will play with all their main players but we are a team of champions and we have to prove that on the pitch", said Fernández. "We are restricted in our options due to several absences but nothing stops us from thinking about victory in a game against Benfica."
Trapattoni role
Benfica also have a new coach, with Giovanni Trapattoni having left his post in charge of the Italy national team after their first-round elimination at EURO 2004™ to replace the Real Madrid CF-bound José Antonio Camacho. Benfica are determined to lift the Super Cup ahead of the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Belgian side RSC Anderlecht, which they lead 1-0 after the first match in the Estádio da Luz.
Luisão return
Trapattoni's team are buoyed by the return of Brazilian central defender Luisão after the Copa América, although Nuno Gomes and Pedro Mantorras are both out through injury. "There are no favourites for this match," said Luisão. "Porto might have some internal problems but they still have a strong team." Kick-off is at 22.15CET.
Source: Uefa.com
