Benfica vs Sporting: Fiery Rivalry Facts

Benfica Vs Sporting

Here are some fried facts (spicy, fun, or little-known tidbits) about the fierce rivalry between Benfica and Sporting CP, two of Portugal's biggest clubs:

1. The Derby Name: 'O Derby de Lisboa' (The Lisbon Derby)

Despite being called the Lisbon Derby, only Sporting is actually based in Lisbon (Alvalade). Benfica is technically in the neighboring municipality of Lisboa (São Domingos de Benfica), but the rivalry remains one of Portugal's most heated.

2. Benfica’s Eagle Flies Before Matches

Before home games, Benfica releases a live eagle (Águia Vitória) that circles the stadium and lands on the club’s crest. It’s an iconic tradition that fires up fans—and sometimes even distracts opponents!

3. Sporting’s Lion Mascot Almost Got Benfica Banned

In 2017, Sporting’s lion mascot 'Leo' ran onto the pitch before a derby, which could have led to a forfeit. However, since it happened before kickoff, Sporting avoided punishment. Benfica fans still joke that the lion was 'scared of the eagle.'

4. Benfica Has More Titles, But Sporting Dominated Early

Benfica (37 league titles) is Portugal’s most successful club, but Sporting dominated the early years, winning 7 of the first 10 league titles (1940s-50s).

5. The Infamous 'Alvalade XXI' Streak

From 2006 to 2014, Benfica went unbeaten in 13 consecutive derbies at Sporting’s Estádio José Alvalade, a streak that still haunts Sporting fans.

6. The 'Brawl Derby' of 2018

A massive brawl broke out in a 2018 League Cup semifinal after Sporting’s Bruno Fernandes scored a late winner. Players, coaches, and even staff clashed, leading to multiple red cards and suspensions.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo Played for Both… Kind Of

Cristiano Ronaldo started at Sporting’s academy but never faced Benfica as a senior player. However, he almost joined Benfica before Manchester United swooped in.

8. The 'Curse of Bela Guttmann' (Even Affects Derbies?)

Legendary Benfica coach Bela Guttmann cursed the club in 1962, saying they wouldn’t win a European trophy for 100 years after he was fired. Since then, Benfica has lost 8 European finals—some fans believe the curse even affects derbies!

9. Sporting’s Ultras vs. Benfica’s 'No Name Boys'

Sporting’s hardcore ultras, 'Juve Leo,' and Benfica’s 'No Name Boys' are among the most passionate (and sometimes controversial) fan groups in Portugal. Their tifos and churns make derbies electric.

10. The 'Battle of the Buffets' (2005)

After a Benfica win in 2005, Sporting fans rioted, attacking the team bus and even throwing objects at their own players! The chaos led to major security changes for future derbies.

Bonus: The 'Secret' Pact That Almost Merged Them

In the early 20th century, there were talks of merging Benfica and Sporting to create a super club. Thankfully for fans, it never happened—imagine the chaos!

Final Fried Fact:

The derby is so intense that even Portuguese politicians avoid taking sides publicly—unless they want to lose votes!

Would you like more stats or legendary derby moments? 🔥🐔⚽ (Yes, I said 'fried' facts—so here’s a chicken emoji for fun!)

Benfica vs Sporting: Fiery Rivalry Facts

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