Lisbon derby: Jorge Jesus returns with Sporting for Benfica battle

Holly Thackeray | October 24th​

Benfica v Sporting Lisbon

• Primeira Liga
• Sunday, October 25th
• Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
• Estadio da Luz, Lisbon
• BT Sport 2

Prodigal Portuguese coach returns

Current Lions coach Jorge Jesus controversially jumped ship last summer, with former playing club Sporting poaching the accomplished tactician from their foes, as the Eagles had perhaps unwisely allowed the Iberian to run down his contract after a reported wage dispute.

The off-field board-room fireworks have continued, but now Jesus makes his first fiery return to the Estadio da Luz to make his mark where it counts…on the pitch. Knowing the opposition so well, after spending six seasons as Benfica boss, Sporting are 23/10 with Coral to rub salt in the wound and inflict a damaging defeat on their competitors.

However, the Eagles’ excellent home record, forged under Jesus, has continued in his absence, with Benfica now boasting an unbelievable stretch of three years without a Primeira Liga loss and it is tough to see that being smashed. Though if one man can, it is Sporting’s new dugout star.

Three of the last four cross-Lisbon scuffles have ended evenly, so a draw at 21/10 for the Lions would be no drama and could be the most realistic chance of taking points. Yet, as Jesus’ new side are trailing Porto on just goal difference in the Liga, losing ground here would be hard to take.