LISBON: Benfica and Porto treated fans to an electrifying start with four goals in 20 minutes in a 2-2 draw on Sunday that kept the Portuguese Premier League title chase wide open.
The two fierce rivals, undefeated in the league, came into the match with little to separate them and the draw meant Benfica maintained their three-point lead at the top over champions Porto, who have a game in hand.
Porto surprised the hosts early on through France under-21 captain Eliaquim Mangala, who was left unmarked in the area and headed in the opener after eight minutes.
Two minutes later Benfica’s Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic struck back with a superb volley but Porto’s in-form Jackson Martinez made the most of a blunder by keeper Artur, who misjudged a back pass, and slotted in to put the champions ahead 2-1.
The 61,000 roaring fans packed into the Luz stadium for the Clasico were on their feet again as Benfica’s Argentine winger Nicolas Gaitan fired in the leveler after collecting a loose ball in the box.
In a much calmer second half, the Lisbon club should have grabbed the winner but keeper Helton denied Cardozo with a flying save with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Benfica draw with Porto in thrilling Classico
Benfica draw with Porto in thrilling Classico
Australia injury woes continue with skipper Marsh ruled out of World Cup opener
- Former captain Steve Smith will join squad in Sri Lanka as cover while Travis Head captains team
- Marsh sustained direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, Cricket Australia says
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening game of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday with a groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.
Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” CA said in a statement.
Head said at the toss later that Marsh was unlucky to miss out and appeared to play down the seriousness of the injury. He did not give a timeline for his teammate’s return.
“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.
“He’s the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It’s nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we’re looking forward to going well.”
Australia are also without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the event after failing to recover from a niggling back injury. Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood lost a race to be fit after Achilles and hamstring injuries.
Mitchell Starc has quit the format, leaving them without their top quick bowlers.
The big-hitting Tim David was also ruled out of the first game as he returns from a hamstring strain.
The 2021 champions take on Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday.
