All-Portuguese final will be just Rio grand
Three teams in the semi-final with the tantalising prospects of a Porto-Benfica showdown, or maybe a north Portugal derby — unless the men from Villarreal spoil the party.
The UEFA Cup, as it used to be called, has had a fair few domestic semi-finals down the years, but three from the same country is unusual.
Spain achieved it in 2007, when Sevilla went on to beat Espanyol in the final at Hampden Park, and in 1980 the Germans even managed a clean sweep. For one of Europe’s smaller nations it’s remarkable and given how people in Portugal are suffering from the financial crisis just as here in Ireland, there is a real sense of triumph against adversity.
“Football raises self-esteem in a depressed country,” was the headline in the Lisbon paper A Bola and up north in Oporto O Jogo said much the same.
In a way, Braga are the biggest story this season in Portugal. Yes, there has been the amazing success of André Villas-Boas, Porto’s new Jose Mourinho. His team were crowned league champions with five matches to go and remain unbeaten in the league after their 3-2 win against Sporting at the weekend.
Benfica too have overachieved. Selling three players of the calibre of Angel Di Maria, Ramires and David Luiz was a big risk and Porto destroyed them 5-0 back in November. Their replacements have since risen to the challenge.
But Braga are the outsiders who have come good. Second last season behind Benfica they have maintained a challenge ahead of Portugal’s traditional third team, Sporting. Their coach Domingos Paciencia is being headhunted by Sporting but still might opt to turn down the money to stay where he is.
Braga’s home win against Arsenal in the Champions League and then their success against Liverpool in the Europa League surprised many.
But they have produced several strong performances against big clubs over recent seasons, among them Milan and Bayern Munich. Their current ranking is only just behind Champions League semi-finalists Schalke.
On this season’s showing the Portuguese clubs are currently third in Europe ahead of both Germany and Italy, and well ahead of France. The French are concerned that their place in the rankings may soon be in jeopardy.
Denis Chaumier, editor of France Football, believes the reason is professionalism — French clubs are only interested in the Champions League. “The difference between ourselves and Portugal is their respect for the competitions they take part in,” he said.
It’s certainly not financial strength. Benfica averaged 50,000 fans at home games last season, Porto over 33,000, but Braga fewer than 15,000.
One thing the Portuguese do have, however, is a seemingly endless supply of quality players. Portugal itself produces a large number — around 200 are now playing abroad. But the scouting and financial links they have with South America, above all Brazil, mean they punch well above their weight.
Porto have six Brazilians in their squad, along with players such as Falcao from Colombia and the Argentinian Belluschi. Twelve of Braga’s players are from Brazil, while Benfica have 16 South Americans on their books.
Dublin may well have a touch of Rio or Montevideo about it come May 18.
