Benfica vs Sporting CP in Primeira Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 16 stage in the 2026 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-12-27T16:00:00Z. The match will be played at venue:unlinked:ad65c93bacad1f99 in Lisbon. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Benfica and Sporting CP. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Primeira LigaRecorded meetings: 20 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Benfica vs Sporting CP in Primeira Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 16 stage in the 2026 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-12-27T16:00:00Z. The match will be played at venue:unlinked:ad65c93bacad1f99 in Lisbon. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Benfica and Sporting CP. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Primeira LigaRecorded meetings: 20 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with a Portugal national team teammate, as Nelson Semedo is reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to welcome a familiar face from the Portugal national team to Riyadh, with Nelson Semedo reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr from Fenerbahçe, according to The Nassr Tribune. Per the outlet, Semedo and Al Nassr would have already agreed on personal terms for the move. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, would have requested permission for the Portuguese right-back to feature in one more match before the transfer is finalized. “If nothing goes wrong after that match, Semedo will be an Al Nassr player,” the source reported. That match in question is Fenerbahçe’s Champions League playoff return leg against Lyon, scheduled for August 26 in France. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Istanbul on August 18. Semedo’s potential exit would also come amid Fenerbahçe’s need to manage their foreign player quota for the new season, a situation that has been reported by Turkish outlets in recent weeks. Nelson Semedo #2, Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 of Portugal. (Getty Images) If the move were to go through, it would reunite Semedo with Ronaldo under the same club roof for the first time, adding another familiar face to Al Nassr’s dressing room, where Samu Costa also joined during this transfer window. Other Saudi clubs also linked to Semedo Al Nassr wouldn’t have been the only Saudi Pro League side keeping tabs on Semedo. Al Ahli were reported to be preparing a direct offer worth between €6 and 7 million to trigger his departure from Fenerbahçe, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Separately, Turkish outlets reported interest from Al Shabab, who were also mentioned as a possible destination amid Fenerbahçe’s need to free up space in their foreign player quota. None of those reported approaches, however, would have advanced as far as the personal terms Semedo is now said to have reached with Al Nassr.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in front of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ipswich upset Sunderland on their return to the Premier League and Leeds earned three points at Nottingham Forest.
Following a tense situation between Julian Alvarez and the Atletico Madrid fanbase, coach Diego Simeone came out to clear things up ahead of the match against Villarreal. Diego Simeone returned to face reporters and moved to clarify his previous comments after being accused of tacitly backing the hostile treatment Julian Alvarez has received from a section of Atletico Madrid’s fanbase. “I want to finish the sentence I started at the last press conference, where I said I respected the fans. That’s absolute, it’s always been that way, but obviously I don’t support insults or abuse. Let that be clear. Any word right now, when people are waiting for that kind of division, can generate conflict and uncertainty,” Simeone said during a press conference. The controversy traces back to Atletico’s LaLiga opener against Malaga, when Alvarez wasn’t included in the squad, due to not being fully fit physically, and didn’t attend the match to support his teammates. A section of supporters responded with chants directed at the absent forward during the 2-0 win, and Simeone’s initial response, saying only that he respected the fans, was widely interpreted as siding with them rather than defending his player. Mañana, Villarreal. 💪 pic.twitter.com/F4yQKUgu4J— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 22, 2026 Before wrapping up, Simeone confirmed Alvarez will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal. “Yes, he’s going to be in the squad. He’s in better shape physically,” the coach said, setting up what could be Alvarez’s first minutes since the World Cup amid all the surrounding controversy. Simeone reaffirms Atletico’s stance on Alvarez’s future The Argentine coach also reaffirmed the club’s stance on Alvarez’s future, aligning himself with comments made by club official Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. “The uncertainties aren’t there. Miguel Ángel spoke clearly. For me, he’s an extremely important player for us to reach our sporting objectives. We’re going to be with him, we’re going to take care of him from a sporting standpoint. Why? Because he’s our player. As long as he’s at Atletico, I’m going to take care of him,” he added. The comments leave little doubt that, at least publicly, Atletico‘s hierarchy is presenting a united front on Alvarez’s situation, coach and club officials alike insisting he remains central to their plans regardless of how the transfer saga with Barcelona has played out.
The American attacker has worked his way back into contention after 44 days on the sidelines, but his involvement against Torino was always going to depend on how quickly the coaching staff felt he could return to competitive action. Christian Pulisic‘s long-awaited return has created another intriguing subplot ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first competitive game in charge of Milan. The American attacker has worked his way back into contention after 44 days on the sidelines, but his involvement against Torino was always going to depend on how quickly the coaching staff felt he could return to competitive action. The timing could hardly be more interesting for Milan, with the Serie A opener arriving after a turbulent summer. Amorim has gradually shaped his squad and tactics during pre-season, and Pulisic’s recovery has given him another attacking option at precisely the moment when the stakes are about to rise. Pulisic suffered a microfracture and bone oedema in the tibia and fibula of his right leg during the 2026 World Cup. The initial expectation was that the injury would keep him out for around four to six weeks, but his recovery has progressed well enough for him to return to full group training at Milanello. MilanNews reported that Pulisic had rejoined his teammates just two days before the Rossoneri’s opening match. After 44 days away from the squad, the 27-year-old’s return to normal training represented a major step toward competitive play. View this post on Instagram Images from the session provided further encouragement, with Pulisic pictured smiling alongside his teammates during a rainy training session. His return to the group suggested that the rehabilitation phase had gone well and that he was ready to be considered for the squad again. Amorim makes the call on Pulisic The mystery surrounding Pulisic’s involvement has now been resolved. Pulisic has been included in Milan’s squad for Sunday’s away match against Torino, giving Amorim the option of bringing the American into the game if the circumstances are right. However, the American is expected to begin on the bench, rather than immediately returning to the starting XI, according to MilanNews. That approach would allow Milan to manage his workload carefully after a lengthy absence while still giving Amorim a potentially dangerous option later in the match. A 20-to-30-minute cameo could be an ideal way to reintroduce Pulisic to competitive action. Milan have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player who could become an important part of Amorim’s plans throughout a long Serie A campaign. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. Amorim prepares for his first Serie A test Pulisic’s return comes as Milan prepares for a new era under Amorim. The former Manchester United manager has used pre-season to experiment with his ideas, including the 3-4-2-1 system that is expected to shape the team’s approach this season. Milan’s preparations have been mixed, with a draw against Celtic, another stalemate against Inter, a defeat to Chelsea and a confidence-boosting victory over Manchester United. The win against United provided some much-needed momentum before the competitive campaign finally begins. Amorim has also made difficult decisions regarding several players who have been excluded from his plans. At the same time, new arrivals such as Goncalo Ramos, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila have given the Portuguese coach more options as he attempts to rebuild the side.
Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Crystal Palace have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League games against Everton (D3), their joint-most defeats against any side in the competition since 2021-22 (also 7 against Arsenal & Chelsea). Crystal Palace recorded an expected goals tally of 2.04, their highest in a Premier League game without scoring since December 2018 against Cardiff (2.1).
NATHAN SALT: Many of Man United's mistakes were painfully familiar and captain Fernandes is tired of seeing them over and over again away from home.
⚽ Updates on the best of the Saturday afternoon action ⚽ Live scores | Football Daily | Email BarryChampionship: Millwall have doubled their lead against Norwich, with Tairyk Arconte scoring his second goal of the game from a Jake Cooper knockdown at a set-piece. It’s 2-0 at the Den and hapless Norwich are staring down the barrel of their second league defeat of the season in two games.Manchester United: The club has agreed a deal worth an initial £65m for Carlos Baleba and the 22-year-old Brighton midfielder will have his medical this weekend, writes Jamie Jackson. Continue reading...
Andy Burnham was in the posh seats to see how his beloved Everton would fare without the key additions that even the prime minister has voiced an opinion on. No right-back, no new centre-forward, no problem: Everton contained enough quality to overcome a wasteful Crystal Palace.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye delivered a timely reminder that, despite the missing pieces in the squad, there is pedigree and Premier League knowhow available to David Moyes as he attempts to sustain a challenge for European qualification this season. Continue reading...
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Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with a Portugal national team teammate, as Nelson Semedo is reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to welcome a familiar face from the Portugal national team to Riyadh, with Nelson Semedo reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr from Fenerbahçe, according to The Nassr Tribune. Per the outlet, Semedo and Al Nassr would have already agreed on personal terms for the move. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, would have requested permission for the Portuguese right-back to feature in one more match before the transfer is finalized. “If nothing goes wrong after that match, Semedo will be an Al Nassr player,” the source reported. That match in question is Fenerbahçe’s Champions League playoff return leg against Lyon, scheduled for August 26 in France. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Istanbul on August 18. Semedo’s potential exit would also come amid Fenerbahçe’s need to manage their foreign player quota for the new season, a situation that has been reported by Turkish outlets in recent weeks. Nelson Semedo #2, Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 of Portugal. (Getty Images) If the move were to go through, it would reunite Semedo with Ronaldo under the same club roof for the first time, adding another familiar face to Al Nassr’s dressing room, where Samu Costa also joined during this transfer window. Other Saudi clubs also linked to Semedo Al Nassr wouldn’t have been the only Saudi Pro League side keeping tabs on Semedo. Al Ahli were reported to be preparing a direct offer worth between €6 and 7 million to trigger his departure from Fenerbahçe, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Separately, Turkish outlets reported interest from Al Shabab, who were also mentioned as a possible destination amid Fenerbahçe’s need to free up space in their foreign player quota. None of those reported approaches, however, would have advanced as far as the personal terms Semedo is now said to have reached with Al Nassr.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in front of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ipswich upset Sunderland on their return to the Premier League and Leeds earned three points at Nottingham Forest.
Following a tense situation between Julian Alvarez and the Atletico Madrid fanbase, coach Diego Simeone came out to clear things up ahead of the match against Villarreal. Diego Simeone returned to face reporters and moved to clarify his previous comments after being accused of tacitly backing the hostile treatment Julian Alvarez has received from a section of Atletico Madrid’s fanbase. “I want to finish the sentence I started at the last press conference, where I said I respected the fans. That’s absolute, it’s always been that way, but obviously I don’t support insults or abuse. Let that be clear. Any word right now, when people are waiting for that kind of division, can generate conflict and uncertainty,” Simeone said during a press conference. The controversy traces back to Atletico’s LaLiga opener against Malaga, when Alvarez wasn’t included in the squad, due to not being fully fit physically, and didn’t attend the match to support his teammates. A section of supporters responded with chants directed at the absent forward during the 2-0 win, and Simeone’s initial response, saying only that he respected the fans, was widely interpreted as siding with them rather than defending his player. Mañana, Villarreal. 💪 pic.twitter.com/F4yQKUgu4J— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 22, 2026 Before wrapping up, Simeone confirmed Alvarez will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal. “Yes, he’s going to be in the squad. He’s in better shape physically,” the coach said, setting up what could be Alvarez’s first minutes since the World Cup amid all the surrounding controversy. Simeone reaffirms Atletico’s stance on Alvarez’s future The Argentine coach also reaffirmed the club’s stance on Alvarez’s future, aligning himself with comments made by club official Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. “The uncertainties aren’t there. Miguel Ángel spoke clearly. For me, he’s an extremely important player for us to reach our sporting objectives. We’re going to be with him, we’re going to take care of him from a sporting standpoint. Why? Because he’s our player. As long as he’s at Atletico, I’m going to take care of him,” he added. The comments leave little doubt that, at least publicly, Atletico‘s hierarchy is presenting a united front on Alvarez’s situation, coach and club officials alike insisting he remains central to their plans regardless of how the transfer saga with Barcelona has played out.
The American attacker has worked his way back into contention after 44 days on the sidelines, but his involvement against Torino was always going to depend on how quickly the coaching staff felt he could return to competitive action. Christian Pulisic‘s long-awaited return has created another intriguing subplot ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first competitive game in charge of Milan. The American attacker has worked his way back into contention after 44 days on the sidelines, but his involvement against Torino was always going to depend on how quickly the coaching staff felt he could return to competitive action. The timing could hardly be more interesting for Milan, with the Serie A opener arriving after a turbulent summer. Amorim has gradually shaped his squad and tactics during pre-season, and Pulisic’s recovery has given him another attacking option at precisely the moment when the stakes are about to rise. Pulisic suffered a microfracture and bone oedema in the tibia and fibula of his right leg during the 2026 World Cup. The initial expectation was that the injury would keep him out for around four to six weeks, but his recovery has progressed well enough for him to return to full group training at Milanello. MilanNews reported that Pulisic had rejoined his teammates just two days before the Rossoneri’s opening match. After 44 days away from the squad, the 27-year-old’s return to normal training represented a major step toward competitive play. View this post on Instagram Images from the session provided further encouragement, with Pulisic pictured smiling alongside his teammates during a rainy training session. His return to the group suggested that the rehabilitation phase had gone well and that he was ready to be considered for the squad again. Amorim makes the call on Pulisic The mystery surrounding Pulisic’s involvement has now been resolved. Pulisic has been included in Milan’s squad for Sunday’s away match against Torino, giving Amorim the option of bringing the American into the game if the circumstances are right. However, the American is expected to begin on the bench, rather than immediately returning to the starting XI, according to MilanNews. That approach would allow Milan to manage his workload carefully after a lengthy absence while still giving Amorim a potentially dangerous option later in the match. A 20-to-30-minute cameo could be an ideal way to reintroduce Pulisic to competitive action. Milan have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player who could become an important part of Amorim’s plans throughout a long Serie A campaign. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. Amorim prepares for his first Serie A test Pulisic’s return comes as Milan prepares for a new era under Amorim. The former Manchester United manager has used pre-season to experiment with his ideas, including the 3-4-2-1 system that is expected to shape the team’s approach this season. Milan’s preparations have been mixed, with a draw against Celtic, another stalemate against Inter, a defeat to Chelsea and a confidence-boosting victory over Manchester United. The win against United provided some much-needed momentum before the competitive campaign finally begins. Amorim has also made difficult decisions regarding several players who have been excluded from his plans. At the same time, new arrivals such as Goncalo Ramos, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila have given the Portuguese coach more options as he attempts to rebuild the side.
Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Crystal Palace have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League games against Everton (D3), their joint-most defeats against any side in the competition since 2021-22 (also 7 against Arsenal & Chelsea). Crystal Palace recorded an expected goals tally of 2.04, their highest in a Premier League game without scoring since December 2018 against Cardiff (2.1).
NATHAN SALT: Many of Man United's mistakes were painfully familiar and captain Fernandes is tired of seeing them over and over again away from home.
⚽ Updates on the best of the Saturday afternoon action ⚽ Live scores | Football Daily | Email BarryChampionship: Millwall have doubled their lead against Norwich, with Tairyk Arconte scoring his second goal of the game from a Jake Cooper knockdown at a set-piece. It’s 2-0 at the Den and hapless Norwich are staring down the barrel of their second league defeat of the season in two games.Manchester United: The club has agreed a deal worth an initial £65m for Carlos Baleba and the 22-year-old Brighton midfielder will have his medical this weekend, writes Jamie Jackson. Continue reading...
Andy Burnham was in the posh seats to see how his beloved Everton would fare without the key additions that even the prime minister has voiced an opinion on. No right-back, no new centre-forward, no problem: Everton contained enough quality to overcome a wasteful Crystal Palace.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye delivered a timely reminder that, despite the missing pieces in the squad, there is pedigree and Premier League knowhow available to David Moyes as he attempts to sustain a challenge for European qualification this season. Continue reading...
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