Defense of the title in progress

Benfica is having a vigorous start in Liga NOS 2019/20, with the "Bi" (two titles in a row) as goal. The Official has compared the eagles' start with other champions of the European major leagues. The reds are on top.

In this journey through Europe, Italy “was not visited” as Serie A did not start yet. This way, we have studied the results of the champions from England, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and Portugal, the biggest leagues in the old Continent.

The two victories in two matches should be highlighted alone, but the Benfica commanded by Bruno Lage presents other significant stats.

The leader ship of the National Championship with six points, seven goals scored and zero conceded is a unique scenario in this century, and we should go back to the 1970 decade to find better numbers.

According to Wyscout, Benfica is the club from Liga NOS – along with Portimonense – with less yellow cards: one; and the team with the most passes per match (481), with an accuracy close to 86%; and the team with more clutch passes: 17.

If we add the Super Cup match to the National Championship, Benfica counts with three victories in a row and a 12-0 record.

Without parallel in the major leagues

In the Premier League, the Manchester City, commanded by Pep Guardiola, counts with a victory and a draw after two rounds.

In Spain, Barcelona, did not start well. The Catalans have been defeated in Bilbao, Atlético, by 1-0.

In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain is the 8^th position after two rounds and an away defeat against Rennes (2-1), after winning the launching game against Nimes (3-0).

Just like Barcelona, Bayern has only one game in Bundesliga. At the Allianz Arena, against Hertha Berlin, a 2-2 draw.

In Russia, after six rounds, Zenit is, just like Benfica, the only current champion on top of the table.

Next Saturday, at Estádio da Luz, Benfica faces FC Porto in Round 3 of Liga NOS. The tickets are available on the secondary market.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica