Lions lead in several statistical metrics, but eagles show more quality in finishing.
The most recent Alvalade derby confirmed several realities. Firstly, Sporting’s inability to beat their main rivals in the league , but also their superiority in some relevant statistical data, such as ball possession or shots. The victory, however, went to Benfica, by 2-1 , and the explanation lies in the quality of what they did well.
Statistical data compiled by SofaScore , Maisfutebol ‘s statistical partner , shows that the Lisbon derby, from the 30th round of the League , did not deviate from expectations in several aspects.
Sporting had more possession and more shots than Benfica, confirming their superiority over the Eagles in these areas, according to overall league data. Sporting even has the best average number of shots per game in the league, both total (17.8) and on target (6.8).
This also helps explain why Trubin made more saves than Rui Silva (five against three) and the two shots that hit the woodwork for Benfica .
But quantity isn’t always synonymous with quality, as the match result demonstrates. And that was only possible because Benfica excelled in finishing their attacks.
This alone explains why Benfica created three times as many clear-cut chances to score (three compared to just one for Sporting ), surpassing in this aspect the team that created the most clear-cut opportunities in the entire championship (104 for Sporting, 96 for Benfica).
Furthermore, Benfica leads in two of the most relevant statistics of the derby: the aforementioned clear=cut chances and expected goals, which in this case even match the result.
It’s true that Benfica’s winning goal came in stoppage time, in response to a disallowed Sporting goal for offside, but the numbers don’t lie. And they always trump emotions. After the final whistle, of course.
