Primeira Liga Opening Round Preview: Di María Set to Propel Benfica, While Porto Faces a Potential Plateau

The 2023-24 Primeira Liga season kicks off with high expectations as defending champions Benfica and runners-up Porto prepare to make their league debuts following their Super Cup clash last week. While Benfica appears poised to maintain their dominance, questions linger over Porto's ability to keep pace after a turbulent previous season.

Boavista vs. Benfica – The Return of Di María

Boavista enters the new season with renewed ambition after comfortably securing their place in the Primeira Liga last year. The club finished 18 points clear of the relegation playoff zone, showcasing their stability in Portugal’s top tier. However, their defensive frailties limited their ability to challenge for a European qualification spot.

Last season, Boavista scored 43 goals—just shy of the league’s top four teams—but conceded nearly as many, with their defensive record comparable to that of relegated sides. Head coach Petit is aware that addressing these defensive issues will be critical if Boavista aims to close the 10-point gap that separated them from European contention.

Benfica, on the other hand, enters the new campaign with the confidence of champions. Their 87-point haul last season marked a triumphant return to the summit of Portuguese football, even after losing star striker Darwin Núñez to Liverpool. However, their total fell four points short of Porto’s tally from two seasons ago, underlining the need for further improvement if they are to fend off their northern rivals.

The departure of Gonçalo Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain on loan is a significant blow to Benfica’s attack. Ramos was the team’s top scorer last season, and his absence will be felt as new signing Arthur Cabral, acquired from Fiorentina, seeks to fill the void. While Cabral has the potential to perform well in domestic competitions, doubts remain over his ability to deliver at the highest level, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.

Fortunately for Benfica, the return of Ángel Di María has provided a significant morale boost. The Argentine winger, who began his European career at Benfica 16 years ago, showcased his enduring quality in the Super Cup against Porto. His assist for fellow newcomer Orkun Kökçü’s opening goal set the tone for a 2-0 victory, signaling his importance to Roger Schmidt’s squad.

As Benfica prepares to face Boavista in their league opener, the momentum from their Super Cup triumph positions them as clear favorites. Last season, Benfica defeated Boavista 3-0 in this fixture, and a similar result seems plausible given their current form and firepower.

Moreirense vs. Porto – Stability or Stagnation?

Moreirense makes their return to the Primeira Liga after a dominant campaign in the second tier. They secured the Liga Portugal 2 title with a 10-point cushion over runners-up Farense, demonstrating their readiness to compete once again at the top level. This season marks Moreirense’s 13th appearance in the Primeira Liga, and their immediate objective will be to avoid relegation.

Scoring goals was a significant challenge for Moreirense during their previous stint in the top division, averaging less than one goal per game. However, their attacking prowess in the second division offers hope that they can be more competitive this time around. If they can maintain even a fraction of last season’s offensive output, survival should be within reach.

For Porto, the new season represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Last season’s slow start left them playing catch-up to Benfica, and despite a strong finish with nine consecutive victories, they fell short by two points. The disappointment of losing the title has been compounded by a quiet summer transfer window, with no major departures or arrivals.

While stability in the squad might be seen as a positive, it also reflects the lack of interest from Europe’s elite clubs in Porto’s players. This could be interpreted as a sign of stagnation, particularly for a club that has historically been a springboard for talent to the top European leagues.

The Super Cup defeat to Benfica exposed some of Porto’s lingering issues. Veteran defender Pepe, who showed remarkable composure during the FIFA World Cup, lost his cool once again against Benfica, receiving a red card in the heated encounter. The incident highlighted the intensity of Portugal’s fiercest rivalry, where emotions often run high.

Despite the setback, Porto should have enough quality to handle newly promoted Moreirense. The Dragões are expected to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, even if their attack lacks the clinical edge it once had. A narrow 1-0 victory for Porto seems a likely outcome, as they look to build momentum and shake off the disappointment of their Super Cup loss.

The Di María Factor

Much of the attention this season will be on Di María, whose return to Benfica has rekindled memories of his early days in European football. His experience, vision, and leadership will be invaluable for a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts.

In the Super Cup, Di María demonstrated his ability to influence matches with his creativity and technical skills. His presence not only elevates Benfica’s attacking play but also provides a calming influence on younger players like João Neves and António Silva, who are expected to take on larger roles this season.

Di María’s return also underscores Benfica’s ambition to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in European football. While the club has been a dominant force domestically, consistent success in the Champions League has remained elusive. With Di María leading the charge, Benfica will hope to make a deeper run in Europe’s premier club competition.

Porto’s Quest for Consistency

For Porto, the focus will be on consistency. Head coach Sérgio Conceição must ensure that his team starts the season strongly to avoid falling behind in the title race once again. The core of the squad remains intact, with key players like Mehdi Taremi, Otávio, and Zaidu Sanusi expected to play pivotal roles.

While the lack of significant transfers may limit Porto’s ceiling, it also provides an opportunity for continuity and cohesion. The team’s defensive solidity, anchored by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, will be crucial as they navigate a demanding schedule.

However, Porto’s success this season may hinge on their ability to unearth new attacking options. The reliance on Taremi for goals is a concern, and Conceição will need to find ways to diversify their attacking threat. Players like Evanilson and Francisco Conceição will need to step up and contribute more consistently in the final third.

The Road Ahead

As the Primeira Liga season unfolds, the battle between Benfica and Porto will once again take center stage. While Benfica appears well-positioned to defend their title, Porto’s determination to reclaim the crown should not be underestimated.

Both clubs will face challenges and opportunities in the coming weeks, and their performances in the opening round will provide early indications of what to expect this season. For now, all eyes will be on Boavista vs. Benfica and Moreirense vs. Porto, as the drama of Portuguese football begins anew.