The Portuguese Cup game between the two teams from the capital will be played at the Restelo Stadium, because the Tapadinha stadium does not yet have the conditions for these matches. “I think we’ll feel at home”, says Paulinho, Atlético CP player. “It will be a beautiful night of football”, says José Mourinho, Benfica coach, who remembers the days when he saw his father playing at Tapadinha.
This Lisbon derby has not been held since 1982. It is the 67th game between Atlético CP and Benfica. The fourth round game between the two historical teams from the capital will be played at the Restelo stadium.
“It is not possible [jogar no Estádio da Tapadinha]the second objective was to have our own close to us. Therefore, Estádio do Restelo turned out to be a very good option”, says Atlético CP coach, Pedro D’Oliveira. “I think we will feel at home”, says Paulinho, the club’s player.
It is in this borrowed house, from one that is also a rival both in the city and in League Three, the division in which Atlético CP plays, that the Tapadinha club will host José Mourinho’s Benfica.
“I remember seeing my father play at Tapadinha (…) I would prefer the game to be at Tapadinha, but I think it will be a beautiful night of football”, says Mourinho, who receives praise from the rival coach. “He’s one of the best ever, a born leader”, guarantees Pedro D’Oliveira.
Atlético CP beat Benfica 3 times
In history, Atlético CP only beat Benfica three times, in the 40s of the last century, when the rivalry between the two was enormous.
The current Atlético CP wants to kick off the crisis and gain momentum for the remainder of the season. The match with Benfica takes place this Friday, at Restelo, from 8:30 pm. There will be arbitration by Fábio Veríssimo.
