Lenore Sports buys stake in Benfica

American investor group Lenore Sports Partners has purchased a 5.24% stake in Portuguese giants Benfica according to a statement released by the club's SAD. 

The deal marks the first time that an investor group from America has purchased such a big stake in a top tier Portuguese club with Benfica said to be valued in the €598M to €659M according to data firm Benchmark, which would place Lenore Sports stake to be worth €31.3M to €34.5M.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, a fan group own the majority of the club through the SAD with a 64% stake. Lenore Sports will work with the club in exploring opportunities where the club has the potential for more growth as they will use their decades of experience to add another aspect to the business side of the club.

Benfica need help to win Portuguese title

Benfica and Sporting drew 1-1 in a critical Lisbon Derby game yesterday, leaving both teams level with 79 points going into the final matchday of the season next weekend. Trincao opened the scoring for Sporting just four minutes into the contest and Akturkoglu's second half goal assisted by a dazzling solo run by striker Pavlidis gave both teams a point a piece.

Sporting hold the tiebreaker advantage from their head to head record, defeating Benfica 1-0 at home in Week 16, meaning Benfica will need help if they are to win the Portuguese League this season. Benfica's hopes hinge on a win or draw against Braga and a Sporting slip up against Guimaraes as any result that sees both club's tied in points will give the title to Sporting.

Benfica ready for crucial Lisbon Derby potential title game

Benfica and Sporting are set to face off on Saturday, in a crucial Lisbon derby at Estadio da Luz, with both teams tied at 78 points atop the Portuguese League standings. With only two games left in the 2024-25 season, this match could effectively decide the Portuguese league title, as it’s one of the tightest races in recent years. 

 
Sporting currently holds the edge due to their 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in December, giving them a better head-to-head record. Third-placed Porto, 13 points behind, are out of contention.
 
Both teams have been neck-and-neck, with posts on X reflecting the intensity of the race—some fans noting Sporting’s earlier lead of 10-15 points before manager Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United.

Benfica have clawed back, capitalizing on Sporting’s stumbles. The rivalry extends beyond the league, with Benfica defeating Sporting on penalties in the Taca da Liga final in January and the two set to meet again in the Taca de Portugal final on May 25.
 
This derby is a tactical chess match. Benfica’s home advantage and Di Maria’s potential form give them a slight edge, but Sporting’s resilience and Gyokeres’ goal scoring prowess make them dangerous. 

 
Sources suggest a high-stakes, closely contested game, with tiebreaker scenarios adding pressure. A Benfica victory seems likely given their squad depth, but Sporting’s knack for grinding out results can’t be underestimated. The outcome may well hinge on fine margins, potentially extending the title fight to the final day.