FC Porto are seen as the top contenders for the national title by 38.6% of respondents in a poll released ahead of their derby with Benfica. Their lead over their rivals is slender, just 2.1 percentage points, after a sharp rise in support for the Lisbon side since the start of the season.
The study, conducted by Intercampus, shows a significant shift in public perception. In July, before the championship began, Benfica had just 19.4% support. That figure has now nearly doubled to 36.5%, closing in on Porto. Support for the reigning champions, Porto, remained stable over the same period. Sporting trail well behind, with less than half the support of either of the top two.
This public opinion snapshot arrives as Porto genuinely lead the Primeira Liga table with 18 points from six matches. They hold a two-point advantage over Benfica, their closest chasers and next opponents on Saturday. Their latest result, a 4-1 away win at Casa Pia, stays at the summit.
Marco Silva favoured as best coach
On the question of the league's best coach, Benfica's Marco Silva leads the preferences with 33%. Porto's Francesco Farioli comes second with 30.9%, followed by Sporting's Rui Borges on 21.7%. Braga's Carlos Vicens has residual support. The gap between the two leading managers is again very tight, mirroring the perceived equality in the title race.
The immediate sporting context adds weight to these numbers. Porto head into the derby in high spirits after a string of league victories, despite a Champions League defeat to Manchester City. Their attack has been potent, scoring 15 goals while conceding only two. Borja Sainz is the team's top scorer in this early phase with three goals. To review all scorers and assists, visit our stats section.
The last meeting between the two sides, on March 8th, ended in a 2-2 draw at the Estádio da Luz. Now, the stage is the Dragão, where Porto aim to assert their leadership both in the table and in public opinion. The match pits two in-form teams against each other, making it key for the championship's trajectory. Sérgio Conceição's side prepares for this ultimate test, aware that a win would distance their rival and confirm their favourite status. The team's next fixture after the derby can be found on our fixtures calendar.
More detail at Correio da Manhã
