Sporting CP aims to extend its winning streak and climb the domestic volleyball league standings this weekend, fueled by a recent dominant victory over rival Benfica.
The Lisbon club is set to host Ginásio Clube Santo Tirso on Saturday afternoon as part of the fourth round of the championship season.
Sporting player Jan Pokersnik highlighted the significance of the recent 3-0 home triumph against arch-rivals Benfica. “It was very good, especially because we won 3-0 and played a very good game,” the Slovenian outside hitter stated on the club’s official website.
Pokersnik also recalled an earlier Super Cup victory against Benfica. He acknowledged an unexpected loss in the regular season’s opening game but praised the team’s subsequent two consecutive wins. “It was good to react with two straight wins and get back to the top of the standings and we hope to maintain that,” he added.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s encounter, Pokersnik expressed confidence. “I expect nothing different than a good win for us. Sporting is the better team and we will show that,” said the player, who joined Sporting CP this season.
Elsewhere in the league, Benfica faces a challenging away match against Sp. Espinho, also scheduled for Saturday.
Austrian central player Peter Wohlfahrtstätter, who has been with Benfica since the 2018-2019 season, anticipates a tough but victorious outcome. He emphasized recent team discussions focused on increased aggression. “I hope everyone will be a little more aggressive and take a bit more risks in decisive moments,” Wohlfahrtstätter, 26, commented.
The championship also features the surprising performance of Académica de São Mamede, which currently leads the standings with an undefeated record. They are set to visit Ala Gondomar on Saturday.