Benfica and Sporting prepare for pre‑season friendlies and league‑launch derbies

The Portuguese clubs SL Benfica and Sporting CP will feature in a series of high‑profile pre‑season matches broadcast live on DAZN under the “Desafios Betano” banner. Benfica opens on 11 July against Brazilian side Flamengo, followed by a 17 July clash with Spain’s Villarreal. Sporting’s schedule includes a 14 July game versus Scotland’s Celtic, a 20 July match with France’s Strasbourg, and a 31 July encounter with England’s Nottingham Forest.

Both clubs also face each other in the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 domestic league season. The men’s Liga Betclic will debut with a Benfica‑Sporting derby on the weekend of 3‑4 October, while the women’s league will start with Sporting hosting Benfica a day later. These events mark the start of the new season for Portugal’s top football teams, offering fans an early look at squad changes and tactical setups.