“FC Porto can be champion while Sporting sinks into crisis.”

FC Porto is one step away from winning the national title, while Sporting is plunging into a deep crisis that has seen them drop from second to third place in the Portuguese League. This Saturday, May 2, could be the day when the Dragons officially lift the champions’ trophy, a scenario that leaves Lions fans in shock and Porto supporters in early celebration.

The unexpected outcome occurred this Sunday when Sporting could only manage a 1-1 draw against the already relegated Aves SAD. This result left the Lions in the last spot on the podium, with guaranteed access only to the Europa League, and not to the much-desired Champions League. The Alvalade team now has a worrying streak: they have won only one of their last six matches, precisely in Amadora, a clear sign of instability and lack of confidence.

With the moral defeat, the calculations for the title became clear and simple: FC Porto only needs to win against Alverca at the Estádio do Dragão in the next round, at 8:30 PM, to mathematically secure the championship. They don’t even need to play to celebrate, as if Benfica loses in Famalicão and Sporting does not win their postponed match against Tondela, scheduled for Wednesday, the dragons can celebrate the title from the comfort of their sofa.

The Sporting, even if they win against Tondela, cannot surpass Benfica, remaining with the same 75 points but at a disadvantage in the head-to-head record. The 1-1 draw at the Luz and the recent 2-1 defeat at Alvalade put the lions in a disadvantageous position. Furthermore, against FC Porto, the situation is even more complicated: they lost at home and drew at the Dragão, which means that any point tie leaves them behind the champions.

For the 32nd round, Sporting will only take to the pitch on Monday, hosting Vitória de Guimarães in a match that could be decisive for maintaining some hope of European qualification, but far from the dream of the title.

This green and white crisis not only threatens the Lions’ ambitions but also opens the door for an FC Porto that seems unstoppable and ready to dominate Portuguese football once again. The celebration is set for the Dragons, while Sporting desperately tries to avoid a humiliating end to this season. The coming week promises to be explosive and decisive for the outcome of the national championship.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.