Benfica vs. Sao Paulo: Friendly Gives Clubs a Chance to Build Momentum

Although it's only a friendly, Benfica and Sao Paulo are both looking to build momentum when they meet in the Eusebio Cup at Estadio da Luz on Saturday.

Benfica participates in the tournament every year, but it is Sao Paulo's first appearance. Benfica has won back-to-back tournaments and three of four. 

This friendly will give Benfica a chance to head into the season with a win. After losing the UEFA Cup last season, Benfica want to get off to a good start.

Benfica won only one of its final four games last season, including the Europa League final. However, they did win 10 of their final 12 Liga matches. With just over two weeks remaining until Liga play gets going, this is a good tune-up for Benfica.

The Portuguese club has a good offensive attack. Lima, Oscar Cardozo and Eduardo Salvio lead the offense.

This will mark the first time that a team from outside of Europe will take on Benfica. 

The Eusebio Cup usually marks a preseason matchup, but Sao Paulo is already in the middle of its season. It is tied for the most games played (11) but also tied for the second-fewest wins (2) in the league.

With a record of two wins, three draws and six losses, Sao Paulo will have a chance to take a break from the Brasileiro and build momentum as it looks to go on a run.

After winning its first two league games by a combined score of 7-1, Sao Paulo hasn't won in over two months. It has scored only four goals during its nine-game winless streak.

Luis Fabiano has three goals in Brasileiro play, so he will need to get going early in this friendly. He hasn't received much help from his teammates. Aloisio, who also has three goals, is the only other player with more than one.

Getting a break from league play in the middle of a disappointing season can only help Sao Paulo. It has to take on the talented Benfica, but it will get a chance to play against a team in a different league.

Going two months without a win is difficult, so this match will give the players a chance to play loose without the fear of losing a game in the standings.

Benfica has a history of winning the Eusebio Cup, so it will be favored to win again. 

This is an interesting matchup of a team getting a break from league play and a team playing a friendly two weeks before the beginning of its season. 

Standings are irrelevant in this match, but both teams have a chance to build momentum by playing well in the Eusebio Cup.

*All stats are courtesy of ESPNFC.com