The Primeira Liga O Clàssico on Saturday between Benfica and Porto was decided in stoppage time by a defender, when all else fell short and what a celebration it was for the 23 year-old Zaidu Sanusi, but now they shift their focus to completing a domestic double.
Sanusi scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to hand Porto an important win, deciding the title chase with Sporting CP which had gone down the wire.
The Nigerian secured Dragões the league despite Sporting also picking up a win on Saturday against Portimonense.
Estádio da Luz witnessed a tight contest between two of Portugal’s big three, strategy and tenacity were at competitive levels, which proved the outcome only fitting.
It was the 23 year-old’s third League goal of the season and it could turn out to be the most important goal in his Porto career.
Earlier in the game Benfica had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside and it could have decided the contest, as the two teams could only managed seven shots on target.
Sanusi’s goal came from Benfica’s last ditched attempt which saw them overload Porto’s defensive third during a corner kick.
The transition into attack was swift and the left back connected Pepe’s cross with a perfect volley on his strong foot.
Speaking after picking up his MOTM award Zaidu Sanusi described his epic moment and what it means to the entire team.
“The most important thing in my life was the championship we won today,” the LB said. “Thank you very much for this man of the match award, the most important thing in my life was the championship we won today.”
“What mattered was to win the match, we needed to win, the most important thing was the victory of the team.”
Sergio Conceicao and his team continued their celebrations of the Club’s 30th league title over the weekend but will be eyeing a domestic double with the Taça de Portugal final coming up May 22.
“My future is to try to win the Portuguese Cup. My future is to work well during these two weeks and win the Portuguese Cup on the 22nd, because I’ve already had two big disappointments at Jamor and I hope the third time is the charm,” Conceicao said.
“I have a special affection for the Portuguese Cup and for that stadium. It would be a fantastic achievement to get the double twice in five years.”
