30-JANUARY-2013
WEEKEND PREVIEW
 

With all set regarding the Winners Stage (SL Benfica, SC Espinho, AJF Bastardo, Castelo da Maia GC, Esmoriz GC and Vitória SC) remains the battle for the 5th place in standings, and adding as many points as possible, which will allow the teams to enter the next stage closer to each other. [Schedule]

Esmoriz GC and Vitória SC, 5th and 6th respectively, have the same number of points and therefore the last round will determinate which team will end the 1st Stage in the 5th place.
The “Barrinha” team hosts GC Vilacondese, while the team from Guimarães will travel to Caldas da Rainha to battle SC Caldas.
The much anticipated duel is set to Friday, as SC Espinho hosts SL Benfica, not only for the two title contenders are on the field, but also because a 3-point victory could be important in the 2nd Stage point percentage. [Regulation]

AA Espinho x AJF Bastardo, Clube K x CS Marítimo, Esmoriz GC x GC Vilacondense, Castelo da Maia GC x SL Benfica, SC Caldas x Vitória SC e Leixões SC x SC Espinho are the fixtures of the final round of National Championship I Division – Men 1st Stage, and therefore, all are to be played at 17h00.

The Women’s championship will display a double-header fixture during this weekend, with only two matches being played on Saturday and four on Sunday, once the fixture between CD Ribeirense and GC Sto. Tirso will not take place, due to financial restrictions, which denied the team from Santo Tirso from travelling to Azores.
Already three of four teams are set to the Winners Stage (CD Ribeirense, Leixões SC and GDC Gueifães) while Castelo da Maia GC is one point away to join the elite.
The focus is now on the battle for the 5th place (first of the Losers Stage). Therefore, the match between Lusófona VC (5th/21points/16gp) and CF Belenenses/Blue (7th/19points/15gp) gathers a lot of expectation, followed by the duel between SC Braga (6th/21points/16gp) and Leixões SC, who promises to battle for the 1st place until the end of the 1st Stage, due to February 10.[Schedule]

Meanwhile, after the last weekend’s match Vitória SC x SL Benfica (3-1) which closed the Cup of Portugal II Round – Men, it is time now for the cup’s quarter-finals inaugural match, as GC Vilacondense go up against AJF Bastardo next Sunday. [Cup of Portugal]

More info: www.fpvoleibol.pt