Matthaus' Diary - The Title Is Ours
I know it's only February, and many people have got ahead of themselves in the title race,but I genuinely believe we are the only team still in the race now. Benfica are miles behind, and Porto are dropping more and more points since we beat them.
I could be wrong, and we do have to still play Benfica and Porto away, although if we win them there is no stopping us. We play Benfica later this month, and for the first time in a long time, we can genuinely be considered favourites away from home. It will be a nervy encounter, but if we come through, it'll be a monumental victory, and will give us the ultimate bragging rights.
We were already two points clear when we played Porto at our place and won, to make it five. Since then, we have pulled further away. Recently we are playing before them every week, and winning, therefore putting them under pressure, as they go into their games 10 points behind. If we win at the Estádio do Dragão, there is nothing going to be able to stop us winning the title for the first time in 11 years, which is far too long for a club of our stature.
If we do win the title, and then make the right transfers, signing the right players, selling the right ones, I think next season we could be a truly dominant force in Portugal, and go somewhere in the Champions League too.
Obviously the league isn't the only thing we have to focus on this season. We're still in for two domestic cups, and the Europa League. With a bit of luck, this could turn into a truly massive season for us, and could prove to be a turning-point on the way to being one of the best teams in Europe.
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