Portuguese international Rafael Leão has finally committed his future to AC Milan by signing his long-awaited new contract at San Siro.
Leão has signed a five-year contract with Milan, tying himself to the club until 2028. Having been in negotiations for well over a year, the former Sporting man says he is delighted to have settled his future with the Rossoneri, where Leão says he feels perfectly comfortable.
It’s hard to believe, but the Primeira Liga season has finally come to an end with Benfica sealing the title on the final day of the season. In a two-part podcast, Barney & Albert take on the mammoth task of rating every team’s Primeira Liga 2022/23 campaign in the annual Long Ball Futebol end-of-season review.
We discuss Benfica’s dominance as they lead from the start, Porto’s late surge not being enough to catch up, Braga’s record-breaking season, Sporting falling short, Arouca achieving the stuff of dreams, Famalicão back where they belong, and much much more.
Another memorable Portuguese league campaign has come to a close, with the Bwin Liga winners decided only on the final weekend of the season.
Benfica won their first title in four years, Braga recorded their best ever points total, and strong campaigns in Europe by the traditional Big Three makes choosing the best Primeira Liga XI a difficult task, even before we consider worthy candidates from other teams.
Arouca, Chaves and Casa Pia were hugely impressive in arguably seasons of overachievement, while the likes of Vitória and Famalicão also hit noteworthy purple patches in 2022/23.
PortuGOAL’s team of writers have each compiled their team of the season.
The image to the right contains the players that were selected in at least four of the six teams chosen by Matthew Marshall, Albert Carter-Phillips, Barney Carter-Phillips, Jamie Farr, Tom Kundert and Patrick Ribeiro. To find out who made the cut in each individual team and why, read on…
Portuguese international Diogo Dalot has finally settled his future by signings a new five-year contract at Manchester United, with the option of a further year.
Dalot was heading towards the final year of his deal and there was regular speculation over whether he would remain at Old Trafford. However, the former Porto defender has now committed his prime years to the Red Devils and was delighted to confirm the extension alongside United boss Erik ten Hag on Wednesday afternoon.
Sevilla 1-1 Roma AET (Sevilla 4-1 on pens)
José Mourinho lost the first European final of his managerial career on Wednesday, as Roma suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat to perennial winners Sevilla in Budapest.
After the match, Mourinho fumed at the decisions of English referee Anthony Taylor, while suggesting he could be prepared to walk away from his job with the Giallorossi if his ambitions are not matched by the club.
Raphaël Guerreiro was hoping to end his Borussia Dortmund career with the Bundesliga title this weekend, but despite the Portuguese getting on the scoresheet BvB contrived to blow their chance at glory in Germany.
Elsewhere, there were final-day goals for Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League, while Diogo Gonçalves (pictured) celebrated two league titles in the space of 48 hours as Copenhagen were crowned champions of Denmark. In the German fight for survival, Tiago Tomás struck for Stuttgart, who will enter a play-off to decide their fate.
Portuguese international Raphaël Guerreiro has confirmed he is to leave German club Borussia Dortmund at the end of his contract this summer.
Guerreiro has spent seven years at the Westfalenstadion after joining from French side Lorient, becoming one of Dortmund’s key players and amassing 224 appearances for the club. However, at the age of 29, Guerreiro will now have a wide range of options when deciding where to continue his career.
Roberto Martínez has announced Portugal’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Bosnia and Iceland.
Wolves centre-back Toti Gomes has been selected for the senior national team for the first time, while Nélson Semedo, Renato Sanches and Ricardo Horta return to the squad after missing out in Martínez’s first call-up earlier this year.
Liga Bwin 2022/23 came to its conclusion this weekend with many key positions decided, but still the round of matches provided plenty to be keeping an eye out for during the closing of the curtain on another memorable season in Portugal.
Arouca’s magnificent campaign ended superbly as they leapfrogged Vitória Guimarães to finish in 5th place. The relegation places had already been decided, with recent escapees from the predicament Estoril and Gil Vicente amongst those recording comfortable victories.
Elsewhere the small matter of the destiny of the league title remained in the balance, but leaders Benfica never really looked like giving up their premiership with a comprehensive defeat of Santa Clara being enough to secure the champions honours. Their manager Roger Schmidt has been a much-needed breath of fresh air at the club, and the German is in focus as our final PortuGOAL Figure of the Week of the campaign.
Benfica are the 2022/23 champions of Portugal after beating Santa Clara 3-0 in front of their ecstatic fans at the Estádio da Luz to spark wild celebrations throughout Lisbon that are sure to last long into the early hours.
Needing a win to mathematically make certain of the title but knowing a draw would practically seal the deal, Benfica left nothing to chance as an early goal by Gonçalo Ramos settled any nerves.
Rafa Silva doubled the advantage before the break and Alex Grimaldo completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the second half.
Updated article: match action, celebrations, reactions
FC Porto 3-0 Vitória
FC Porto have failed in their defence of the Primeira Liga title after Benfica’s home win versus Santa Clara secured the championship, this Saturday, despite the Dragons’ 3-0 triumph at home to Vitória.
Sérgio Conceição’s men were in need of a huge favour from bottom-of-the-table Santa Clara in order to leapfrog Benfica at the top of the table, as Vitória came to town.
Porto held up their end of the bargain with a 3-0 victory, complete with goals from Mehdi Taremi, Otávio and Evanilson, but an equally-proficient night in front of goal for the Eagles meant the Blue & Whites were kept at bay, trailing top-spot by two points on the final day of the season.
Portuguese youngster Fábio Carvalho has barely featured for Liverpool since the turn of the year, but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was in high praise of the midfielder in his press conference today.
Carvalho has made just four appearances from the bench in 2023, totalling less than 80 minutes on the field. Having enjoyed a bright start after joining from Fulham last summer, the lack of involvement post World Cup has raised questions over Carvalho’s future at Anfield.
After a decisive weekend in the Primeira Liga, Barney & Albert discuss Benfica missing the opportunity to win the Primeira Liga against Sporting, which allows Porto to cling onto their slim title hopes.
Meanwhile, Braga confirm Champions League football for next season, Vitória and Arouca claim the Conference League spots, Marítimo send down Paços, and the rejuvenated Santa Clara notch a 95th-minute winner.
Manchester City’s Portugal U19 international Carlos Borges has been named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season, after helping his team retain their title.
The 19-year-old forward was in sensational form for City’s Elite Development Squad, scoring 21 goals from his 24 appearances in PL2 while also registering an impressive 11 assists. City’s youth team were crowned winners for a record third straight campaign.
Portugal’s 2023 European U17 Championship campaign came to an end in the group stage after a 1-1 draw against France at Balmazújváros Városi Stadion.
Fodé Sylla put France ahead in the 10th minute with Filipe Ramos making two substitutions before the break.
He couldn’t have asked for a better outcome after introducing Geovany Quenda and Nuno Patrício in the 39th minute, Quenda’s corner converted by Patrício two minutes later.
The Equipa das Quinas had most of the momentum in the second half but couldn’t find the winning goal.
Quenda tested Paul Argney from a tight angle, the final chance coming in added time when Rodrigo Duarte headed Martim Fernandes’ cross over the bar.
Time is almost up on the 2022/23 Liga Bwin season after the weekend’s penultimate round of matches. Benfica inched within title glory after a dramatic derby draw at Sporting, while Arouca and Vitória Guimarães sealed European qualifications.
Paços Ferreira and Santa Clara’s mathematical relegation was confirmed via Marítimo’s late win over Vizela, the Madeira-based side beating the drop for now at least, their victory not enough to prevent a place in the forthcoming relegation playoff.
One side to leave such matters behind them in plenty of time is Boavista, who have had their resolute home form to thank for swimming in more serene waters. Another key reason for this is the goalscoring prowess of their striker and PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Yusupha Njie, and both of these records were bolstered in their last gasp draw with Champions League qualifiers Braga.
Benfica face a battle for the title on the final day of the season after failing to defeat their rivals Sporting in a 2-2 draw away from home, this Sunday.
The Eagles required no less than a victory to get their hands on the Primeira Liga trophy, but found themselves 2-0 down in the first half as Sporting sought to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive.
A 71st-minute Frederik Aursnes header set-up a comeback that was coupled with a João Neves equaliser in stoppage time, cementing Sporting to a fourth-placed finish with a share of the spoils meanwhile prolonging Benfica’s wait for the title.
Portugal registered their first win at the 2023 European U17 Championship after a 2-1 victory against Scotland at DEAC Stadion.
Olivio Tomé opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with Gil Martins hitting the post four minutes later.
The Equipa das Quinas doubled their advantage in the 20th minute after punishing a mistake from the Scots, Gonçalo Sousa stepping around Callan McKenna and finding the bottom corner.
Filipe Ramos’ side were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty on the stroke of half time when Owen Hastie injured Martim Ferreira, the midfielder hobbling out on crutches after the break.
Portugal wasted numerous chances to put the bed in the second half before Lennon Connolly reduced the deficit in the 88th minute. Scotland were unable to find an equaliser despite four minutes of added time and are set for an early exit in Hungary.
Diogo Gonçalves made the decision to finally leave Benfica on a permanent transfer during the recent winter transfer window. The winger’s choice to join Danish powerhouses FC Copenhagen appears to have been a shrewd one, with Gonçalves already playing a starring role in clinching his first silverware with the club.
Copenhagen overcame AaB 1-0 on Thursday in the DBU Pokalen, winning the Danish cup for the first time since 2017. Gonçalves scored the only goal of the game to secure glory for his team, as he embarks on what he hopes will be a trophy-laden end to the campaign.
José Mourinho’s Roma have reached a European final for the second season running, after booking themselves a Europa League showdown with the competition’s perennial winners Sevilla at the end of this month.
Having won the Europa Conference League last season, the Giallorossi will now face off against the Spaniards in the Romanian capital Bucharest, with not just the trophy but a place in next term’s Champions League awarded to the winner.
Bernardo Silva enjoyed one of the greatest performances of his career on Wednesday evening, and the Portuguese midfielder admitted he was driven on to help Manchester City beat Real Madrid following his frustrations in the first leg of the Champions League semi final.
City booked their place in Istanbul for the final with a stunning performance and a 4-0 victory over the holders at the Etihad Stadium. Bernardo scored twice to put the hosts 2-0 up at half time, after which City underlined their dominance through Manuel Akanji and substitute Julian Alvarez to gain a convincing scoreline warranted by an imperious display.
Well we’re finally here. After weeks of twists and turns, shocks and surprises, the games have simply run out and this weekend’s penultimate jornada could confirm not only who is relegated but consecrate Benfica as Champions.
Any other week this set of matches would have whetted the appetite, but add to that the jeopardy that some of the clubs face and this has potential to be the most exciting weekend of football we’ve had all season.
Portugal’s 2023 European U17 Championship got off to a terrible start after an ugly 4-0 defeat to Germany at Nagyerdei Stadion.
Noah Darvich took advantage of two errors to open the scoring in the 32nd minute, more poor defending from a corner allowing Almugera Kabar to score on the stroke of half time.
Filipe Ramos introduced Tiago Parente and Gonçalo Moreira at the break but it made little difference to proceedings.
It was a substitute from the opposite bench who got it done, Robert Ramsak scoring five minutes after being introduced and sealing the deal in added time.
Portugal sit last in Group C after France beat Scotland 3-1, Ramos’ side with three days to prepare for the Scots which is a must win match.
On this week’s Long Ball Futebol podcast - our one hundredth! - Albert & Barney discuss Benfica’s win over Portimonense which leaves the Eagles one more victory away from the title.
Porto and Sporting come from behind to win but not without a healthy dose of drama, Braga come through an 8-goal thriller against Santa Clara on the brink of relegation, and Chaves continue their excellent form against hapless Paços de Ferreira.
Portugal are making their final preparations with the 2023 UEFA European U17 Championship starting today. Sixteen nations are competing in Hungary with Filipe Ramos' side attempting to lift the trophy for the third time.
The "Equipa das Quinas" have been drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, France and Germany. Their campaign begins against the Germans with the match taking place in Debrecen.
Portugal have a proud history at the tournament, winning four titles when it was a U16 event and two titles at U17 level, in 2003 and 2016. They reached the semi-finals in Israel in 2023.
PortuGOAL's Matthew Marshall runs through the qualification campaign, manager Filipe Ramos and the 20 player squad with quotes and all the fixtures.
Only two rounds of matches remain in Portugal’s Primeira Liga season as Benfica closed in on a title win with a thrashing of Portimonense. Porto stayed honest in the race with a late victory over Casa Pia, while Braga held an elsewhere victorious Sporting at bay after a goal-laden triumph against an increasingly doomed to the drop Santa Clara.
Chaves and Vitória Guimarães’ recent momentums continued with wins over Paços Ferreira and Rio Ave respectively, whilst Gil Vicente arrested a recent slump by beating Boavista.
The relegation battle took a significant swing as Estoril pulled off an impressive defeat of Arouca to mathematically be out of danger of finishing in the drop zone. Their loan star and PortuGOAL Figure of the Week João Carvalho lit up the encounter with a magnificent goal and fine all round display at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.
Porto’s precarious Primeira Liga title hopes remain alive after leaving it late to beat Casa Pia 2-1 at Estádio do Dragão.
The Dragons were unable to stop the visitors’ frequent counter attacks in the first half, falling behind in added time when Evanilson diverted the ball into his own net.
Sérgio Conceição replaced Fábio Cardoso with Gabriel Veron in the 56th minute, the Brazilian robbing Zolotić and assisting Mehdi Taremi for the equaliser less than 60 seconds after being introduced.
Porto stepped on the gas in the final 20 minutes but had to wait until added time to take the lead, Toni Martínez finding Danny Namaso who bundled the ball over the line.
The victory sees Porto remain four points behind Benfica with two matches to play.
For a long time it looked like Marítimo would grab a vital three points to boost their survival hopes against Sporting in Lisbon tonight, only for the islanders to be left heartbroken by a late comeback from the hosts.
Vítor Costa put the visitors ahead early on, but all the drama was packed into the final minutes as Sporting scored in the 85th and 93rd minutes.
As if that was not breathless enough, Marítimo then appeared to have scored an equaliser deep in stoppage time, only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR review.
Sporting goalkeeper Adán was sent off for his vehement protests before the goal was ruled out, with Lions striker Paulinho between the posts when the final whistle went.
Benfica have edged themselves closer to the Primeira Liga title after defeating Portimonense 5-1 away from home, this Saturday.
The Eagles came swooping in with goals from Alex Grimaldo and Gonçalo Ramos in the first half, helped on by a Filipe Relvas own goal to establish a 3-1 lead at the interval.
A late second-half double from super-sub Petar Musa amplified the win for Benfica which leaves the table-toppers just a fresh win away from crowning themselves as the new league champions.
Benfica surpassed a huge potential banana skin by beating Braga last week, leaving themselves four points clear of second-placed Porto with three games to go. Two wins out of three will be enough to secure them the title, though a game against Sporting in a week’s time will be another tough test.
Braga’s loss may have opened the door slightly for Sporting to steal the last Champions league spot, but they’ll have to win all their remaining games (including beating Benfica) and hope Braga lose twice. For Benfica and Braga, you sense wins will all but confirm their first and third positions.
Elsewhere, teams striving to qualify for European football next season and to survive in the top flight are entering the do or die phase of the campaign.
PortuGOAL, in collaboration with the Long Ball Futebol podcast, previews all the weekend action.
