Sporting win again, six-goal thriller in Braga, Vitória Setúbal worldies

In a new feature with partners VSPORTS, video highlights of the top matches and the best action from Portugal’s Primeira Liga is now included in PortuGOAL’s articles.

Watch Marítimo’s stunning comeback at Braga in a 3-3 thriller and the two goals of the week, magnificent long-range strikes by Vitória Setúbal’s João Amaral and Edinho.

As for the action at the top of the table, after Satruday’s exciting 1-1 draw between Benfica and FC Porto, Sporting’s away trip to Arouca contained its own sense of intrigue, largely down to the tunnel fracas of the reverse fixture.

Despite going a goal down, two strikes in quick succession from Alan Ruiz and Bruno César kept the Lisbon outfit’s good run of results going.

 

Benfica 1-1 FC Porto

A goal early each half by Jonas (penalty) and Maxi Pereira saw an exciting clássico end all square.

Match report and video highlights.

 

Arouca 1-2 Sporting

In Arouca, Sporting had the chance to amplify an impressive streak of form that had seen them win five out of their last six league games, but the hosts had other ideas early on.

Via Vitor Costa’s cross, the experienced Mateus found himself goal-side of Marvin Zeegelaar at the back-post and free to nod in the game’s opener, putting Arouca 1-0 up by the 9th minute.

The Lions looked to respond through the aerial prowess of Sebastian Coates and Bas Dost, but Arouca goalkeeper Sinan Bolat, on loan from Porto, blocked both attempts with ease.

His save from Gelson Martins’ well-hit volley wasn’t as comfortable, however, as he hurried to the near-post to palm the strike out for a corner.



But Jorge Jesus’ men were soon to turn the game on its head in no time, starting with Alan Ruiz’s move infield before beating Bolat with a shot at his near-post in the 34th minute.

With just a minute to digest the equaliser, Zeegelaar’s efforts down the byline assisted Bruno César for Sporting’s second in a two-minute salvo, leaving things at 2-1 for the visitors before the interval.

Despite the Green and Whites failing to kick on in the second period, it was enough to keep Arouca at bay and solidify third place with another victory.

 

Braga 3-3 Marítimo

Braga raced into a 3-goal lead within 25 minutes at the Quarry, but Marítimo staged a brilliant comeback as a six-goal thriller ended all square. Watch all the action here:

 

Goals of the week:

João Amaral set Vitória de Setúbal on their way to a 2-0 victory over struggling Moreirense with this magnificent strike just four minutes into the match.

 

While we’re at the Bonfim, it’s also worth posting Vitória’s second goal, with veteran former Portugal striker Edinho scoring with an almost identical thunderbolt into the top corner.

By Patrick Ribeiro

 

Gameweek 27

Chaves 1-0 P. Ferreira

Nacional 1-2 Vit. Guimarães

Tondela 0-2 Estoril

Boavista 0-1 Rio Ave

Benfica 1-1 FC Porto

Belenenses 1-2 Feirense

Vit. Setúbal 2-0 Moreirense

Arouca 1-2 Sporting

Sp. Braga 3-3 Marítimo