Portuguese Football in English
Braga’s Europa League campaign continues after overturning a 2-0 deficit against Sheriff at the Quarry. First half strikes to Iuri Medeiros Ricardo Horta squared the ledger, but they couldn’t edge ahead with the match going to a penalty shootout.
Matheus, who had been sensational from start to finsh, made two crucial saves before Francisco Moura held his nerve to send Carlos Carvalhal’s side into the Round of 16.
Lazio 2-2 FC Porto (aggregate: 2-3)
Porto are into the last 16 of the Europa League! The Primeira Liga leaders travelled to the Italian capital defending a 2-1 lead. An entertaining game ensued, with the Rome club drawing level on aggregate through returning striker Immobile and threatening to go ahead as they dominated the first half.
But Porto levelled on the night through a Taremi penalty, and after the interval the Iranian brilliantly set up Uribe to put the Dragons in charge. Lazio threw everything they had at Porto in the closing minutes, but a stoppage time goal was not enough and it is the Portuguese side who make progress to the next phase of the competition.
Benfica came home strong to earn a 2-2 draw against Ajax at the Estádio da Luz. The Amsterdam club went in front through Dusan Tadic before Sébastien Haller scored at both ends in the space of three minutes.
Haller missed a glorious chance to make it 3-1 before the break as Benfica rallied in the second half. Rafa was instrumental in the comeback, repeatedly charging down the right wing to inspire the Eagles as Roman Yaremchuk pounced to net the equaliser in Lisbon.
Benfica lost more ground in the Liga Bwin title race at the beginning of the 23rd round of matches of the campaign, a bold Boavista fightback resulting in a 2-2 draw on Friday night. Sporting and Porto took advantage by recording wins over Estoril and Moreirense respectively.
Famalicão’s reversal of their fortunes continued with an impressive triumph at Marítimo, while Paços Ferreira ended some poor form with a vital victory over Vizela.
Another team to secure a hugely important three points was Arouca, who climbed out of the relegation places courtesy of a 3-1 success at Vitória Guimarães. Winger André Bukia was key throughout and is our PortuGOAL Figure of the Week.
Benfica B outclassed Farense in a comfortable victory at the Caixa Futebol Campus in Seixal. Henrique Pereira converted from close range before Henrique Araújo headed home to establish a 2-0 half time lead.
The Segunda Liga contest was over in the 47th minute when Fábio Baptista scored one of the goals of the season. Benfica’s right back bamboozled three opponents on a solo run to goal before beating Rafael Defendi.
