• Benfica
• Sporting,
• Estoril
• Francisco Conceicao
• Santa Clara
• Pacos de Ferriera

Sporting have fallen three points behind FC Porto in the race for the Primeira Liga title after losing their first league game of the season 3-2 to Santa Clara, this Friday, away from home.

The Lions took the lead on two occasions on the night before a counter-attacking Santa Clara were able to prey on the visitors’ mistakes and earn a precious 3-2 victory.

Porto, in action away to Estoril, we’re forced to fightback from a two-goal deficit to distance themselves from second-placed Sporting, as a 89th minute Francisco Conceição goal clinched three vital points.

Benfica also took advantage of Sporting’s defeat with a 2-0 win at home against ten-man Paços de Ferreira, moving within four points of their city rivals.

The final Liga Bwin action of 2021 took place this week with a number of matches setting 2022 up in fascinating shape.

Moreirense, Marítimo and Paços Ferreira have all struggled this season but managed to register vital victories to give themselves a platform to push on in the new year, Estoril, Vizela and Santa Clara being their respective victims. Gil Vicente continued a fine campaign by beating Tondela, while Braga annihilated Arouca.

The title race has a familiar feel to it although Porto landed a key blow over their fierce rivals Benfica with a second “Clássico” win of the week.

It’s Sporting that are in the driving seat along with Porto as the current title favourites, the defending champions were made to work in overcoming Portimonense and they had PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Paulinho to thank as the striker registered a much-needed hat-trick in a star performance in Lisbon.

Porto and Sporting lead the way

For the second time in a week, FC Porto received and convincingly beat Benfica. First-half goals by Fábio Vieira and Pepê put the home team in control in front of an ecstatic crowd at the Estádio do Dragão. Upon the restart Yaremchuk found the net to briefly give Benfica hope of a comeback, but André Almeida was sent off straight afterwards, and Mehdi Taremi’s strike made sure Porto went back to the top of the table with a 3-1 win.

The Blue and Whites share first place with Sporting, who were made to work hard before overcoming Portimonense 3-2 at Alvalade last night. PortuGOAL brings you the match reports and video highlights. 

Jorge Jesus is no longer Benfica coach. After several days of speculation about his future in the wake of interest from Flamengo to reappoint him and the 3-0 defeat to Porto in the Portuguese Cup, the 67-year-old manager has parted ways with the Lisbon club – two days before the Eagles play Porto again in a crucial Primeira Liga clash.

An apparent player revolt yesterday after an altercation between club captain Pizzi and Jesus seems to have precipitated the decision, with some reports in the Portuguese media saying JJ resigned and others claiming he was sacked.