The final stages of the Taça da Liga saw the Primeira Liga schedule spill over all the way until Wednesday night as Braga followed up their success in the aforementioned tournament by concluding Round 18 in the league with victory over Moreirense.

The big three all somewhat laboured to wins to re-establish the hierarchy in Liga NOS, Sporting reclaiming 3rd place from Famalicão who were shocked by Santa Clara.

This week’s PortuGOAL Figure of the Week though comes in the form of veteran winger Silvestre Varela, who Belenenses largely had to thank for ending their recent poor form with a much-needed win over Portimonense.

In a prolonged round of games, the 18th jornada in Portugal brought wins for Benfica and Porto to further widen the gap between the top two and the rest (now 12 points). A Rafa Silva-inspired Benfica saw off Paços de Ferreira 2-0, the recently returned Portugal international bagging a goal and an assist. Porto got back to winning ways, coming from behind to defeat Gil Vicente 2-1 at the Estádio do Dragão to keep their slim title hopes alive.

The fight for third place intensified with four points separating Sporting, Famalicão, Braga and Rio Ave, with Vitória Guimarães just three points further back. All five clubs will feel they have a shot and ending the season directly behind the top two. As ever, PortuGOAL brings you video highlights of the top Liga NOS action. 

• FC Porto,
• Sporting de Braga,
• Taça da Liga

Braga 1-0 Porto

Ricardo Horta’s last second strike gave Braga the Taça da Liga on home soil in a hugely enjoyable final.

Both sides hit the woodwork and had chances to win it in the 90 minutes. However, it was Braga who snatched the cup with one of the last kicks of the game to win the trophy for Rúben Amorim’s side and continue his dream start in charge of the first team.

Portugal is a beautiful country that also happens to have some of Europe’s best football teams. This shouldn’t come as a surprise because some of the world’s best football players in the last 15 years are from this country.

Apart from the fact it is interesting to watch, many people like the Primeira Liga because it provides them with a lot of betting opportunities. However, unless you follow the matches up close, choosing a team to bet on is going to be difficult, especially nowadays. That’s why we want to show you which are the best football teams in the country. 

The clubs below are known as “The Big Three”, which is a nickname given to the most successful Portuguese football teams. Once you read the article, take a look at the Betenemy online catalogue, where you will find bookmakers that have good odds for most football teams from Portugal.