The penultimate Liga NOS round before Christmas saw a couple of shock results, notably bottom club Aves finally ending a wretched run with an upset over Braga, while Tondela also raised eyebrows by winning away at high-flying Famalicão.
Significant developments at the top too as defending champions Benfica moved 4 points clear in the title race, beating Boavista while Porto only managed a point at Belenenses, who largely had PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Hervé Koffi to thank in frustrating their opponents with a big performance in goal.
Benfica have prolonged their stay at the top of the Primeira Liga courtesy of two more goals and a further assist from the in-form Carlos Vinícius, pushing the Eagles onto a 4-1 victory away to Boavista, last Friday.
Another lengthy Liga NOS break finally came to an end this weekend as Jornada 12 resumed the domestic league action in Portugal’s top flight. Benfica and Porto’s comfortable wins ensured it is as you were in 1st and 2nd place, with 3rd place Famalicao just starting to falter a little after a fast start, slipping to defeat at Portimonense.
Sporting have suffered a fresh setback in a thus far turbulent season after losing 3-1 to Gil Vicente away from home, last Sunday.
It was a positive matchday 5 for Portugal’s club’s in the Europa League. Sporting thrashed PSV 4-0 in Lisbon largely thanks to another masterful performance by captain Bruno Fernandes to guarantee their place in the knockout phase of the competition. Braga played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Quarry against Wolves to also progress to the round of 32, and like Sporting go into the final match defending top spot in their group.