This is where it truly starts. One month into the nascent season, only now does it feel like the Portuguese 2016/17 club season begins in earnest.
After the prolonged Euro 2016 victory celebrations, a manic end to the transfer window and then the international break, Portugal’s biggest clubs at last go full throttle in their quest for domestic and international glory, as Benfica, Sporting and FC Porto will all be playing two games a week until October.
Who will be celebrating in May next year? PortuGOAL assesses the squads, strengths and weaknesses and the potential for successful campaigns for all three teams.
After a pretty mild start to proceedings by Portuguese standards, the transfer window hit top gear in its final week within the confines of the Primeira Liga, with an explosion of activity involving Portugal’s top clubs.
Sporting 2-1 FC Porto
Roma 0-3 FC Porto (agg. 1-4)
Benfica’s pre-season has been all around very positive: solid match results, good performances from recent signings and the structure’s ability to keep hold of major club assets. 