Media outlets throughout Portugal and Spain on Thursday evening report that FC Porto have parted company with Julen Lopetegui. 

At midnight no official confirmation had yet been forthcoming, but interviews given by the Spanish coach's father left no doubt that the decision had been made. 

"I think that everything is decided for him to leave," Jose António Lopetegui told Portuguese website Maisfutebol. "Julen accepted the decision to go because he could no longer bear the pressure from the fans. They created a very unpleasant environment."

Lopetegui leaves Porto in third place in the table, four points behind leaders Sporting. In early speculation about his possible successor, André Villas-Boas, Nuno Espírito Santo and Leonardo Jardim have been among the strongest rumours. 

In Portugal it is practically unheard of to play a full Liga schedule in midweek. Given the entertainment and drama that unfolded this afternoon and tonight the Portuguese football administrators must be tempted to make it a regular occurrence. 

Benfica smashed Marítimo 6-0 at the Estádio da Luz, with all the goals coming in a 40-minute spell either side of half time. In Setúbal it was a case of "anything you can do..." for Benfica's city rivals Sporting, the Lions also hitting half a dozen goals without reply at the Bonfim. 

The two thunderous victories would have only added to the misery for Porto fans, who saw their team labour to a tame 1-1 draw at home to Rio Ave to pile more pressure on beleaguered coach Julen Lopetegui. Earlier in the day Vitória Guimarães edged to victory at Moreirense in a 7-goal thriller and Braga continued their fine form with a 3-0 win over Académica.

Sporting 2-0 Porto

Sporting returned to the top of the table after an Islam Slimani brace sealed the win in a fast-paced and absorbing clássico.

The Primeira Liga took another turn when Sporting regained their lead they lost to Porto after losing against União da Madeira two weeks ago.

Despite this being the first defeat in the league for almost a year for Porto, it served to amplify the criticism of Julen Lopetegui from some Portistas. Porto’s lack of creation, despite getting the ball in good positions, will be a big concern for the team and the fans.

For Jorge Jesus however, it’s 4 victories in 4 clássico games this season.

It may only be the second day of the New Year, but tomorrow's clash between Sporting and FC Porto at the Alvalade could well be one of the most significant matches of 2016 for Portuguese club football. 

The Dragons travel to the capital defending a one-point lead at the top of the Liga NOS table - a lead that had belonged to Sporting for the previous two months. PortuGOAL previews the sell-out match that could have a big bearing on deciding this season's championship.