Of the teams occupying the top seven positions before this weekend's programme, only Belenenses dropped points with a goalless draw at home to Arouca (Paços de Ferreira host Estoril tonight).

Porto, Braga and Sporting clocked up convincing wins, while the leading duo Benfica and Vitória Guimarães won away at Académica and at home to Moreirense respectively. 

Club football in Portugal always throws up more than its fair share of unpredictable events, excitement and topics for discussion, and the 2014/15 season has been no different.

With the Primeira Liga schedule to resume after a three-week break, PortuGOAL takes a look at five talking points emerging from the first third of the campaign.

Benfica are out of Europe altogether after a late goal by Portugal international Danny gave Zenit a 1-0 victory over the Eagles in Russia tonight. 

The defeat, together with Monaco's win at Bayer Leverkusen, means Jorge Jesus' men will finish last place in Group C, therefore not even having the opportunity to compete in the Europa League. 

The Eagles were left to rue missed chances in an even contest, most notably by Luisão, whose forgettable night was made even worse by a late red card. 

It was another successful matchday for Portuguese football in the Champions League tonight, with victories for FC Porto and Sporting.

Porto guaranteed top spot in Group H with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Bate Borisov in Belarus. Héctor Herrera had a match to remember, the Mexican opening the scoring with a spectacular strike before providing two beautiful assists well finished by Jackson Martínez and Cristian Tello. 

Sporting overcame Maribor and a long delay because of floodlight failure to beat the Slovenians 3-1 at the Alvalade and move into second place in Group G. Nani had another magnificent game, scoring a majestic goal and providing an assist for Slimani, while Carlos Mané and Sporting defender Jefferson (unfortunately in his own net) also got on the scoresheet.