Porto got back to winning ways in the Primeira Liga after earning a hard fought 3-1 victory over Moreirense at Estádio do Dragão.

Maranhão put the visitors ahead in the 31st minute, Francisco Moura equalising before half-time when he headed Fábio Vieira’s cross into the net.

The Dragons stepped up the pressure after the break and took the lead through Samu Aghehowa's 70th minute penalty.

The striker sealed the deal nine minutes later when he and Rodrigo Mora took advantage of some ridiculous new age defending.

Porto temporarily take back third spot in the Primeira Liga with Braga yet to host Santa Clara.

The exciting end of the Primeira Liga has been stealing the show from the most competitive championship in Portugal. But, as per usual, the excitement is still going on in the Segunda Liga.

With only three games left to play, there are still things to be sorted out, specifically as regards the promotion and relegation battles. Leaders Tondela look well-placed for promotion be still need points to confirm it, while at the bottom nobody is doomed to the drop yet. 

With just three weeks remaining, it’s shaping up to be an enthralling end to the 2024/25 Liga Portugal campaign. Sporting are perched atop the standings, level on 75 points with Benfica, and the Lisbon rivals will face off against each other on 10 May in a pivotal title decider.

At the bottom of the table, Boavista (21 points), Farense (21) occupy the final two relegation spots, AVS (24) are mired in the relegation playoff spot, whilst Estrela da Amadora (29) are hovering above the drop zone but are likely safe after their shock victory against Porto at the weekend. The key game here could be Boavista’s visit to AVS on Monday 5 May, in the fight to avoid automatic relegation. 

Sixth-placed Santa Clara (50) are challenging Vitória (51) for the coveted fifth place, which earns qualification to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

Back in the upper echelons meanwhile, Braga and Porto find themselves in a heated battle for Europa League football and a podium finish. Zach Lowy takes a closer look at how another strong Braga campaign is being fired by talents emanating from the club’s increasingly fruitful youth academy. 

Portuguese football is all about passion, strategy and excellence. But today a new wave is sweeping across the Primeira Liga and it’s coming from an unexpected source — American investors and players.

In an era where globalisation touches every aspect of sport, the American influence in Portuguese football is carving out a new frontier, on and off the pitch.