• Braga

Braga were too good for Maccabi Petah Tikva in the Europa League, winning 2-0 in the second qualifying round first leg at the Quarry.

The Israeli club dodged a bullet in the 3rd minute when Muhammad Handy was shown a straight red card, the defender breathing a big sigh of relief when the VAR ruled Amine El Ouazzani offside.

Marco Wolff saved Bruma’s effort in the 34th minute before the Warriors stepped on the gas after the break.

They were 2-0 up by the hour mark, Ricardo Horta scoring in the 56th minute and Rodrigo Zalazar converting a penalty after Roger Fernandes was taken down by Handy.

Roberto Fernández and Gabri Martínez came off the bench and went close in their competitive debuts, but it was job done as Daniel Sousa takes his side to Bulgaria for the second leg next Thursday.

Can Vitória break Portugal’s UEFA Conference League curse? Since the inception of the competition no Portuguese team has made it to the group stage of Europe’s third-tier club tournament.

Rui Borges’ men have made a positive start by winning the first leg of their 2nd qualifying round tie against Floriana in Malta thanks to a typically opportune Jota Silva goal.

Tom Kundert reports on the first competitive match involving a Portuguese team in 2024/25. 

João Neves nears exit

It seems increasingly likely star midfielder João Neves will leave Benfica this close season to join Paris Saint-Germain, becoming the latest product from the prestigious Seixal academy to earn the Lisbon club a pot of money. A transfer fee of around €75 million has been mooted.

While many Benfica fans despair at the Eagles selling their young jewels before they have fully left their mark at the Estádio da Luz, the supporters could be placated immediately should speculation surrounding two former “made in Seixal” stars proves well founded.

Club president Rui Costa admitted on the weekend that talks are taking place for the possible return of João Félix and Renato Sanches. 

Transfer market round-up among Portugal’s big four

The summer transfer window has been a quiet one for Portugal’s three title contenders thus far, with the departure of stalwart captains Sebastián Coates and Pepe at Sporting and Porto respectively the biggest news.

Braga have been one of the most active clubs in the league so far, with 8 new faces and 8 departures. Tom Kundert rounds up the main incomings and outgoings.