Portuguese Football in English
This weekend we saw two talented but inconsistent sides who are new to the Liga II in 2023/24 face off. Promoted União de Leiria met relegated Marítimo in a fixture that could prove crucial for both sides come the end of the season, with the hosts edging the islanders 4-3.
Elsewhere, Liga II leaders AVS lost their undefeated record against an Oliveirense team who looked to be one of their closest promotion rivals in the early weeks of the season, but had been on a poor run of form.
A brilliant match unfolded in the Portuguese capital tonight with table toppers Sporting taking the lead, falling behind, then flipping the result around again for a hard-earned victory that maintains their 3-point buffer at the top of the Primeira Liga ahead of next week’s derby against Benfica.
Estrela da Amadora and their sizeable travelling contingent of fans played their full part in the night’s entertainment. Marcus Edwards stole the show with a sensational Maradona-like goal before providing the assist for Paulinho’s winner.
GD Chaves 0-2 Benfica
Benfica have bounced back from last week’s 1-1 draw to Casa Pia with a 2-0 victory away to Chaves, this Saturday, taking the Eagles top of the Primeira Liga momentarily.
The Lisbon giants were made to wait until the hour-mark before breaking the deadlock under chilly conditions in Trás-os-Montes, secured by Frederik Aursnes in the 59th minute.
João Mário made it 2-0 from the penalty spot with just ten minutes of normal time to go, easing the pressure on Roger Schmidt’s men and redirecting it to city rivals Sporting, due to face Estrela da Amadora on Sunday.
FC Porto 0-1 Estoril Praia
“Estoril are a much better team than their league position suggests and I’m sure they’ll end the season in mid-table.” Those were the words of warning uttered by Porto coach Sérgio Conceição in the pre-match press conference as his team prepared to host the side lying rock-bottom in the standings.
It proved to be a prophetic statement as Estoril pulled off a huge shock by coming away with all three points in Porto tonight thanks to Jordan Holsgrove’s superb goal direct from a free kick.
The Primeira Liga came back with a bang last weekend after the international break. Three games had 5 or more goals and there were two upsets as Benfica drew at home against Casa Pia and Braga played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Gil Vicente in Barcelos.
In round 10 Benfica try to navigate their first rough patch of form under Roger Schmidt, Porto seem to be getting back on the right track with some convincing wins under their belt, while Sporting continue to lead the pack, churning out victories even in the most difficult games.
PortuGOAL looks ahead to the weekend schedule.
