It was a weekend of change in Liga Portugal 2 as two new managers took the helm of struggling sides in the division. Jorge Simão’s first game in charge would be in one of the most enticing fixtures of Jornada 8, as two pre-season promotion contenders faced off when the Liga’s in-form side Nacional met Simão’s Académico de Viseu.

Elsewhere, we got a look at the aftermath of the first manager change of the season as Länk Vilaverdense’s new trainer Sérgio Machado endured a tough first test at home to flying Porto B. 

União de Leiria, meanwhile, are climbing up the table nicely, with the famous old name reaping the benefits of a rejuvenated Bryan Róchez (pictured). 

• Boavista
• Pedro Goncalves
• Geny Catamo

Sporting have risen back up to first place after taking advantage of Benfica’s slip up against Casa Pia with a 2-0 victory over Boavista, this Monday.

The Lisbon outfit lead courtesy of a Geny Catamo opener in the first half largely dominated by the visitors before Boavista began asking questions over the Lions' resilience.

A goal chalked off for offside from Robert Boženik served to wake Sporting up late in the game, with an 85th-minute heel-flick from Pedro Gonçalves securing three crucial points for the title hopefuls.

• Primeira Liga,
• FC Porto,
• Mehdi Taremi
• FC Vizela
• Stephen Eustaquio

FC Porto have moved level on points with current Primeira Liga top-spot occupants Benfica and Sporting after defeating Vizela 2-0 away from home, this Sunday.

The Dragons were handed the opportunity to catch up with their rivals following Benfica’s 1-1 draw on Saturday night versus Casa Pia, providing they could beat lowly-placed Vizela on their own turf.

A first-half penalty from Mehdi Taremi paved the way for a successful night of football for the visitors, who amplified the scoring just before half-time via Stephen Eustáquio, completing a 2-0 victory away from home.

SL Benfica 1-1 Casa Pia AC

Prior to Saturday’s encounter against Casa Pia, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt was asked by a reporter if he felt his job was at risk after a series of poor results in the European Champions League. "No, I don’t think so," responded the German confidently. The disappointing 1-1 home draw versus Casa Pia will only add to the recent criticism of the second-year manager.

Defending Portuguese champions Benfica were held to a frustrating draw at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday night. While the Eagles dominated possession for large portions of the game, they missed several clear chances before giving up a late equaliser to Casa Pia against the run of play.