A narrow “Invicta” derby win for Porto over Boavista concluded the twenty-seventh round of Primeira Liga matches of 2021/22. Title rivals Sporting and Benfica both kept pace by virtue of beating Vitória Guimarães and Estoril respectively.

Braga followed up their European exploits in midweek with a victory at Portimonense, while Gil Vicente’s unbeaten run continued to see them further secure fifth place in a 1-1 draw with Marítimo.

Another side on an excellent run is Paços de Ferreira, a fourth win in five for them after battling past Moreirense. Newly-appointed manager Cesár Peixoto has been a big reason for their revival this year and he is under the microscope in this edition of the PortuGOAL Figure of the Week.

Vitória SC 1-3 Sporting CP

A highly entertaining game was played out at the Dom Afonso Henriques stadium, with Sporting having to come from behind to earn the three points.

The Lions were the stronger team throughout the 90 minutes but an excellent display by Vitória goalkeeper Bruno Varela, along with a fiercely competitive attitude by the home team and the typically raucous atmosphere created by the Guimarães fans made sure it was not an easy night for the current Portuguese champions. 

Braga drew 1-1 in Monaco to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory and progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Porto failed to join their northern rivals, however, as another 1-1 draw, in Lyon, meant the Dragons lost the tie 2-1 on aggregate. 

Benfica pulled off an incredible 1-0 win against Ajax in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg to advance 3-2 on aggregate. On the back foot for much of the match in Amsterdam, they defended resolutely and took their chance in the 77th minute when Darwin Núñez headed home Alejandro Grimaldo’s free kick.

Erik ten Hag’s side monopolised possession at the Johan Cruijff Arena but failed to seriously test Odysseas Vlachodimos, the Eagles to advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2015-16.