The Liga NOS table reflected the outcomes of Jornada 18 somewhat as the packed Portuguese season continued this week. Those in the bottom half all largely came a cropper in struggling performances and results, the outlook being particularly bleak for Farense, Famalicao and Boavista.
Rio Ave got their first win under a second spell of stewardship for manager Miguel Cardoso, while Nacional leapt into the top half to join the likes of Santa Clara and Moreirense in victory.
At the top though it was a potentially pivotal week in the title race. Braga and Porto both lost ground by virtue of the pair playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw, setting the stage for Sporting to extend their advantage in first place. The Lions’ unlikely goalscoring saviour, and PortuGOAL Figure of the Week, was defender Sebastián Coates, who capped a difficult personal week with a sensational late double against Gil Vicente.
Sporting have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Primeira Liga table after a late Sebastián Coates brace saw the Lions take Gil Vicente down with a 2-1 victory.
Liga NOS 20/21 reached the halfway mark after the latest round of fixtures which saw league leaders Sporting increase the gap at the top, taking full advantage of both Porto and Benfica dropping points.
Sporting have increased their lead at the top of the Primeira Liga table after FC Porto’s Thursday night draw to Belenenses was met with a 2-0 victory away to Marítimo, this Friday.
Another “clássico” weekend in Portugal saw Sporting dramatically continue their title tilt with a late victory over fierce Lisbon rivals Benfica. Porto kept up the pace with triumph over Rio Ave whilst Braga battered Moreirense.