Porto overtook Benfica at the top of the Primeira Liga after a 3-0 win against Famalicão at the Estádio do Dragão. Sérgio Conceição made alterations to his side that had a positive impact, but the Dragons were largely gifted all three goals that came directly from terrible Famalicão turnovers.

Matthew Marshall - Estádio Do Dragão

Carlos Carvalhal took a year off after failing to keep Swansea in the Premier League before taking over at Rio Ave. PortuGOAL caught up with the likeable Portuguese coach after yesterday’s draw between Paços de Ferreira and Rio Ave, with Carvalhal explaining what attracted him to the role.

Matthew Marshall reports from the Capital do Móvel. 

Sporting and Porto underwhelm

Two victories, one draw and one defeat made it a positive balance for the Portuguese representatives in the Europa League on Thursday. Ironically, the only team that lost, Vitória de Guimarães, were the side that put in the best performance, leading for most of the game in London against Arsenal before cruelly going down to a 3-2 defeat after two late goals.

Vitória’s Minho neighbours, Braga, continued their magnificent form in Europe, beating Besiktas 2-1 in Istanbul to put themselves top of Group K. A scrappy goal reflected the manner of Sporting’s 1-0 win over Rosenborg at Alvalade, while Porto also put in a disappointing display in a 1-1 draw against Rangers at the Estádio do Dragão. 

Porto 1-1 Rangers

Porto and Rangers fought to the end in a 1-1 draw at the Estádio do Dragão which leaves both clubs alive in the UEFA Europa League. A Luis Díaz screamer gave the Portuguese club the lead, Alfredo Morelos equalised for Rangers before the break with both teams squandering opportunities to take all three points.