Before getting into the Figure of the Week, it’s only right to make an exception and throw out two honourable (club) mentions: O Elvas C.A.D. and FC Tirsense.

These are two Campeonato de Portugal (4th division) clubs, one of whom is destined for the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal and to make history given that they have been drawn against each other in the quarter-finals. Never before has a club from the fourth tier reached the last four of the Portuguese Cup. The Magic of the Cup.

Now, good things come to (some of) those who wait. FC Porto squandered an opportunity to lead the Liga Portugal at the halfway stage of the season as two first-half goals gave Nacional a thoroughly deserved victory on a sunny afternoon in Madeira, resuming the game from the 15-minute mark after it had been abandoned on 3 January due to typical Choupana late-afternoon fog.

Zé Vitor was vital in securing the result at both ends of the pitch. As one of most consistent performers for the newly promoted side from “the Pearl of the Atlantic”, the centre-back is the PortuGoal Figure of the Week. 

Benfica advanced to the Taça de Portugal quarter-finals after beating Farense 3-1 at Estádio de São Lúis.

Ángel Di María went close in the opening 60 seconds but it was the hosts who went ahead in the 7th minute, Mehdi Merghem’s cross headed home by Tomané.

The Eagles drew level in the 56th minute when the in-form Andreas Schjelderup fired past Ricardo Velho. Two minutes later they took the lead, Álvaro Carreras’ deep cross finding Arthur Cabral who found the net.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 62nd minute after some patient build up play. Cabral’s close range shot was saved by Velho before Alexander Bah pounced and placed the ball under the goalkeeper.

Benfica will host the winner of the final Round of 16 clash which sees Braga hosting Campeonato de Portugal club Lusitano Évora.

Vitória SC take drastic action after shock Cup exit

Daniel Sousa will not look back on 2024/25 season with fond memories. The 40-year-old coach has been sacked after just three games by Vitória Sport Clube following the Guimarães team’s shock exit from the Portuguese Cup at the weekend at the hands of 4th-tier Elvas.

This after Sousa lasted just four games before being shown the door at the start of the season at Minho neighbours Braga. 

The Primeira Liga is known for giving to international football the best there is to find. Not only is the academy work out of this world, but the scouting is also among the best in the game.

We all know about the gems that there are in the Big Three, but what about outside of Benfica, Porto and Sporting?

Here are 10 players outside of the Big Three that might have a target on their back as far as transfers are concerned this winter window, with a suggested ideal move for each one of them.