He’s packed an awful lot into his 51 years thus far. And the best may yet be to come.

Portuguese-Serbian coach Nikola Popović has had a fascinating football journey taking in countries and continents all over the world.

In an extensive interview with Zach Lowy, Popović talks about his remarkable career, his tactical influences and bringing success to the historical Lisbon club Atlético Clube de Portugal. 

Benfica took top spot in the Primeira Liga after beating Estoril 3-0 at Estádio da Luz. Alexander Bah diverted a corner off the post in the 18th minute before Vangelis Pavlidis fired a low drive past Joel Robles ten minutes later.

The match took a turn three minutes after half-time when Tomás Araújo connected with Fabrício Garcia who went down in the box. Referee António Nobre awarded a penalty before being summoned to the touchline monitor by the VAR, there was only going be one outcome which saw Nobre overturn his own decision.

Zeki Amdouni came off the bench and gave the Eagles some breathing room in the 73rd minute, sweeping home after a botched clearance from Pedro Álvaro. The Swiss striker scored again in added time, heading home Jan-Niklas Beste's corner at the back post.

The victory was a significant one that takes the Eagles above Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal before the brief Christmas break. That narrative is sure to dominate the discussion, which is unlikely to include another bizarre decision in Portuguese football.

Sporting were thwarted by a resolute Gil Vicente side in Barcelos this evening, the hosts rewarded for a strong defensive display with a point after a goalless draw.

In a match of few chances, Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel did not have a save to make. However, a recurring problem for the Lions under new coach João Pereira has been their inability to create chances, and home goalkeeper Andrew only had to make one difficult save, tipping Conrad Harder’s header over the bar in the second half.

The point is enough to put Sporting top of the table again, albeit only on the head-to-head record against Porto, and tomorrow Benfica will rise to the summit if they beat Estoril at home, one week before the Lisbon derby at Alvalade. 

FC Porto hit top spot after becoming the first team to beat Moreirense in the Primeira Liga in Moreira de Conégos for nine months.

The Porto hero was 17-year-old Rodrigo Mora. Coach Vítor Bruno gave the attacking midfielder his full debut and Mora responded by providing an assist for Samu before scoring himself to make it 2-0.

André Franco netted a late third to confirm the victory and take Porto to the top of the table, at least until Sporting and Benfica play later this weekend.