FC Porto made it 9 wins in 10 matches in the Primeira Liga to keep on the coattails of leaders Sporting at the top of the table.
As has happened so often this season, a Big Three team swatted aside the meek challenge provided by one of Portugal’s lesser lights with never a hint of jeopardy as regards the outcome.
First-half goals by Danny Namaso and Pepê put the hosts in charge, and a second-half brace by substitute Wenderson Galeno ensured Porto will travel to Benfica next week with a healthy lead over their rivals from the capital.
Benfica have clinched their fifth consecutive victory in the Primeira Liga after defeating Farense 2-1 at the Estádio de Algarve, this evening.
Despite the most disruptive of weeks possible, despite never clicking into top gear, and despite a spirited display by struggling Estrela da Amadora, Sporting continued their flawless start to the defence of the Portuguese Liga title with a 5-1 thrashing of their Lisbon neighbours tonight.
Even if the football news agenda in Portugal had not been hijacked this week by another Portuguese coach heading to the El Dorado that is the English Premier League, the matches played in the Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) would have garnered little interest.
Manchester United have officially confirmed the appointment of Sporting’s Rúben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag as manager at Old Trafford, just hours ahead of Sporting’s match with Estrela tonight.