After what seemed like an eternity, Liga Portugal came back with a bang both on and off the pitch. Narratives are already being written, managers already looking for another job and a fresh crop of players are ready to catch our eye.

We’ve seen in the past teams left behind in the league in the early stages unable to get back out of trouble as well as teams like Boavista whose incredible start last year essentially kept them up, so although it’s only the second round, every game counts.

Barney Carter-Phillips brings you PortuGOAL’s preview of the weekend action in Portugal’s top flight. 

Carlos Carvalhal today spoke to the media at the start of his third spell as Braga coach. Carvalhal takes over after Daniel Sousa’s shock sacking following just one Primeira Liga match in charge on Sunday night.

Carvalhal has signed a two-year contract and immediately faces an important test. The Warriors travel to Switzerland for a Europa League qualifier against Servette tomorrow having drawn the home leg 0-0 last week.  

Vitória de Guimarães opened their Primeira Liga campaign with a well deserved 1-0 win in Arouca.

Morlaye Sylla hit the post early on which proved to be as close as the hosts would get to troubling Bruno Varela.

Nélson Oliveira got the start and made it count in the 14th minute, the striker collecting a loose ball in the box and steering it into the net.

Guimarães closed it out in style, Arouca unable to register a shot on target as they continue a new cycle under Gonzalo García.

Rui Borges’ side maintained their form after a strong start in the Europa Conference League, the Conquerors making it four straight wins without a goal conceded.

Portugoal’s Matthew Marshall reports from Estádio Municipal de Arouca.

• Braga

Braga’s Primeira Liga campaign began with a bang, manager Daniel Sousa sacked immediately after a 1-1 draw against Estrela da Amadora at the Quarry.

The visitors squandered two presentable opportunities to score in the first half, Rodrigo Pinho unable to pick out Kikas and André Luiz shooting straight at Matheus.

Braga took the lead in the 53rd minute, João Moutinho starting the move that ended with Rodrigo Zalazar’s cross converted by Amine El Ouazzani.

Kikas became heavily involved late on, offside in assisting Nani but soon making amends when he headed Nilton Varela’s cross past a stranded Matheus.

Neither side could break the deadlock during nine minutes of added time, Filipe Martins satisfied with a point as he continues to sort out his squad.

Portugoal's Matthew Marshall reports from Estádio Municipal de Braga.