And just like that, we’re halfway through the Primeira Liga season. With 17 games played, the Primeira Liga table tells the story of a Lisbon title race, underperforming giants, plucky underdogs, and one or two teams having seasons to forget.
However, it’s vital to remember that there is still an awful lot of football still to be played, and the title race and relegation battle could both face huge twists and turns in the second half of the season. PortuGOAL previews first round of matches of the “segunda volta”.
Benfica have moved to increase their options at the problem position of left-back, signing Spanish youngster Álvaro Fernández on loan from Manchester United.
The draw for the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup has kept the Big Three apart, but Benfica, Porto and Sporting all face road trips in their last-eight ties.
Porto picked up an important three points in the Primeira Liga after a comfortable 2-0 win against Braga.
Benfica are back within a point of Primeira Liga leaders Sporting after defeating ten-man Rio Ave 4-1 at the Estádio da Luz, this Sunday evening.