Arouca’s European adventure ended in disappointment yesterday as a 3-1 defeat against Brann on the night meant a 4-3 aggregate loss and a premature exit from the Europa Conference League.

The result continues the horrendous record of Portuguese clubs in the competition, with no Primeira Liga club managing to make the group stage. In three seasons, 6 teams have fallen by the wayside in the qualifying or playoff rounds. 

The good news keeps flowing for Sporting fans. After making a winning start to the Primeira Liga last weekend, in which record signing Viktor Gyökeres enjoyed a dream debut, the Lions have this week given further indications that they mean serious business this season.

Three crucial cogs in Rúben Amorim’s squad that won the 2020/21 championship and who have been mainstays in the team ever since all signed contract renewals, while the capture of Danish midfield enforcer Morten Hjulmand was completed. 

Well what a way to be eased back into a new Primeira Liga season. 34 goals, last-minute winners, red cards aplenty, our first managerial departure, debut goals, debut red cards. You’ll be forgiven for feeling it’s all too much in just one round of matches, but that’s why we’re here.

Every week PortuGOAL will preview the upcoming round of fixtures – the jornada – to keep you up to date with all the big stories and draw your attention to players who might be the next big thing. 

A summer-long transfer saga finally ended yesterday when Boca Juniors captain Alan Varela put pen to paper on a five-year contract with FC Porto.

The Dragons paid a transfer fee of €8 million euros, with €3m in add-ons, for the combative 22-year-old midfielder. 

Later in the afternoon rumours began to gather pace in the Portuguese press that João Moutinho may make a return to the club.