For those that hail from humble little towns and under-represented regions of the country, living in a footballing world heavily-dominated by the ‘Big Three’ - FC Porto, Sporting and Benfica - there can be no greater draw than competing directly against the likes of the Portuguese giants, among others.
With each passing season, that privilege is handed to two-to-three promoted sides, keen to leave an impression at the top of the national footballing pyramid, but the glamour of the top-flight can often be curtailed by the struggles to adapt to new, lofty surroundings.
Casa Pia, GD Chaves and ex-Primeira Liga old-timers Rio Ave became the latest to test their mettle after success in the second division, last season. Contrary to expectations, however, the three Segunda Divisão graduates have undergone a seamless transition into the Primeira Liga thus far, with each side well-placed for a top-half finish.
As the shocks continue, here’s how all three sides have fared so far:
Gil Vicente made it back-to-back home wins in the Primeira Liga after defeating Vitória de Guimarães 2-1 at Estádio Cidade de Barcelos.
Porto got back to winning ways in the Primeira Liga after a comfortable 4-1 victory against Famalicão.
A typically fiery Lisbon derby ended all square as Benfica twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at a packed Estádio da Luz.
Braga’s Primeira Liga title hopes continue after a hard fought 1-0 win against Boavista.