After a hiatus due to the international break and cup matches, the Primeira Liga got back underway last week. There were wins for all three of Portugal's "Big Three" sides, meaning that things are really starting to heat up in the battle for the title pretty early on this season.
Here's all you need to know following this weekend's Primeira Liga action.
Top five teams in the Primeira Liga up to October 25
Here's how the table looks after last round's matches
Who are the top goalscorers in the Primeira Liga?
Top Primeira Liga headlines, stats, and other facts
Better late than never for Benfica: The Eagles came into their match against Vizela in desperate need for a win. It'd been a bad week for Benfica, who had become the latest victims of the ruthless Bayern machine as they were humiliated 4-0 in their midweek Champions League tie, so it's safe to say that Jorge Jesus was expecting a reaction from his side as they traveled to face Vizela. But although Benfica's hosts have won just once all season, they made life a lot more difficult than expected for the Portuguese powerhouse. Indeed, they needed a very late goal from Rafa Silva to finally settle proceedings, with the goal arriving in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Still no luck for struggling Belenenses: Petit's side just can't seem to catch a break. Sitting in 18th place, with zero wins so far and four points on the board - all of which came in four of their last five matches - the struggling side are looking like early contenders for the drop. It's safe to say they'll be hoping that long awaited win will finally come when they face Boavista on Monday evening, but their upcoming hosts will be equally desperate for a win as they're winless in their last five.
Top Primeira Liga matches: October 29 - November 1, 2021
Porto vs Boavista: The Dragons find themselves just one point behind league leaders Benfica, and will be taking on a side who have really struggled this term. If things go their way, Porto, who play a few hours before Benfica, could temporarily seize top spot, thus putting pressure on Benfica to get things right in their away match against Estoril later on Saturday.
Estoril vs Benfica: With Porto and Sporting CP breathing down their necks, Benfica will head to Estoril knowing that they can't afford to slip up. The Eagles did secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vizela over the weekend to make sure they stay ahead of the chasing pack, but Estoril have had a surprisingly good campaign so far. Will this game present a potential banana peel for Benfica?
Sporting CP vs Vitória Guimarães: Like Porto, Sporting CP haven't lost a single game so far this season. And like the Dragons, the Lions, who came into this season as the reigning champs for the first time since the 2001/02 campaign, are just one point behind Benfica. They will take to the pitch on Sunday, so a full day after the Benfica and Porto matches. Depending on how things turn out for the aforementioned two sides, Sporting, who presently sit in third, could actually find themselves on top of the pile by the time this round of games concludes on Monday.
Make sure you don't miss out on these key games and stay on top of all the action by checking out our bespoke Primeira Liga match page.
