The top football category in Portugal has started with some interesting results, most of those belonging to the so called Big Three, who have kept their unbeaten form and shown that all of them will be ready to fight for the title toe-to-toe.
The other team that successfully claimed its second win of the competition is Gil Vicente, who is right there fighting for the top spot with the most winning teams in this league. The other team that was supposed to be among the top five, Sporting Braga, was beaten by Sporting this week.
Without further ado, here are the main talking points after Matchday 2 in the Primeira Liga.
Primeira Liga - Top 5 teams in the 2021-22 season after Matchday 2
As it came customary last season, Sporting is back at the top spot following their 2-1 win over Braga. The Lions are joined at the top by three other teams, with Gil Vicente in second place thanks to their two wins and unbeaten net. Benfica and Porto complete that list thanks to their two wins and goalscoring record (four goals, one conceded). Estoril completes the top 5 in this league after drawing their second match of the season.
Primeira Liga top 3 scorers
Pedro Gonçalves and Toni Martínez seem to be destined to fight for the Golden Boot this season, as both of them have scored three goals in two games. Martínez's brace for Porto gave the Dragons a key win this weekend, while Pote found the back of the net once more this weekend.
Primeira Liga – Top headlines
-
Benfica facing key week with four absences - Coach Jorge Jesús will have to make wonders if he wants to lead the Eagles past this week in flying colors, as he is set to face the clash against PSV Eindhoven and their upcoming match without Francisco Ferro, Jan Vertonghen, Haris Seferovic, and Darwin Núñez. The good thing for the Eagles will be the return of Rodrigo Pinho and Jota for this week.
-
Porto clarifies the future of two of their stars - The team0s hierarchy has confirmed that Sergio Oliveira will remain with the club at least until an offer hard to refuse gets to their front desk. On the contrary, winger Jesús Corona will be leaving the club as soon as he gets his European passport after spending the last six years with the blue and white side.
-
Exit or wage increase for key Sporting midfielder - Joao Palhinha has been sought out by several European teams, but no concrete offers have arrived to Sporting's front office. The midfielder will be let go if the right offer comes along, but if he decides to stay put, he will be granted a wage increase and a contract extension to thank him for his contribution to last season's title.
Top matches to watch in the Primeira Liga from Aug. 20-23, 2021
Gil Vicente vs Benfica: The Eagles will want to make it three wins in three games when they make the trip to face Gil Vicente. Os Gilistas have shown an impressive defensive form, but Benfica's ways in front of goal could be the right antidote for what has been the best defense in the tournament so far.
Sporting CP vs Belenenses: The defending champions are also keen on keeping their unbeaten run this season and what better way to do so than facing Belenenses. The team coached by Petit has lost both of their games this season, and beating the current Primeira Liga leaders will not be a walk in the park, especially with the current streak they are on.
Marítimo vs Porto: The Dragons have won their two games this season, and they will place that streak on the line when they face Marítimo away from home. The red and green side won their first game of the season last week, and while Porto have to be named favorites to win this game, Julio Velázquez's team will try to make their home-field advantage count next weekend.
*Keep track of all the activity in the Portuguese top-flight by following our dedicated Primeira Liga competition page.