Another round of Primeira Liga fixtures is done and dusted as the 2021/22 season continues to roll on. There really weren't any surprise results, save for perhaps Benfica being held to a draw after seemingly having secured all three points, while league leaders Porto continue in their strong vein of form.
Here's what happened in the Primeira Liga this past weekend.
Primeira Liga rankings as of February 21
Here's how the top five looks after the latest round of matches:
Who are the top three goalscorers in the Primeira Liga?
Here are the top three goalscorers in the Primeira Liga:
Summary of happenings in the Primeira Liga
Frustrating day for Benfica: Certainly when they'd gone 2-0 up in the first 45, Benfica and their fans probably thought that the Eagles had done enough to secure a win. There ended up being goals in the second 45, albeit none for Benfica, as Boavista scored two in rapid succession to snatch a draw and severely dent Benfica's chances at potentially finishing in second place.
Porto continue their march: It wasn't easy for the Dragons, who had to really battle to pick up a 1-0 road win over Moreirense. They also ended up having a player sent off, which will come as another big blow as they already have several players banned after their involvement in a mass brawl during a two-all draw with Sporting CP. That being said, Porto still enjoy a comfortable lead over the chasing pack thanks to their unbeaten run so far this season, and it will be really interesting to see how things start to shape up as we head into the latter third of the current campaign.
A perfect response for Sporting CP: After their 5-0 humiliation in the Champions League, Sporting CP fans were really hoping that their team would be able to pick themselves up and continue trying to narrow the gap on Porto in the race for the league title. The Lions responded perfectly, recording a solid 3-0 win over Estoril in a match that certainly would've done wonders for their confidence.
More misery for the relegation candidates: No joy for the teams rooted to the bottom of the table, and that includes 17th-placed Moreirense, who will feel that they had done just enough to try to grind out a draw against the league leaders. Meanwhile, any joy Belenenses felt after winning last time out was dashed as they ended up losing again this past weekend. With 15 points, things are looking really tricky for them if they want to avoid the drop. Tondela, who sit in 16th, have won just one of their last five, while Arouca sit in 15th spot on 21 points, so the situtations involving the teams near the bottom of the table will be something Portuguese football fans will be probably watching closely.
Top Primeira Liga matches: February 25 - February 28, 2022
Famalicão vs Tondela: This one could be an interesting one, as just three points separate the two sides. Tondela presently sit in 16th, but could elevate themselves far from the drop zone should they be able to beat Famalicão, but that will proabably be much easier said than done given that Famalicão will come into their match having won two on the trot.
Marítimo vs Sporting CP: Every game for Sporting CP will be vital, as the Lions still haven't given up hopes of possibly catching Porto at the top of the table. It isn't likely, but stranger things have happened in football, and given that they'll be facing Marítimo first, they could temporarily narrow the gap between themselves and Porto to just three points if everying goes according to plan.
Arouca vs Moreirense: Another match featuring two struggling sides. For Moreirense, winning games like these will be essential if they want to have a fighting chance at escaping the drop zone by the end of this season.
Benfica vs Vitória Guimarães: After conceding two goals and ultimately throwing away three points in their last match, many eyes will be on what Benfica can do when they take on a Vitória Guimarães side who have lost three of their last five games.
Porto vs Gil Vicente: A top five clash is on the cards as league leadesr Porto welcome Gil Vicente. On paper, Porto do look like the favorites here especially given their strong form so far this seson, but the visitors also come into this match in solid form, with four wins and a draw from their last five matches.
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.
