Super Cup:
August 5
21:45 Benfica - Vitoria de Guimaraes
First round:
August 6
19:00 Aves - Sporting CP
21:15 Vitoria de Setubal - Moreirense
August 7
18:00 Portimonense - Boavista
20:00 Feirense - Tondela
22:00 Rio Ave - Belenenses
August 8
17:00 Maritimo - Pacos de Ferreira
August 9
20:00 FC Porto - Estoril
22:00 Benfica - Braga
August 10
22:00 Vitoria de Guimaraes - Chaves
Portuguese Football Season 2017/18
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Thunder_PT
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I like how they split the 1st round from Sunday to Wednesday right after the supercup. Before it was a loooong week between the official start of the season, the super cup, and the start of the league.
I'd like to do a proper intro but I probably won't have the time.
FC Porto look to have the best squad, maybe surprisingly since they hired nobody other than Vaná who'll compete for the 2nd GK position at best. Their reinforcements were guys returning from successful loan spells, especially Ricardo Pereira (Nice) and Aboubakar (Besiktas) who's on fire. For all the money made, Porto didn't actually lose a clear starter (André Silva was rotating in the 2nd half of the season). They might still sell some players, but probably nobody important.
Benfica sold 3 key players at the back, goalkeeper Ederson and half of their defensive quarter Lindelof are Nélson Semedo. The surprising thing is they signed nobody for those positions yet. They still have time, and a bad preseason may have been the warning they needed.
Sporting
By far the most active in the market, but only on the buying side. They're definitely selling, but only after the CL PO. We'll have to know then who exactly is leaving (Adrien Silva almost surely, how many of the other big names as well?) to properly assess. One or two positions still need to be strengthened.
I'd like to do a proper intro but I probably won't have the time.
FC Porto look to have the best squad, maybe surprisingly since they hired nobody other than Vaná who'll compete for the 2nd GK position at best. Their reinforcements were guys returning from successful loan spells, especially Ricardo Pereira (Nice) and Aboubakar (Besiktas) who's on fire. For all the money made, Porto didn't actually lose a clear starter (André Silva was rotating in the 2nd half of the season). They might still sell some players, but probably nobody important.
Benfica sold 3 key players at the back, goalkeeper Ederson and half of their defensive quarter Lindelof are Nélson Semedo. The surprising thing is they signed nobody for those positions yet. They still have time, and a bad preseason may have been the warning they needed.
Sporting
By far the most active in the market, but only on the buying side. They're definitely selling, but only after the CL PO. We'll have to know then who exactly is leaving (Adrien Silva almost surely, how many of the other big names as well?) to properly assess. One or two positions still need to be strengthened.
You really think Porto has the strongest squad? Interesting, actually had the idea that Porto has the worst squad out of the top 3. Some players did come back from loan where they did good, but there didn't so great before there loan spells at Porto so I am not sure what to think of it really.
Benfica did lost some key players, but still have an amazing side. Especially attacking they have more than enough players that know to find the net. I think they will probably buy a new goalie and Pedro Pereira can maybe take over from Nelsinho at right back. Victor Lindelöf was good on the ball, but pure defensively I did not think he was that amazing. With Branimir Kalaica and Rúben Dias they also got some interesting talents there.
Sporting never sure what to think of them, they always seem to fail at the important moments. Whilst when looking at their team they have a great squad with players like Adrien Silva, William, Gelson Martins, Bas Dost and Rui Patricio where I also think that Bruno Fernandes is a great addition.
Would see Benfica as favourites. They have a nice mixture between quality players and young talent in addition to that mindset where they always win at the right moments. Also in the top matches among the big three Benfica is always the strongest it seems.
Benfica did lost some key players, but still have an amazing side. Especially attacking they have more than enough players that know to find the net. I think they will probably buy a new goalie and Pedro Pereira can maybe take over from Nelsinho at right back. Victor Lindelöf was good on the ball, but pure defensively I did not think he was that amazing. With Branimir Kalaica and Rúben Dias they also got some interesting talents there.
Sporting never sure what to think of them, they always seem to fail at the important moments. Whilst when looking at their team they have a great squad with players like Adrien Silva, William, Gelson Martins, Bas Dost and Rui Patricio where I also think that Bruno Fernandes is a great addition.
Would see Benfica as favourites. They have a nice mixture between quality players and young talent in addition to that mindset where they always win at the right moments. Also in the top matches among the big three Benfica is always the strongest it seems.
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Thunder_PT
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Porto already had a decent squad. Not to sound like most Portuguese fans (I didn't join the colinho bandwagon for years), but with better refereeing Porto would have been champions.
I think Ricardo Pereira is a wonderful addition and Aboubakar has always been a great player when confident (let's see if he doesn't drop off significantly like the last time). And the fact Porto didn't lose key players like Danilo, Brahimi or Felipe, which we thought would happen, is great news.
Benfica signed players for positions they didn't need and lost 3 starters at the back which, so far, went mostly unreplaced. So it's still a string team up front, but with a clear problem at the back. You're well informed on their youngsters but they're not ready, the guys who started in the Supercup were Bruno Varela (shaky performance), André Almeida (always ends up playing a lot to cover others' injuries and he's competent, but he's no Nélson Semedo) and Jardel (his most memorable contribution last season was the disaster against Moreirense in the League Cup semis where Benfica lost 3-1). In the supercup, BTW, Benfica was dominated all second half. Very unimpressive. They need to wake up and make up for the losses.
Sporting look very strong as well now, but that's because they didn't sell anyone yet, but they surely will. Adrien Silva will go. William Carvalho will probably go. More players might go. Only then we'll be able to judge their squad.
I think Ricardo Pereira is a wonderful addition and Aboubakar has always been a great player when confident (let's see if he doesn't drop off significantly like the last time). And the fact Porto didn't lose key players like Danilo, Brahimi or Felipe, which we thought would happen, is great news.
Benfica signed players for positions they didn't need and lost 3 starters at the back which, so far, went mostly unreplaced. So it's still a string team up front, but with a clear problem at the back. You're well informed on their youngsters but they're not ready, the guys who started in the Supercup were Bruno Varela (shaky performance), André Almeida (always ends up playing a lot to cover others' injuries and he's competent, but he's no Nélson Semedo) and Jardel (his most memorable contribution last season was the disaster against Moreirense in the League Cup semis where Benfica lost 3-1). In the supercup, BTW, Benfica was dominated all second half. Very unimpressive. They need to wake up and make up for the losses.
Sporting look very strong as well now, but that's because they didn't sell anyone yet, but they surely will. Adrien Silva will go. William Carvalho will probably go. More players might go. Only then we'll be able to judge their squad.
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bjkman1903
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Does anyone know what Benfica might be trying to do regarding Talisca?
They didn't send the required paperwork for his license, and as a result Talisca could not play for us in the domestic super cup game against Konya (which we lost)
It seems that they blame Besiktas for not having paid the loan fee for this season on time and they suddenly want him back.
This case is with Fifa now.
They didn't send the required paperwork for his license, and as a result Talisca could not play for us in the domestic super cup game against Konya (which we lost)
It seems that they blame Besiktas for not having paid the loan fee for this season on time and they suddenly want him back.
This case is with Fifa now.
Black Eagles 1903
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Thunder_PT
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They don't want him back, he's said some things that pretty much guarantee he'll never put on a Benfica shirt again. They do want to sell him for big money, though, but that's not possible without reaching an agreement with Besiktas, since the loan has been extended. Officially, all Benfica want is the 2 mil Besiktas owe them for the loan extension, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were trying something funny.bjkman1903 wrote:Does anyone know what Benfica might be trying to do regarding Talisca?
They didn't send the required paperwork for his license, and as a result Talisca could not play for us in the domestic super cup game against Konya (which we lost)
It seems that they blame Besiktas for not having paid the loan fee for this season on time and they suddenly want him back.
This case is with Fifa now.
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bjkman1903
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Okay, thanks!
The thing is that they received the loan fee already and there are rumours like they received a good offer from another club.
They can sell him for 25 mill. € without getting an agreement with Besiktas, so there must be something else.
I hope thay Talisca would be able to play for the first match of the season because otherwise that's not cool.
The thing is that they received the loan fee already and there are rumours like they received a good offer from another club.
They can sell him for 25 mill. € without getting an agreement with Besiktas, so there must be something else.
I hope thay Talisca would be able to play for the first match of the season because otherwise that's not cool.
Black Eagles 1903
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Thunder_PT
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Now they're saying Benfica are ordering Talisca to return, claiming Besiktas didn't extend the loan on time (sending docs and paying the fee). It's all on FIFA's hands now.
And we are under way, interesting start. Thought that Benfica and Porto were pretty decent in their first matches. Sporting struggled a bit more maybe and also William Carvalho seems to be on his way out to West Ham. Wonder why he can't get a better club than that.
I'm really glad we have finally videoreferee going on. It has been a very positive experience and half of the mistakes have been erased or reversed. Some are still going on and probably perfection will never be achieved, but there are LESS mistakes. IF there was no videoreferee we would have double the mistakes so far.
Play fair and square!
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Thunder_PT
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Three matchdays have been played. Here's a quick comment on each of the teams' performance so far. I'll sort them by the current table:
1. Benfica 9
(Supercup) Benfica 3-1 Vit. Guimaraes
Benfica 3-1 Braga
Chaves 0-1 Benfica
Benfica 5-0 Belenenses
Comment: They have, so far, dismissed concerns that they're weakened in defence. Their run wan't particularly difficult, but 3 wins in as many league games is always a great start for any team and they've won the first trophy of the season. So far so good. Next weekend they'll face the toughest test yet, they visit high-flying Rio Ave.
Impression: Positive.
2. FC Porto 9
FC Porto 4-0 Estoril Praia
Tondela 0-1 FC Porto
FC Porto 3-0 Moreirense
Comment: Could pretty much repeat Benfica's comment. Enthusiasm was high among fans after a promising pre-season, and this start is fueling this enthusiasm. All wins, no goals conceded and looking good despite Soares' absence due to injury, but no real test yet. Like Benfica, that'll come next weekend when Porto visit Braga.
Impression: Positive.
3. Sporting 9
Aves 0-2 Sporting
Sporting 1-0 Vit. Setubal
(CL) Sporting 0-0 FCSB
Vit. Guimaraes 0-5 Sporting
Comment: The Liga's official site puts Sporting 3rd, I'm assuming, due to alphabetical order, as they're absolutely tied with Porto. If we analyze further, though, we can say that relatively speaking Sporting is at an advantage over Porto and Benfica because, in theory, Sporting had a tougher start to deal with and didn't drop points. They played 2 away games versus Porto and Benfica's 1, including the toughest of the 4 (in theory), the trip to Guimaraes, where they came out with a big win. Now it'll be their time to see their rivals sweat while they have a home game, even if so far the home game was the toughest to win. The home draw against Steaua is a scar in an otherwise perfect start to the season. They may remedy it next Wednesday. Then an exodus is expected, we'll see what kind of Sporting we'll have then.
Impression: Very positive.
4. Rio Ave 9
Rio Ave 1-0 Belenenses
Boavista 1-2 Rio Ave
Rio Ave 2-0 Portimonense
Comment: 3 wins in 3 is great even for one of the big 3. If you're Rio Ave, it's fantastic! They lost the race for an EL spot against Maritimo last season and now, with one spot less up for grabs, they're presenting themselves as serious candidates. Next game they host Benfica in a very interesting battle of 100% victorious teams.
Impression: Very positive.
5. Braga 6
(EL) AIK 1-1 Braga
(EL) Braga 2-1 (aet) AIK
Benfica 3-1 Braga
Braga 2-1 Portimonense
(EL) FH 1-2 Braga
Aves 0-2 Braga
Comment: Generally positive start in the league: expected loss at the Luz followed by two wins against the two promoted teams. They deserve more praise for their EL campaign so far. People will mostly talk about how they just scrapped through against AIK, but it ain't easy playing a Swedish team in July. Braga know this well, they've been knocked out by Elfsborg in 2009/10 (and in the same season fought for the Portuguese title until the last match day and in the following year the same team and coach reached the EL final, so nothing to do with the quality of the team, it was just too early). Even if it took extra time, getting past that obstacle was a good result and in the PO they've pretty much done the job with a 2-1 win in Iceland. One of their main goals of the season is pretty much achieved, while making 6 points in 3 games and getting rid of one of the toughest games of the season in the league.
Impression: Very positive.
6. Maritimo 6
(EL) Botev Plovdiv 0-0 Maritimo
(EL) Maritimo 2-0 Botev Plovdiv
Maritimo 1-0 P. Ferreira
Belenenses 1-0 Maritimo
(EL) Maritimo 0-0 Dynamo Kyiv
Maritimo 1-0 Boavista
Comment: Decent start in the league with 2 homes wins and one away defeat. If they make it 2-0-2 in the 4th match day I'd call it somewhat disappointing, but so far so good. Good EL campaign so far as well. Did the job against Botev Plovdiv and kept things even against Dynamo against expectations. They'll probably be knocked out on Thursday, but nobody can say more was expected so far.
Impression: Positive.
7. Estoril Praia 6
FC Porto 4-0 Estoril Praia
Estoril Praia 3-0 Vit. Guimaraes
Tondela 2-3 Estoril Praia
Comment: It's already a surprise to see Estoril among the top 7, the biggest surprise in this pack, actually, pre-season expectations were for them to spend the year with some relegation concerns. To see how they gathered these 6 points is even more impressive: the game they lost was Porto away, where nothing was expected of them, and they they won the other 2 games, a shock 3-0 versus last season's 4th Vitoria Guimaraes and an away win against Tondela. Their 4th game will be a 3rd away game, and against Sporting no less. Even if they lose, 6 points in 4 games and 2 out of 3 visits to the giants out of the way is fantastic for Estoril.
Impression: Very positive.
8. Feirense 5
Feirense 1-1 Tondela
Moreirense 0-0 Feirense
Feirense 2-1 P. Ferreira
Comment: Pretty good start, grinding those points and still undefeated. Only the home draw against Tondela was disappointing, then drawing away and winning at home is a perfect recipe to avoid relegation without too much sweat. The win came in the form of a last minute penalty (which led P. Ferreira's coach criticize VAR heavily), though, the 5 points may be a bit flattering.
Impression: Positive.
9. Portimonense 3
Portimonense 2-1 Boavista
Braga 2-1 Portimonense
Rio Ave 2-0 Portimonense
Comment: Newly promoted and relegation candidate Portimonense had a pretty tough start with two visits to teams that fight for other goals. They lost those as expected, but won the game they had to, so not bad so far considering the always low expectations for a team coming from the league below.
Impression: Positive.
10. Belenenses 3
Rio Ave 1-0 Belenenses
Belenenses 1-0 Maritimo
Benfica 5-0 Belenenses
Comment: Did more or less what was expected. It was a pretty tough start against 3 teams that all finished in the top 7 last season, including the champions, and two of them away. So, all in all, getting a win out of the 3 was not really a bad start. They'll have easier fixtures.
Impression: Positive.
11. Vitoria SC (Guimaraes) 3
(Supercup) Benfica 3-1 Vit. Guimaraes
Vit. Guimaraes 3-2 Chaves
Estoril 3-0 Vit. Guimaraes
Vit. Guimaraes 0-5 Vit. Guimaraes
Comment: Didn't think I'd be writing this when Vitoria were easily beating Chaves 3-0, but since then they've conceded 10 goals without scoring any and are, imo, the biggest disappointment of the season so far. They've lost a lot of important players and we're all too used to see them follow great seasons with horrid ones, but, having kept coach Pedro Martins, I hadn't expected (and still am not expecting going forward) such a nightmare. I hope they pick themselves together so they have a decent EL campaign.
Impression: Very negative.
12. Vitoria FC (Setubal) 2
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Moreirense
Sporting 1-0 Vit. Setubal
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Chaves
Comment: No horrible results here, the only loss was Sporting away, but none are positive either. If you're not beating Chaves and Moreirense at home, you won't be too far from the relegation zone.
Impression: Negative.
13. Moreirense 2
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Moreirense
Moreirense 0-0 Feirense
FC Porto 3-0 Moreirense
Comment: Tempted to write "see above", but these results aren't as bad, mainly because Moreirense played away twice and so one of those draws was positive. Still, gotta be beating Feirense at home and, though they weren't expected to get points at the Dragao, they still impressed me with how bad they were. They were beaten so easily I almost wondered why they bothered showing up. They didn't try to create a tough midfield battle, they focus on being dangerous on the counter, they didn't even park the bus or, if they did try any of those things, they were so bad it didn't seem like it. Their coach Manuel Machado used to have a Midas touch, but lately it's been the other way around and both teams he coached last season ended up relegated (and none of them were expected to even be near that part of the table), so this isn't encouraging.
Impression: Negative.
14. Tondela 1
Feirense 1-1 Tondela
Tondela 0-1 FC Porto
Estoril Praia 3-2 Tondela
Comment: Bad winless start for Tondela, but there's nothing new there. If the last couple of seasons have taught us anything, it's that things will get much worse than this for Tondela before they get better. When it seems like they're doomed and salvation is impossible, they'll pull off another miracle.
Impression: Negative.
15. P. Ferreira 1
Maritimo 1-0 P. Ferreira
P. Ferreira 2-2 Aves
Feirense 2-1 P. Ferreira
Comment: I expected a better Pacos than last season and, so, this start is very underwhelming. One home draw against newly promoted Aves and two defeats. Worse teams with tougher starts have managed more points. Fixtures will only get harder.
Impression: Very negative.
16. Chaves 1
Vit. Guimaraes 3-2 Chaves
Chaves 0-1 Benfica
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Chaves
Comment: Chaves' squad actually looks pretty good, so 1 point is disappointing even with the tough start. The following game, Feirense at home, will be their chance to get things going. Things will suddenly look much better if they win, but pressure will mount up if they don't. You often see teams whose bad results are never too bad when you look at them individually, and there seams to be winnable games coming that'd make things alright, but somehow the team seems always stuck in an uncomfortable situation. It's far too early to be speaking like that, but Chaves results so far remind me of such teams.
Impression: Negative.
17. Aves 1
Aves 0-2 Sporting
P. Ferreira 2-2 Aves
Aves 0-2 Braga
Comment: Not that much was expected of Aves, and they were underdogs in all of these games. Can't say a draw away is a bad result for a newly promoted team, and the two home games were against top teams. Easier fixtures will come, but so far there's nothing to be excited about.
Impression: Negative.
18. Boavista 0
Portimonense 2-1 Boavista
Boavista 1-2 Rio Ave
Maritimo 1-0 Boavista
Comment: What can one say about 3 losses in 3 games? Especially when they haven't played any of the big 3. I've tipped them for relegation in another thread and they're starting to look like real candidates. They host Aves next, if they don't win things start to get pretty bleak very early.
Impression: Very negative.
1. Benfica 9
(Supercup) Benfica 3-1 Vit. Guimaraes
Benfica 3-1 Braga
Chaves 0-1 Benfica
Benfica 5-0 Belenenses
Comment: They have, so far, dismissed concerns that they're weakened in defence. Their run wan't particularly difficult, but 3 wins in as many league games is always a great start for any team and they've won the first trophy of the season. So far so good. Next weekend they'll face the toughest test yet, they visit high-flying Rio Ave.
Impression: Positive.
2. FC Porto 9
FC Porto 4-0 Estoril Praia
Tondela 0-1 FC Porto
FC Porto 3-0 Moreirense
Comment: Could pretty much repeat Benfica's comment. Enthusiasm was high among fans after a promising pre-season, and this start is fueling this enthusiasm. All wins, no goals conceded and looking good despite Soares' absence due to injury, but no real test yet. Like Benfica, that'll come next weekend when Porto visit Braga.
Impression: Positive.
3. Sporting 9
Aves 0-2 Sporting
Sporting 1-0 Vit. Setubal
(CL) Sporting 0-0 FCSB
Vit. Guimaraes 0-5 Sporting
Comment: The Liga's official site puts Sporting 3rd, I'm assuming, due to alphabetical order, as they're absolutely tied with Porto. If we analyze further, though, we can say that relatively speaking Sporting is at an advantage over Porto and Benfica because, in theory, Sporting had a tougher start to deal with and didn't drop points. They played 2 away games versus Porto and Benfica's 1, including the toughest of the 4 (in theory), the trip to Guimaraes, where they came out with a big win. Now it'll be their time to see their rivals sweat while they have a home game, even if so far the home game was the toughest to win. The home draw against Steaua is a scar in an otherwise perfect start to the season. They may remedy it next Wednesday. Then an exodus is expected, we'll see what kind of Sporting we'll have then.
Impression: Very positive.
4. Rio Ave 9
Rio Ave 1-0 Belenenses
Boavista 1-2 Rio Ave
Rio Ave 2-0 Portimonense
Comment: 3 wins in 3 is great even for one of the big 3. If you're Rio Ave, it's fantastic! They lost the race for an EL spot against Maritimo last season and now, with one spot less up for grabs, they're presenting themselves as serious candidates. Next game they host Benfica in a very interesting battle of 100% victorious teams.
Impression: Very positive.
5. Braga 6
(EL) AIK 1-1 Braga
(EL) Braga 2-1 (aet) AIK
Benfica 3-1 Braga
Braga 2-1 Portimonense
(EL) FH 1-2 Braga
Aves 0-2 Braga
Comment: Generally positive start in the league: expected loss at the Luz followed by two wins against the two promoted teams. They deserve more praise for their EL campaign so far. People will mostly talk about how they just scrapped through against AIK, but it ain't easy playing a Swedish team in July. Braga know this well, they've been knocked out by Elfsborg in 2009/10 (and in the same season fought for the Portuguese title until the last match day and in the following year the same team and coach reached the EL final, so nothing to do with the quality of the team, it was just too early). Even if it took extra time, getting past that obstacle was a good result and in the PO they've pretty much done the job with a 2-1 win in Iceland. One of their main goals of the season is pretty much achieved, while making 6 points in 3 games and getting rid of one of the toughest games of the season in the league.
Impression: Very positive.
6. Maritimo 6
(EL) Botev Plovdiv 0-0 Maritimo
(EL) Maritimo 2-0 Botev Plovdiv
Maritimo 1-0 P. Ferreira
Belenenses 1-0 Maritimo
(EL) Maritimo 0-0 Dynamo Kyiv
Maritimo 1-0 Boavista
Comment: Decent start in the league with 2 homes wins and one away defeat. If they make it 2-0-2 in the 4th match day I'd call it somewhat disappointing, but so far so good. Good EL campaign so far as well. Did the job against Botev Plovdiv and kept things even against Dynamo against expectations. They'll probably be knocked out on Thursday, but nobody can say more was expected so far.
Impression: Positive.
7. Estoril Praia 6
FC Porto 4-0 Estoril Praia
Estoril Praia 3-0 Vit. Guimaraes
Tondela 2-3 Estoril Praia
Comment: It's already a surprise to see Estoril among the top 7, the biggest surprise in this pack, actually, pre-season expectations were for them to spend the year with some relegation concerns. To see how they gathered these 6 points is even more impressive: the game they lost was Porto away, where nothing was expected of them, and they they won the other 2 games, a shock 3-0 versus last season's 4th Vitoria Guimaraes and an away win against Tondela. Their 4th game will be a 3rd away game, and against Sporting no less. Even if they lose, 6 points in 4 games and 2 out of 3 visits to the giants out of the way is fantastic for Estoril.
Impression: Very positive.
8. Feirense 5
Feirense 1-1 Tondela
Moreirense 0-0 Feirense
Feirense 2-1 P. Ferreira
Comment: Pretty good start, grinding those points and still undefeated. Only the home draw against Tondela was disappointing, then drawing away and winning at home is a perfect recipe to avoid relegation without too much sweat. The win came in the form of a last minute penalty (which led P. Ferreira's coach criticize VAR heavily), though, the 5 points may be a bit flattering.
Impression: Positive.
9. Portimonense 3
Portimonense 2-1 Boavista
Braga 2-1 Portimonense
Rio Ave 2-0 Portimonense
Comment: Newly promoted and relegation candidate Portimonense had a pretty tough start with two visits to teams that fight for other goals. They lost those as expected, but won the game they had to, so not bad so far considering the always low expectations for a team coming from the league below.
Impression: Positive.
10. Belenenses 3
Rio Ave 1-0 Belenenses
Belenenses 1-0 Maritimo
Benfica 5-0 Belenenses
Comment: Did more or less what was expected. It was a pretty tough start against 3 teams that all finished in the top 7 last season, including the champions, and two of them away. So, all in all, getting a win out of the 3 was not really a bad start. They'll have easier fixtures.
Impression: Positive.
11. Vitoria SC (Guimaraes) 3
(Supercup) Benfica 3-1 Vit. Guimaraes
Vit. Guimaraes 3-2 Chaves
Estoril 3-0 Vit. Guimaraes
Vit. Guimaraes 0-5 Vit. Guimaraes
Comment: Didn't think I'd be writing this when Vitoria were easily beating Chaves 3-0, but since then they've conceded 10 goals without scoring any and are, imo, the biggest disappointment of the season so far. They've lost a lot of important players and we're all too used to see them follow great seasons with horrid ones, but, having kept coach Pedro Martins, I hadn't expected (and still am not expecting going forward) such a nightmare. I hope they pick themselves together so they have a decent EL campaign.
Impression: Very negative.
12. Vitoria FC (Setubal) 2
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Moreirense
Sporting 1-0 Vit. Setubal
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Chaves
Comment: No horrible results here, the only loss was Sporting away, but none are positive either. If you're not beating Chaves and Moreirense at home, you won't be too far from the relegation zone.
Impression: Negative.
13. Moreirense 2
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Moreirense
Moreirense 0-0 Feirense
FC Porto 3-0 Moreirense
Comment: Tempted to write "see above", but these results aren't as bad, mainly because Moreirense played away twice and so one of those draws was positive. Still, gotta be beating Feirense at home and, though they weren't expected to get points at the Dragao, they still impressed me with how bad they were. They were beaten so easily I almost wondered why they bothered showing up. They didn't try to create a tough midfield battle, they focus on being dangerous on the counter, they didn't even park the bus or, if they did try any of those things, they were so bad it didn't seem like it. Their coach Manuel Machado used to have a Midas touch, but lately it's been the other way around and both teams he coached last season ended up relegated (and none of them were expected to even be near that part of the table), so this isn't encouraging.
Impression: Negative.
14. Tondela 1
Feirense 1-1 Tondela
Tondela 0-1 FC Porto
Estoril Praia 3-2 Tondela
Comment: Bad winless start for Tondela, but there's nothing new there. If the last couple of seasons have taught us anything, it's that things will get much worse than this for Tondela before they get better. When it seems like they're doomed and salvation is impossible, they'll pull off another miracle.
Impression: Negative.
15. P. Ferreira 1
Maritimo 1-0 P. Ferreira
P. Ferreira 2-2 Aves
Feirense 2-1 P. Ferreira
Comment: I expected a better Pacos than last season and, so, this start is very underwhelming. One home draw against newly promoted Aves and two defeats. Worse teams with tougher starts have managed more points. Fixtures will only get harder.
Impression: Very negative.
16. Chaves 1
Vit. Guimaraes 3-2 Chaves
Chaves 0-1 Benfica
Vit. Setubal 1-1 Chaves
Comment: Chaves' squad actually looks pretty good, so 1 point is disappointing even with the tough start. The following game, Feirense at home, will be their chance to get things going. Things will suddenly look much better if they win, but pressure will mount up if they don't. You often see teams whose bad results are never too bad when you look at them individually, and there seams to be winnable games coming that'd make things alright, but somehow the team seems always stuck in an uncomfortable situation. It's far too early to be speaking like that, but Chaves results so far remind me of such teams.
Impression: Negative.
17. Aves 1
Aves 0-2 Sporting
P. Ferreira 2-2 Aves
Aves 0-2 Braga
Comment: Not that much was expected of Aves, and they were underdogs in all of these games. Can't say a draw away is a bad result for a newly promoted team, and the two home games were against top teams. Easier fixtures will come, but so far there's nothing to be excited about.
Impression: Negative.
18. Boavista 0
Portimonense 2-1 Boavista
Boavista 1-2 Rio Ave
Maritimo 1-0 Boavista
Comment: What can one say about 3 losses in 3 games? Especially when they haven't played any of the big 3. I've tipped them for relegation in another thread and they're starting to look like real candidates. They host Aves next, if they don't win things start to get pretty bleak very early.
Impression: Very negative.
-
Thunder_PT
- Senior Member
- Posts: 10871
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 23:36
- Location: Madrid, Spain
Liga NOS
4th Matchday
Belenenses 1-1 Vit. Setúbal
1-0 Gonçalo Paciência (o.g.) 20'
1-1 Nuno Pinto 81'
Att: 2.318
After two home draws and a defeat in Alvalade, first positive result for Vitoria. Nothing to be crazy about, though. A mediocre start of the season so far from both these teams.
P. Ferreira 0-0 Vit. Guimarães
Att: 4.353
Looks like Vitoria fixed their floodgates problem and they kept a clean sheet. Couldn't score, though. 2nd point for P. Ferreira, not enough to erase their horrible start.
Moreirene 0-3 Tondela
0-1 Tomané 22'
0-2 Ricardo Costa 54'
0-3 Tyler Boyd 86'
Att: 1.079
The standout result of the matchday! That's a great win for Tondela against a direct opponent. Manuel Machado managed to relegate two teams last season, is he going to repeat the feat?
Chaves 0-2 Feirense
0-1 Flávio Ramos 26'
0-2 Tiago Silva 86'
Att: 4.513
Great win for Feirense, 8 points in 4 games is a great start for them! Chaves keeps disappointing, they have a pretty good squad, but are looking like relegation candidates.
Rio Ave 1-1 Benfica
1-0 Lisandro López (o.g.) 61'
1-1 Jonas (pen.) 67'
Att: 8.614
I only watched the 1st half (and they very end of the game) and Rio Ave were the better team. Apparently Benfica improved in the 2nd half, but Rio Ave ultimately deserved their point. It's a hell of a start for them and I'd say they're already favourites for 5th (EL spot if the Cup is won by a top 4 team) and maybe a real threat to Braga. Benfica are the first of the big 3 to drop points.
Boavista 1-0 Aves
1-0 Raphael Rossi 58'
Att: 4.401
Boavista had to win and they did. They're out of the relegation zone for now, but the next fixtures look tough. Aves started pretty badly and are below the red line. Can they get out of it?
Sporting 2-1 Estoril Praia
1-0 Gelson Martins 4'
2-0 Bruno Fernandes 11'
2-1 Lucas Evangelista 85'
Att: 45.367
It's been a fantastic start of season for Sporting. After 5-0 in Guimarães and 5-1 in Bucharest, a more modest win, but a win nonetheless. Sporting have actually been better away than at home, Feirense-Sporting next MD should be a cracker. Estoril are comfortable, they're 2-0-2, but the two defeats were Porto and Sporting away. They can now move on to easier fixtures.
Braga 0-1 FC Porto
0-1 Jesús Corona 7'
Att: 21.832
Toughest test for Porto so far and another win. Porto started very strong and scored early. Then had several chances to put the game to bed, but didn't capitalize and the uncomfortable 0-1 lingered, but Porto managed to control the game. No drama for Braga, they're on 6 points but played Benfica and Porto already. They need a good run to recover ground from Rio Ave. With one less EL spot this season up for grabs, can't fall behind too much.
Portimonense 1-2 Marítimo
0-1 Edgar Costa 69'
1-1 Jorge Pires 86'
1-2 Ricardo Valente 90'
Att: 2.582
Good win for Marítimo, recovering their smile after the elimination at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv and climbing to 5th. European teams often see their domestic results affected by the European distraction, but Marítimo's start was pretty good. For Portimonense, it's the 3rd defeat in a row and next MD they visit Benfica, they could be in an uncomfortable position before long.
Table:
1. Sporting 12
2. FC Porto 12
3. Benfica 10
4. Rio Ave 10
5. Marítimo 9
6. Feirense 8
7. Braga 6
8. Estoril Praia 6
9. Tondela 4
10. Belenenses 4
11. Vit. Guimarães 4
12. Vit. Setúbal 3
13. Boavista 3
14. Portimonense 3
15. P. Ferreira 2
16. Moreirense 2
17. Chaves 1
18. Aves 1
Top Scorers:
1. Jonas (Benfica) 5
2. Vincent Aboubakar (FC Porto) 4
3. Bruno Fernandes (Sporting) 3
3. Haris Seferović (Benfica) 3
3. Gelson Martins (Sporting) 3
3. Bas Dost (Sporting) 3
Assists:
1. Marcos Acuña (Sporting) 3
5td Matchday
Vit. Setúbal vs Braga
FC Porto vs Chaves
Tondela vs Paços Ferreira
Vit. Guimarães vs Boavista
Marítimo vs Rio Ave
Benfica vs Portimonense
Estoril Praia vs Moreirense
Feirense vs Sporting
Aves vs Belenenses
4th Matchday
Belenenses 1-1 Vit. Setúbal
1-0 Gonçalo Paciência (o.g.) 20'
1-1 Nuno Pinto 81'
Att: 2.318
After two home draws and a defeat in Alvalade, first positive result for Vitoria. Nothing to be crazy about, though. A mediocre start of the season so far from both these teams.
P. Ferreira 0-0 Vit. Guimarães
Att: 4.353
Looks like Vitoria fixed their floodgates problem and they kept a clean sheet. Couldn't score, though. 2nd point for P. Ferreira, not enough to erase their horrible start.
Moreirene 0-3 Tondela
0-1 Tomané 22'
0-2 Ricardo Costa 54'
0-3 Tyler Boyd 86'
Att: 1.079
The standout result of the matchday! That's a great win for Tondela against a direct opponent. Manuel Machado managed to relegate two teams last season, is he going to repeat the feat?
Chaves 0-2 Feirense
0-1 Flávio Ramos 26'
0-2 Tiago Silva 86'
Att: 4.513
Great win for Feirense, 8 points in 4 games is a great start for them! Chaves keeps disappointing, they have a pretty good squad, but are looking like relegation candidates.
Rio Ave 1-1 Benfica
1-0 Lisandro López (o.g.) 61'
1-1 Jonas (pen.) 67'
Att: 8.614
I only watched the 1st half (and they very end of the game) and Rio Ave were the better team. Apparently Benfica improved in the 2nd half, but Rio Ave ultimately deserved their point. It's a hell of a start for them and I'd say they're already favourites for 5th (EL spot if the Cup is won by a top 4 team) and maybe a real threat to Braga. Benfica are the first of the big 3 to drop points.
Boavista 1-0 Aves
1-0 Raphael Rossi 58'
Att: 4.401
Boavista had to win and they did. They're out of the relegation zone for now, but the next fixtures look tough. Aves started pretty badly and are below the red line. Can they get out of it?
Sporting 2-1 Estoril Praia
1-0 Gelson Martins 4'
2-0 Bruno Fernandes 11'
2-1 Lucas Evangelista 85'
Att: 45.367
It's been a fantastic start of season for Sporting. After 5-0 in Guimarães and 5-1 in Bucharest, a more modest win, but a win nonetheless. Sporting have actually been better away than at home, Feirense-Sporting next MD should be a cracker. Estoril are comfortable, they're 2-0-2, but the two defeats were Porto and Sporting away. They can now move on to easier fixtures.
Braga 0-1 FC Porto
0-1 Jesús Corona 7'
Att: 21.832
Toughest test for Porto so far and another win. Porto started very strong and scored early. Then had several chances to put the game to bed, but didn't capitalize and the uncomfortable 0-1 lingered, but Porto managed to control the game. No drama for Braga, they're on 6 points but played Benfica and Porto already. They need a good run to recover ground from Rio Ave. With one less EL spot this season up for grabs, can't fall behind too much.
Portimonense 1-2 Marítimo
0-1 Edgar Costa 69'
1-1 Jorge Pires 86'
1-2 Ricardo Valente 90'
Att: 2.582
Good win for Marítimo, recovering their smile after the elimination at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv and climbing to 5th. European teams often see their domestic results affected by the European distraction, but Marítimo's start was pretty good. For Portimonense, it's the 3rd defeat in a row and next MD they visit Benfica, they could be in an uncomfortable position before long.
Table:
1. Sporting 12
2. FC Porto 12
3. Benfica 10
4. Rio Ave 10
5. Marítimo 9
6. Feirense 8
7. Braga 6
8. Estoril Praia 6
9. Tondela 4
10. Belenenses 4
11. Vit. Guimarães 4
12. Vit. Setúbal 3
13. Boavista 3
14. Portimonense 3
15. P. Ferreira 2
16. Moreirense 2
17. Chaves 1
18. Aves 1
Top Scorers:
1. Jonas (Benfica) 5
2. Vincent Aboubakar (FC Porto) 4
3. Bruno Fernandes (Sporting) 3
3. Haris Seferović (Benfica) 3
3. Gelson Martins (Sporting) 3
3. Bas Dost (Sporting) 3
Assists:
1. Marcos Acuña (Sporting) 3
5td Matchday
Vit. Setúbal vs Braga
FC Porto vs Chaves
Tondela vs Paços Ferreira
Vit. Guimarães vs Boavista
Marítimo vs Rio Ave
Benfica vs Portimonense
Estoril Praia vs Moreirense
Feirense vs Sporting
Aves vs Belenenses
The draw of the group stages of the league cup was this morning.
Group A
Real
Braga
Benfica
V. Setúbal
3 winners of this competition (out of total of 4) in the same group.
Group B
Portimonense
U. Madeira
Sporting
Marítimo
Madeira derby here.
Group C
UD Oliveirense
Feirense
V. Guimarães
Moreirense
Regional derby between Moreirense and Vitória (Guimarães). Moreirense won this cup last year, and they have good prospects to advance to the final stages once again, though I'm predicting Feirense here.
Group D
Leixões
Rio Ave
Paços Ferreira
FC Porto
All teams from the same district, Rio Ave might surprise here since FC Porto never seems to care about Taça da Liga.
Then the semi finals will be
Winner A x Winner C
Winner B x Winner D
Group A
Real
Braga
Benfica
V. Setúbal
3 winners of this competition (out of total of 4) in the same group.
Group B
Portimonense
U. Madeira
Sporting
Marítimo
Madeira derby here.
Group C
UD Oliveirense
Feirense
V. Guimarães
Moreirense
Regional derby between Moreirense and Vitória (Guimarães). Moreirense won this cup last year, and they have good prospects to advance to the final stages once again, though I'm predicting Feirense here.
Group D
Leixões
Rio Ave
Paços Ferreira
FC Porto
All teams from the same district, Rio Ave might surprise here since FC Porto never seems to care about Taça da Liga.
Then the semi finals will be
Winner A x Winner C
Winner B x Winner D
Real is out of the league cup, they used and an ineligible player vs Belenenses. This was very much expected.
Now Portimonense goes to group A and Belenenses to B.
Group A
Portimonense
Braga
Benfica
V. Setúbal
Group B
Beleneneses
U. Madeira
Sporting
Marítimo
Lisbon city vs Madeira island!
Now Portimonense goes to group A and Belenenses to B.
Group A
Portimonense
Braga
Benfica
V. Setúbal
Group B
Beleneneses
U. Madeira
Sporting
Marítimo
Lisbon city vs Madeira island!
At half time:
Boavista-0 Benfica-1
(Jonas,7')
Boavista-0 Benfica-1
(Jonas,7')