The air buzzed this weekend with shifts in the league standings, delivering a few surprises and expected outcomes. While some teams found their rhythm, one leader stumbled, reminding everyone that nothing is guaranteed in football.
FC Porto, who seemed unstoppable, finally dropped points. They drew 2-2 with Tondela. This marked their first slip-up in the championship, a jolt for a team that had been flawless. Despite the unexpected tie, Porto still holds the top spot in Série A. They lead Sp. Braga by a healthy six points, but this result shows cracks can appear even in the strongest foundations.
Meanwhile, Sporting put on a dazzling display. They returned to their winning ways after three games without a victory. The Lions absolutely crushed Torreense with a dominant 5-0 scoreline. Martim Ribeiro was the star of the show, bagging two goals that left fans roaring. Sporting’s attack was relentless, even hitting the goal frame twice, showing just how close they were to an even bigger win. It was a statement performance, washing away any doubts from their recent struggles.
Benfica also got back to business, securing a 3-0 win against Académica. For a team that had endured three consecutive draws, this victory was a breath of fresh air. The first half, however, was a tough battle. Benfica’s “eagles” pushed hard, but the “students” of Académica defended with grit, keeping the score tied at zero until the halftime whistle. The deadlock made some fans nervous.
After the break, something clicked for Benfica. Coach Pedro Faria made some key adjustments, and the team emerged from the locker room looking far more aggressive. The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Sevastian Belov found the back of the net, opening the scoring. Before that, goalkeeper Dinis Mota had pulled off a brilliant save from a Tomás Almeida shot, keeping Académica in the game. Académica tried to fight back, but their hopes dimmed when Francisco Wang was fouled in the box. Tomás Almeida stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, making it 2-0. Académica’s Filipe Almeida nearly pulled one back, but the Benfica goalkeeper made a crucial save. Near the end, Andreson Semedo sealed the deal, ensuring a comfortable 3-0 win for Benfica.