The 2020-21 Primeira Liga title race continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats, and while Sporting's lead remains uncontested, there were quite a few stirs caused by the outcome of last weekend's games.
For starters, Porto recovered the second place thanks to an untimely draw by Braga, and Benfica, who seemed to have no chances of top three finish, have collected the benefits of Haris Seferovic's good form. Both members of Portugal's "Big Three" have made the title race a bit more interesting, even if Sporting are yet to lose a game this season.
Let's have a look at the main talking points after this weekend's games.
Top four teams in the Primeira Liga until March 15
Sporting are now ten points away from Porto, who are now second after their win over Pacos de Ferreira. The Dragons benefitted from Braga's late draw against Famalicao, and the red and white side are now third. With their win against Boavista, Benfica closed the gap on Braga for third place, setting the stage for an excruciating match between them next weekend.
Primeira Liga's Top 3 scorers
Sporting's Pedro Gonçalves' kept his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts, but his lead has shrunk to only two goals due to Haris Seferovic's recent surge. Benfica's footballer scored one more brace this weekend, and his form hints that the Eagles' striker could become the league's top scorer in no time.
Primeira Liga - Top headlines
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Joao Palhinha reaps the benefits of Sporting's form - Palhinha has been one of the top performers for the league leaders this season, and that form has earned him a spot in the Portuguese National Team. The 25-year-old midfielder has played 1,700 minutes for the Lions and has earned a primary role for the unbeaten side.
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Braga set to part ways with key player? - André Horta has proven to be quite useful for Braga this season, especially when coming off the bench. Now, the player's good form has seen him attracting interest from Palmeiras, who are reportedly willing to pay over $4M for the player's services.
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Conceicao slapped with heavy fine - Porto's boss is not a fan of Primeira Liga execs, and he will not grow fonder of them after being slapped with a $2,600 fine for not wearing the coach's armband. It may seem as a ridiculous fine, but it's even more ridiculous not to wear it twice and get fined for not doing so.
Top matches to watch in the Primeira Liga from March 19-21, 2021
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Portimonense vs Porto - Now that they returned to second place, Porto will want to keep their good form running with an away win over Portimonense. The hosts are just two points above relegation spots, which might see them fight for each inch at all costs.
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Sporting vs Vitoria Guimaraes - The league leaders continue their quest to end the season without a loss, and their game against Vitoria should not represent any problem for them. Vitoria will make it to this game on a two-match losing streak, and Ruben Amorim's men will try to make it three losses in a row when they clash on Saturday evening.
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Sporting Braga vs Benfica - This game will determine the third place of the competition, and it should be quite interesting to watch. Jorge Jesús' men have dominated their recent games against Braga, but the hosts seem to have it all to knock Benfica out of the title race once and for all.
Keep track of all the activity in the Primeira Liga by clicking on our dedicated website here.
