Following the coronavirus lockdown on
Wednesday, the Portuguese Primeira Liga became the second top European football
league to return as the Porto leaders fell to a surprising 2-1 loss at
Famalicao.
Wednesday, the Portuguese Primeira Liga became the second top European football
league to return as the Porto leaders fell to a surprising 2-1 loss at
Famalicao.
Despite the match being played behind
closed doors, several supporters from Porto did the short trip to gather
outside the stadium. They were left disappointed though, as their side’s title
hopes were dealt a blow.
closed doors, several supporters from Porto did the short trip to gather
outside the stadium. They were left disappointed though, as their side’s title
hopes were dealt a blow.
Second-placed Benfica, who sit one
point behind Porto, could take top spot on Thursday when the reigning champions
host Tondela.
point behind Porto, could take top spot on Thursday when the reigning champions
host Tondela.
Promoted Famalicao led the table
themselves earlier in the season before a poor run of form, but moved back into
fifth, two points adrift of fourth-placed Sporting Lisbon.
themselves earlier in the season before a poor run of form, but moved back into
fifth, two points adrift of fourth-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Fabio Martins broke the deadlock for
the hosts in the 48th minute, before Porto equalized 16 minutes from time
through Jesus Manuel Corona.
the hosts in the 48th minute, before Porto equalized 16 minutes from time
through Jesus Manuel Corona.
But young midfielder Pote had the
final say for Famalicao four minutes later as they added another famous victory
to their league double over Sporting this season.
final say for Famalicao four minutes later as they added another famous victory
to their league double over Sporting this season.
Earlier, Lucas’ goal in the second half
secured a 1-0 win for second-bottom Portimonense against Gil Vicente to boost
their survival hopes.
secured a 1-0 win for second-bottom Portimonense against Gil Vicente to boost
their survival hopes.
The German Bundesliga restarted in
mid-May, while Spain’s La Liga, the English Premier League and Italy’s Serie A
are all scheduled to resume later this month.
mid-May, while Spain’s La Liga, the English Premier League and Italy’s Serie A
are all scheduled to resume later this month.
However, Ligue 1 in France and the
Dutch Eredivisie both ended their seasons early.
Dutch Eredivisie both ended their seasons early.
The restart in Portugal has been
overshadowed by bickering between clubs.
overshadowed by bickering between clubs.
Health authorities called for games to
be staged “in the fewest number of stadiums possible”. Ultimately, 16 of the 18
top-flight clubs will play at their home ground.
be staged “in the fewest number of stadiums possible”. Ultimately, 16 of the 18
top-flight clubs will play at their home ground.
Maritimo are blocking the league’s
proposal to allow five substitutions up from the standard three to ease the
physical strain on players.
proposal to allow five substitutions up from the standard three to ease the
physical strain on players.
Several clubs, including Benfica, are angry
about the decision to broadcast matches on free-to-air television.
about the decision to broadcast matches on free-to-air television.
