The Portuguese men’s top football division begins this Friday, August 8, with an inaugural match featuring Casa Pia against the reigning champion, Sporting CP.
The 2025/2026 season in Portugal has already kicked off, highlighted by Benfica’s victory in the SuperCup, where they triumphed over Sporting CP with a score of 1-0. As the new league season unfolds, Sporting CP, in pursuit of a third consecutive title, is favored to reclaim the championship.
Sporting CP will travel to face Casa Pia, a club that finished ninth in the previous season. The team, led by Portuguese coach Rui Borges, will begin the season without their top scorer from last year, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who transferred to Arsenal for approximately 65 million euros.
Benfica, the record holder with 38 championship titles, and FC Porto, with 30, are also in the running for the league title. Benfica has had a strong start, having won the SuperCup and recently defeating Nice 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. Porto, meanwhile, has seen a coaching change with the appointment of Italian Francesco Farioli, but the team is mourning the loss of their director of professional football, former player Jorge Costa.
In anticipation of the season, former Portuguese footballer Luís Filipe shared insights during an exclusive interview. He discussed his experiences as a player with notable clubs like Sporting CP, Benfica, Braga, and Porto, as well as his aspirations as a coach while working as a commentator on Sport TV.
In the opening weekend, Casa Pia hosts Sporting CP, while FC Porto takes on Vitória Sport Clube. Notably, Benfica’s matchup against Rio Ave has been postponed due to their Champions League commitments against Nice.
As the new season unfolds, fans are hopeful for exciting matches and competitive spirit among the teams, with many looking forward to the performances of their favorite clubs.