Superliga

The Portuguese Superliga is the top football division in Portuguese domestic competition. The “Big Three” of FC Porto, Benfica and Sporting Club de Portugal (incorrectly known as Sporting Lisbon in English speaking countries) typically dominate the Superliga and battle it out for the championship each season. The most recent title winners not in the big three were Boavista who won in the 2000/01 season. Before that it was won by Belenenses in the 1945/46 championship!

The top two in the Superliga qualify for the Champions League with the second placed team entering the tournament in the third qualifying round. Teams classified in third, fourth and fifth all qualify for the Europa League, as does the winner of the Cup of Portugal. If it occurs that the cup winners have already qualified for European competition due to league position the cup runners up gain entry to the Europa League.

Since 2007 the league has been contested by 16 teams as opposed to the previous system of 18 teams. The bottom two clubs at the end of the season are relegated to the Liga de Honra and are replaced by the top two from that league.

This season Sporting Club look out of sorts and are 19 points behind table topping Benfica. The title race is a still a three way split however, with Sporting Braga and FC Porto following closely on the heels of Benfica.

The Portuguese Superliga is the 10th ranked league in Europe. Despite this low ranking the top sides all do relatively well in European competition. FC Porto consistently reach the knockout rounds of the Champions League and even won the competition in 2004 under the management of Jose Mourinho.

Most UK bookmakers offer odds on Superliga games and the outcome of the championship. Benfica are current favourites at 1/2 while FC Porto are best priced 10/3 and Sporting Braga are available at 9/2.

Portuguese Superliga Betting Odds