The Portuguese clubs FC Porto, Sporting, Braga and Benfica learned their opponents in the draws for European competitions in Nyon. While the Dragons and Lions discover their rivals in the "big boys' pool", Braga and Benfica take the final steps towards Europe. In the transfer chapter, the saga involving Palhinha comes to an end, and FC Porto secured the return of Fofana through a loan.
Benfica drew 0-0 with Aarhus in Denmark in a Europa League match, where the Eagles seek to secure qualification for the league phase of the European competition. The match ended goalless, leaving the fate of progression to the next round undecided.
UEFA is preparing a legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the already abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The European football body argues that such an initiative would be harmful to the interests of football and the member federations.
"The new Santa Clara coach, Van der Gaag, revealed that he is still looking for a striker for the squad, wanting a player with different characteristics from the rest but who can integrate at the same physical pace as the teammates."
Canadian footballer Stephen Eustáquio leaves FC Porto to join Swansea City, from the English second division. The transfer earns four million euros for the dragons, in a deal confirmed by the Portuguese club.
