Portuguese Women's Championship
The Portuguese Women's Championship, or Liga Femenina 3, is the top tier of women's football in Portugal. Run by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), it features powerhouses like Benfica, Sporting, and Porto in thrilling encounters. Launched in 1985, the league has grown with the global surge in women's soccer, now with 12 teams vying for glory and European spots in the 2023/24 season.
History and foundation
Kicking off in 1985 with Ovarense as inaugural winners, the league saw dominance from 1º Dezembro and Boavista in the 90s. The 2010s brought professionalism, with Benfica's breakthrough title in 2019 and Sporting's in 2021. A key milestone was FPF's takeover in 2017, boosting quality. COVID disruptions tested resilience, but Benfica's unbeaten 2022 campaign marked a new era. Fun fact: it has launched stars onto the international stage.
Tournament format
It's a double round-robin with 12 teams playing 22 matches. The champion claims the title and a UEFA Champions League berth; runner-up fights for qualification. Promotion/relegation links to the second division. Since 2023, cup playoffs add drama. Games occur on club grounds, emphasizing youth development quotas.
Interesting facts
Scoring is lively at 3.2 goals per game (2023/24). Top scorers include Jessica Silva (Benfica, 25 goals), Andreia Faria (Sporting), and Ana Capeta. Standouts: Silva's dazzling dribbles, Jessica Ayana's leadership at Benfica, and keeper Inês Pereira's clutch saves. Emerging Porto academy prospects feed Portugal's national team.