**2015–16 Primeira Liga**
The 2015–16 Primeira Liga was the 82nd season of the top professional football division in Portugal. The league featured 18 teams competing for the national championship, with Benfica successfully defending their title. The season ran from August 2015 to May 2016, showcasing intense competition and notable individual performances.
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## 2015–16 Primeira Liga
The 2015–16 Primeira Liga, also known as Liga NOS for sponsorship reasons, was the 82nd edition of Portugal’s premier football league. The competition involved 18 teams, including the top 16 from the previous season and two promoted clubs from the Segunda Liga. The season commenced on 14 August 2015 and concluded on 15 May 2016. Benfica entered the season as defending champions and successfully retained their title, securing their 35th league championship.
### Background
The Primeira Liga is the highest tier of professional football in Portugal, organized by the Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional (LPFP). The 2015–16 season continued the tradition of Portuguese football’s top-flight competition, featuring clubs with rich histories and passionate fanbases. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Segunda Liga, with the bottom teams relegated at the end of the season.
### Teams
A total of 18 teams competed in the 2015–16 Primeira Liga. Sixteen teams returned from the 2014–15 season, while two teams were promoted from the Segunda Liga.
#### Promoted Teams
– **Tondela**: Promoted to the Primeira Liga for the first time in their history after finishing second in the 2014–15 Segunda Liga.
– **Académica de Coimbra**: Returned to the top flight after securing promotion by finishing third in the Segunda Liga.
#### Relegated Teams
– **Penafiel** and **Moreirense** were relegated to the Segunda Liga after finishing in the bottom two positions in the previous season.
### Stadiums and Locations
The 18 clubs were based across various cities in Portugal, with stadium capacities ranging from smaller venues like Tondela’s Estádio João Cardoso to larger arenas such as Benfica’s Estádio da Luz and Porto’s Estádio do Dragão. The geographic distribution of teams spanned the country, reflecting the widespread popularity of football in Portugal.
### Format
The league followed a double round-robin format, with each team playing every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 34 matches per team. Teams earned three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the season was crowned champion. The bottom two teams were relegated to the Segunda Liga.
### Season Summary
#### Title Race
Benfica dominated the 2015–16 season, finishing first with 88 points, 11 points clear of second-placed Sporting CP. Benfica’s consistency and strong squad depth allowed them to maintain a lead throughout the campaign. Sporting CP and FC Porto, traditional rivals, battled for the runner-up position, with Sporting ultimately securing second place.
#### Relegation Battle
The relegation fight was intense, with União da Madeira and Académica de Coimbra finishing in the bottom two positions and thus relegated to the Segunda Liga. Both teams struggled to accumulate points and were unable to avoid the drop despite late-season efforts.
#### European Qualification
The top three teams—Benfica, Sporting CP, and FC Porto—qualified for the UEFA Champions League, with Benfica entering directly into the group stage. Fourth and fifth-placed teams qualified for the UEFA Europa League, providing opportunities for international competition.
### Key Matches
Several matches during the season were pivotal in determining the final standings. Benfica’s victories over Sporting CP and FC Porto were crucial in establishing their dominance. The Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting CP was particularly significant, with Benfica winning 1–0 at home, reinforcing their position at the top of the table.
### Player Performances
#### Top Scorers
– **Jonas (Benfica)**: The Brazilian striker was the league’s top scorer with 32 goals, playing a vital role in Benfica’s title defense.
– **Islam Slimani (Sporting CP)**: The Algerian forward contributed 14 goals, helping Sporting secure second place.
– **André Silva (FC Porto)**: The young Portuguese striker scored 11 goals, showcasing his potential as a future star.
#### Notable Players
– **Pizzi (Benfica)**: The midfielder was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities and contributed with goals and assists.
– **William Carvalho (Sporting CP)**: The defensive midfielder was a key figure in Sporting’s midfield, providing stability and control.
– **Héctor Herrera (FC Porto)**: The Mexican midfielder was influential in Porto’s campaign, contributing both defensively and offensively.
### Managerial Changes
Several clubs underwent managerial changes during the season to improve results or respond to poor performances. Notably, Sporting CP replaced Marco Silva with Jorge Jesus in the summer following the season, aiming to strengthen their squad for the next campaign.
### Awards and Honors
– **Player of the Year**: Jonas (Benfica) was widely recognized for his outstanding goal-scoring and overall contribution.
– **Best Goalkeeper**: Rui Patrício (Sporting CP) was praised for his consistent performances between the posts.
– **Best Young Player**: André Silva (FC Porto) received accolades for his breakthrough season.
### Statistical Overview
– **Total Matches Played**: 306
– **Total Goals Scored**: 807
– **Average Goals per Match**: Approximately 2.64
– **Biggest Home Win**: Benfica 6–0 União da Madeira
– **Biggest Away Win**: Moreirense 0–4 Benfica
### Impact and Legacy
The 2015–16 Primeira Liga season reinforced Benfica’s status as the dominant force in Portuguese football during the mid-2010s. The league continued to serve as a platform for emerging talents such as André Silva, who would later move to prominent European clubs. The season also highlighted the competitive nature of the league, with traditional powers maintaining their positions while smaller clubs fought to establish themselves.
### Conclusion
The 2015–16 Primeira Liga season was marked by Benfica’s successful title defense, strong individual performances, and competitive matches across the board. The league maintained its reputation as one of Europe’s respected top-flight competitions, contributing to the development of Portuguese football domestically and internationally.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2015–16 Primeira Liga was the 82nd season of Portugal’s top football division, featuring 18 teams and culminating in Benfica’s successful title defense. The season showcased competitive matches, notable player performances, and significant developments in Portuguese football.