2016–17 Primeira Liga
The 2016–17 Primeira Liga (also known as Liga NOS for sponsorship reasons) was the 83rd season of the Primeira Liga, the top Portuguese professional league for association football clubs. Benfica successfully defended their title, winning the league for a fourth consecutive season and record 36th time. Teams. For the third consecutive season, the league was contested by a total of 18 teams, which included the best 16 sides from the 2015–16 season and two promoted from the 2015–16 LigaPro. Porto B won the 2015–16 LigaPro title on 8 May 2016, but as the reserve team of Primeira  Liga side Porto they were ineligible for promotion, which meant that the third-placed team would be promoted instead. On the same day, Chaves drew 1–1 with Portimonense to secure the return to the top flight of Portuguese football, 17 years after their last appearance in the 1998–99 season. On the final matchday, Feirense secured the third place and last promotion slot after drawing 1–1 with Chaves; they return to the Primeira Liga four years after their last appearance in the 2011–12 season. The two promoted clubs replaced Académica and União da Madeira. Académica confirmed their relegation on 7 May  2016 after a run of 14 consecutive seasons in the Primeira Liga, following a goalless draw against Braga. On the last matchday, União da Madeira's 2–1 defeat against Rio Ave also sealed their relegation, one season after having been promoted. Awards. Monthly awards. Goal of the season. The goal of the season was disputed by all the previous winners of the monthly polls.