On September 23, 2025, in a match between Primeira Liga outsiders Rio Ave and top-three Benfica, André Silva scored a superb 90th-minute equaliser, preventing the Lisbon side from earning maximum points.
Such matches are not uncommon in the Primeira Liga. Spectacular matches with unexpected outcomes have helped the Portuguese league grow in popularity, including among users of the licensed platform https://betzilloaus.com/, as betting on it has increased by 35% since 2023.
Smart bettors who make decisions after careful analysis value the Primeira Liga for its tactical depth, unpredictability, and youthful drive. Even an underdog, with good preparation can challenge a complacent giant, causing a sensation in the football world.

Let’s figure out why football in Portugal isn’t just a beautiful sport, but also a structured chaos where you can make good money.
The rising tide: Primeira Liga’s global appeal in Betzillo Casino
Even among football fans, in bygone times the Primeira Liga wasn’t very popular. Sporting, Benfica and Porto were the most well-known clubs, while many hadn’t even heard of many of the other teams in the league (Tondela, Casa Pia, Alverca). But with the rise in accessibility thanks to the internet and mobile phone technology and the emergence of some of the most famous players and coaches in the football world in Portugal, the Primeira Liga has generated more interest.
Streaming platforms now broadcast even minor matches in 4K, and in Asia, Primeira Liga viewership has increased by 120%. More fans equal more bets, and betting platforms are responding to this trend.
The betting lineup for the Portuguese league is extremely wide, for example, at the licensed bookmaker Betzilla. It accepts predictions not only for the winner but also offers 200+ markets (time of the first goal, number of fouls, number of substitutions, etc.). This attracts bettors’ attention and stimulates further growth in popularity.
Live bets with cashouts are now accepted on the Primeira Liga; bookmakers promote league matches as crowd-pullers, and key players become global legends. By opening a new market, bookmakers create attractive conditions for bettors; for example, the EPL offers higher margins than the Primeira Liga, even though the events are of roughly the same level.
Tactical mastery: depth that keeps you guessing
The Big Three of Portuguese football have long been engaged in a multi-faceted duel, with their coaches acting as true commanders. They compete in tactical formations, in their ability to utilise players, and in their adaptability on the field. The current picture looks like this:
- Porto: Head coach Francesco Farioli is working with a 4-3-3 formation with inverted wingers and an emphasis on young talent.
- Sporting: Rui Borges’ 4-4-2 system emphasizes passing through the press, creating the image of a smoothly oiled team always finding a way to hurt their opponents.
- Benfica: José Mourinho uses a stable, defensive 4-2-3-1, relying on individual duels and the flanks, and counting on counterattacks.
The intensity of the Primeira Liga is also reflected in the statistics. For example, there are an average of 8.9 corner kicks per match, and about 5 cards are issued. This means that not only the main outcome market but also the secondary market offers potential.
We compared the world’s major leagues in terms of betting and created a table with key data.
|
League |
Dominant Style |
Tactical Marker |
Underdog Wins % |
|
Primeira Liga |
Tactical flexibility + pressing |
PPDA 8.1 (aggressive style, more mistakes and corners) |
28% |
|
Premier League |
Physicality + transitions |
xG diff 1.8 (a big difference in the quality of chances) |
22% |
|
La Liga |
Possession + positional attack |
Possession 59% (slow control and fewer corners) |
18% |
|
Serie A |
Catenaccio 2.0 + counterattacks |
Shots on target 3.9 (Few shots on goal) |
20% |
|
Bundesliga |
Gegenpressing + high tempo |
PPDA 7.4 (increased aggression, but more predictability) |
26% |
Unpredictable thrills: the underdog’s paradise in Betzillo
At the reliable Betzillo casino, you can always find Portuguese league matches that have the potential to be sensational. In the 2024/25 season, underdogs won approximately 30% of matches, with odds higher than 3.0.
Rising clubs looking to break into the top leagues often recruit young talent and sign promising coaches. Interesting strategies that exploit their players’ strengths usually put the big clubs in an awkward position, especially since the loss of even one star player can ruin their entire game plan, let alone two or three of their best performers – something that happens most summers.
The average return on investment is 20% when betting on the underdog, and in live Primeira Liga matches, you can make good money after the 60th minute. Statistically, 60% of goals are scored during this period. It’s important to evaluate the team’s history, its current state, and the opponent to ensure a sound and safe bet.
Youth revolution: talent factory fuelling the fire
In the Primeira Liga, the percentage of youth players in teams is significantly higher than in other leagues, with 25% of goals scored by players under 23. In the Premier League, this figure is 18%, indicating that Portuguese teams are significantly younger.

The average age of starting lineups is also important (25.8 years in the Primeira Liga), and bets on a goal from a specific young player often pay off, as emerging talents strive to showcase their skills. Bet Zillo’s predictions for upcoming transfers are particularly popular because they can yield large winnings during periods of team turnover.
Conclusion: betting on Portugal’s future
Tactics and chaos combine, and young players regularly make football history in the Primeira Liga. To make Portugal’s top league a profitable investment option, you need to start by analysing the events and small bets. This will help you understand the specifics and nuances of each team.
To bet on the Primeira Liga, you need to find a reliable and honest bookmaker, such as Betzillo. But remember, betting is only available to those 21+ who bet responsibly and use their free money.
