The Big Three in Portuguese football were all in action yesterday - with uninspiring results

Benfica, Sporting and Porto all played friendly fixtures yesterday as they prepare for their inevitable title race in the Primeria Liga - so how did they get on?

Benfica were taking on perennial Italian champions Juventus, while Sporting faced French outfit Marseille, who knocked out fellow Portuguese side Braga in the Europa League round of 32 last season. Porto, meanwhile, took on Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United, who are currently playing in the English Premier League.

Benfica took the lead against Juventus in the international Champions Cup in the 65th minute after a superb free-kick goal from left-back Alex Grimaldo, but, while they looked to be heading for an impressive victory versus the recent Champions League finalists, their advantage did not last long, with Juventus equalising in the 84th minute, putting the game back on level terms.

With the match level after 90 minutes, the game was forced to go to penalties, which Juventus subsequently won. While always disappointing to lose a match, Benfica can be pleased with their endeavours on the pitch, and will have been happy to see their new goalkeeper, Vlachodimos, show his capabilities as they prepare for the new campaign.

Elsewhere, Sporting eventually drew 1-1 against Marseille in their friendly fixture, with Andre Pinto's second half goal cancelling out Marseille's fourth minute advantage.

Porto, meanwhile, continued their stuttering start to pre-season, playing out an uninspiring 0-0 draw against English top flight side Newcastle.