Benfica were soon back in the groove at the Estádio da Luz with a routine 3-0 win over Boavista.
The ageless Maxi Pereira set up Lima beautifully and then scored himself as the hosts built a two-goal lead by the interval. Jonas completed the scoring from the penalty spot and Boavista will be grateful that they did not get a real thrashing, so many were the chances created and spurned by Benfica.
FC Porto entertained Paços de Ferreira, who the previous week had beaten Benfica.
But there was to be no repeat performance as the home side hit five without reply. Star performer was veteran Ricardo Quaresma who scored twice including a majestic strike that rocketed into the net off the underside of the bar.
The other marksmen were the irrepressible Jackson Martinez, Herrera and Tello.
Sporting had a tough game at Arouca and despite going a goal behind to a David Simão penalty were soon level when Fredy Montero angled a shot under the goalkeeper.
An impressive second-half display by the Lions ensured they took three points thanks to goals from André Carrillo and Figueiredo.
Alvalade will be full to the rafters on Sunday evening as Sporting attempt to make it seven league wins in a row against city rivals Benfica.
If they do so it will surely throw the title race wide open going into the final months of the season.