Sporting needed a late goal to beat Académica 3-2 and keep their two-point lead at the top of the league table over Benfica, who were impressive in winning 4-1 at Moreirense.


FC Porto came from a goal down to beat Estoril 3-1 to stay third. Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued his rich vein of form after scoring a hat-trick against Español in Real Madrid’s 6-0 win against the Barcelona-based team, scoring first with his left, then right foot, before heading in his third goal.