Benfica faced a difficult trip to Paços de Ferreira, only two home defeats all season, but early indications looked good for the Eagles as Andrija Zivkovic threaded a cross into Eduardo Salvio who narrowly missed out at the far post.
The visitors were denied the lead midway through the first-half when Eliseu unleashed a thunderbolt that cannoned off the woodwork and away to safety.
Goalless at the break, but within minutes of the restart Paços de Ferreira so nearly broke the deadlock when Diego Medeiros’ shot was parried away for a corner by Ederson.
Welthon then rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, bringing the home side even closer to a shock lead. The game’s final opportunity fell to Jonas, but even the normally lethal Brazilian failed to score as his header bounced into the ground and over the bar to leave the Benfica faithful ruing what could have been.
FC Porto now had the opportunity to eclipse Benfica as a win at home against Vitória de Setúbal would take them a point clear at the top.
The hosts desire was apparent, as Yacine Brahimi took André Silva’s cutback before firing a close-range shot that required Vasco Fernandes’ anticipation on the line to rescue the visitors.
Iván Marcano headed onto the post with Tiquinho Soares and Felipe unable to force the ball over the line from the subsequent rebounds. Jesús Corona gave Porto the lead when he converted Óliver Torres’ pinpoint cross on the stroke of half-time. Ten minutes after the break 20-year-old João Carvalho, on loan at V.Setúbal from Benfica, silenced the home fans when he levelled the score.
FC Porto surged forward looking for the winner and André Silva saw his header rebound off the post. Brahimi missed another great opportunity when he blazed a half-volley just over the crossbar from the edge of the box with seven minutes remaining.
FC Porto now face a difficult trip to the Stadium of Light cauldron next weekend for the highly-anticipated ‘Clássico’ which could decide where this season’s title will end up. Sporting know that they cannot catch the top two but a regular flow of goals from Bas Dost has been a feature of their growing confidence.
The Dutch international is certainly on fire as he followed up his four goals against Tondela with two more against bottom side CD Nacional.
His 24 goals in 23 appearances is sure to spark speculation of interest by some of Europe’s top clubs. The battle for the European Golden Shoe is also heating up as Bas Dost is now just a goal behind Lionel Messi with Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund) in third place.
Cristiano Ronaldo languishes in fifteenth place with nineteen goals.