FC Porto looked to be heading for a comfortable win against Aves when the Dragons first attempt on goal by Ricardo Pereira, after just six minutes, found the back of the net. The visitors responded in style with Amilton striking the bar midway through the first-half.
FC Porto were down to ten men soon after the interval when Jesús Corona picked up a second yellow card. Aves took advantage of their numerical superiority with Vitor Gomes levelling matters just after the hour mark.
His glancing header from Amilton’s cross gave Porto keeper José Sá no chance.
Vincent Aboubakar should have wrapped up all three points for the league leaders moments later but he smashed a great opportunity way over the bar.
FC Porto ended the game with a furious claim for a penalty, as Amilton’s clearance inside his own box took out both the ball and Danilo Pereira but the referee ignored the appeals and they had to be content with a share of the spoils. Sporting travelled to P.Ferreira and duly took the lead after twenty minutes when Bruno Fernandes’ corner picked out Rodrigo Battaglia at the far-post who then took two attempts to find the back of the net. Twenty minutes after the break, Bruno Fernandes saw his first time volley cannon off the post.
Paços de Ferreira went straight up the other end and Awer Mabil was frustrated to see his near-post header rebound off the bar. Ten minutes later, Sporting doubled their lead following good work by Bruno César and Fábio Coentrão who set-up Gelson Martins.
The young Cape Verde born winger turned expertly inside the box before firing into the bottom corner. The home side pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Marco Baixinho but it was not enough to deny Sporting victory which took them to within two points of top spot.
Following a disastrous European Cup campaign, in which they have lost all five games to date, it was important for Benfica to show their fans that they can still look towards retaining their Primeira Liga title.
The Eagles had the perfect start against Vitória de Setúbal as Jardel’s aerial knock-on from a set-piece enabled skipper Luisão to tap in the game’s first goal. The Eagles continued to look dangerous in the air and Jonas duly headed home his 100th goal for Benfica six minutes before the break. Setúbal were down to ten men when Nuno Pinto collected a second yellow just prior to the half-time whistle. Salvio added a third early in the second period before Jonas notched his second of the game swiftly followed by am André Almeida goal to make it 5-0 in the sixty-eighth minute.
Andrija Zivkovic added a sixth following a blunder by keeper Cristiano as Rui Vitória’s men totted up their biggest win of the season. There are rumours in the English press that Everton may be interested in Rui Vitória as their new manager whilst Shanghai SIPG’s Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas, has emerged as third favourite for the job.
Portimonense continue to improve and their 2-0 home victory over Tondela propelled them into tenth place. A goal in each half by Shoya, on loan from FC Tokyo, was enough to secure all three points. Tonight (Friday) FC Porto do battle with Benfica at the Dragão Stadium kick-off at 8.30pm.