Liga Sagres wrap: Benfica cruise, Naval break long drought

Benfica won their fifth league game in succession with a 3-0 away triumph at Uniao de Leiria in the highlight of Sunday’s Liga Sagres action.

The result sees Benfica five points ahead of third-placed Sporting Lisbon and Jorge Jesus’ side will be hoping to continue their current run of form in the chance of a slip-up from Porto, who are aiming for the seventh title in the last nine seasons and are already eight points clear at the top of the table.

Both sides entered the game in good form, with Uniao de Leiria unbeaten in six league matches, but the hosts were quickly on the back foot.

Argentine forward Javier Saviola gave his side a 27th-minute lead to notch his seventh goal in as many matches.

With the home side pressing, Benfica managed a second 10 minutes from time with Saviola’s compatriot, Nicolas Gaitan, securing the result with his finish, before Oscar Cardozo also got his name on the scoresheet in injury time.

Bottom side Naval 1 de Maio won just their second match of the season and snapped a 14-match winless streak with a 2-1 away win at fifth-placed Vitoria Guimaraes.

Joao Alves’ gave Vitoria the lead after 13 minutes to get the hosts on their way and they looked like there would only be one winner when Naval defender Carlitos was given a straight red card on the hour mark in what was a spiteful contest.

But Fabio Junior silenced the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes with 19 minutes remaining, grabbing an equaliser against the run of play.

If Naval getting a point was a shock, getting a win was unbelievable – but Marinho made it a reality with his goal three minutes from time to secure a terrific come-from-behind victory.

Olhanense won their first match in five with a 1-0 away win at strugglers Rio Ave, with Mauricio’s 22nd minute goal good enough to secure victory for the visitors, while Nacional and Beira-Mar and Academica and Pacos de Ferreira played out goalless draws.