Liga Sagres wrap: Porto celebrate at home

Porto returned home to celebrate their Liga Sagres title with a 3-2 win over Sporting Lisbon on Sunday, while Benfica defeated Beira-Mar.

Porto, who clinched the Portuguese league title at bitter rivals Benfica two weeks earlier, finally made their triumphant return to the Estadio do Dragao to a rapturous reception from their fans.

The atmosphere was briefly tempered when Sporting took the lead through Andre Santos, whose long-range attempt in the 18th minute took a deflection off team-mate Matias Fernandez and skipped past Porto goalkeeper Helton.

But scores were level eight minutes later as Falcao, Porto’s prolific Colombian striker, brought the home fans to their feet with a header from 12 yards out.

The Colombian nabbed a second five minutes after the restart with another header, this time a diving effort to connect with Joao Moutinho’s chipped cross from the right.

Substitute striker Walter, brought on for Falcao, also got in on the act with an 87th-minute goal, one that was equalled by Fernandez one minute later to dampen fan celebrations until the final whistle.

Elsewhere, Benfica returned to winning ways after consecutive league losses with a 2-1 victory over Beira-Mar.

Second-half goals from Brazilian defender Sidnei and Argentine attacker Franco Jara put Jorge Jesus’ team back on the winner’s list, albeit with second spot on the table already wrapped up.

Substitute Ghanaian attacker Ishmael Yartey scored what proved to be a consolation goal in the third minute of stoppage time for 10th-placed Beira-Mar.

Portimonense kept their slim hopes of remaining in the top flight alive with a 1-0 win at Uniao de Leiria.

A 63rd-minute goal from Pedro Silva was enough to bring his team within six points of safety with three league games to go.

Madi Panandetiguiri was sent off for the losing side after picking up two bookings in four minutes, while Silva too received his marching orders 11 minutes before full-time.

Finally, Rio Ave made it three-straight wins with a 1-0 victory over the struggling Naval 1 Maio.

Defender Milhazes scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute as they moved to within a point of a Europa League spot.