Liga Sagres wrap: Sporting close in on top spot

Sporting Lisbon edged closer to the Liga Sagres summit on Sunday, capitalising on Benfica’s slip at Braga by defeating Uniao de Leiria 3-1.

In the final match of the weekend, Sporting saw off a stubborn Leiria side 3-1 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with Matias Fernandez putting the hosts in front thanks to a skilled run and finish inside a busy penalty area on eight minutes.

But the lead lasted just 13 minutes, before Cape Verdean striker Djaniny ran onto a ball played over the Sporting defence to volley past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

It was the second goal in as many games for the 20-year-old, who hit his debut Liga Sagres goal against Vitoria Setubal last Sunday, and showed why the 190cm forward has reportedly attracted interest from La Liga clubs.

Fernandez put Sporting back in front on 50 minutes when Evaldo got behind Leiria’s defence and cut back behind a host of players, with the Chilean midfielder timing his run best to fire home.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel’s penalty – his eighth goal from nine games in all competitions for the club – ensured the scoreline perhaps slightly flattered Sporting.

But the Lions of Lisbon are roaring, and are now just one point off top spot after title holders Porto were held by Olhanense a day earlier.

City rivals Benfica are also ahead of Sporting, but suffered their own frustrations in a 1-1 draw with Braga.

The lights at Braga’s Estadio AXA went out twice during the first half, and Benfica themselves failed to shine after needing Rodrigo’s 73rd-minute goal to cancel out Lima’s penalty moments before half-time.

Vitoria Setubal’s match at home to Gil Vicente finished scoreless, ensuring the visitors’ woes in front of goal – having found the net just three times in their last six games – continue to plague them.

Rio Ave shot off the bottom of the table and moved a point clear of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory at home to Nacional.

The home side survived going a man and a goal down 13 minutes in, when Eder gave away a penalty and was subsequently sent off, with Claudemir scoring from the spot.

Joao Tomas levelled on 77 minutes, before Nacional’s Brazilian midfielder Luis Alberto received a second yellow card, and on-loan Porto forward Christian Atsu scored an 83rd-minute winner.

Feirense took Rio Ave’s place at the bottom of the table, losing 2-1 to Beira Mar.