Porto beat Sporting in Portuguese classic

An early goal from Colombian forward Radamel Falcao was enough for FC Porto win the Portuguese classic with Sporting Lisbon.

With only three Portuguese players in their starting line-up, Porto needed just three minutes for Falcao to open the score as the South American headed home from a Fernando Belluschi free kick.

Falcao could have scored a second in minute 52, but failed to convert a penalty that had been caused by Anderson Polga. The Sporting defender was sent off for the offense.

Things got even worse for Sporting when Miguel Veloso received a red card for a foul on Jorge Fucile in added time.

As a result of this victory, Porto climb to third place at five points from leaders Sporting Braga. Sporting Lisbon are another three points behind.

Benfica reduced the gap with Braga to just two points thanks to a 5-0 win over Leixoes.

David Luiz scored the home side’s first goal in the 45th minute, and Oscar Cardozo (2), Ramires and Maximiliano Pereira found the target in the second half.