Portugal: Benfica go top; Sporting’s Liedson hits four

(GSM) – Benfica moved three points clear at the top of the Portuguese Liga on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Paços de Ferreira. Elsewhere, Liedson bagged four goals in Sporting’s 4-0 win at Belenenses.

Benfica capitalized on Braga’s draw on Saturday, taking the lead in the 13th minute on a goal by Ruben Amorim.

Just four minutes later, Javier Saviola notched his 11th goal of the season to put Benfica into a comfortable 2-0 lead.

William pulled one back for Paços just before half-time, but Benfica restored the two-goal lead in the 58th minute as Oscar Cardozo made it 18 goals on the season.

Meanwhile, Liedson moved his season goal total from six to 10 in 40 minutes with a phenomenal second-half display against bottom side Belenenses.

The first came on 49 minutes when he turned in a cross by Marat Izmailov, and it was 2-0 on the hour mark despite there being questions of offside.

With 10 minutes to play, Liedson completed his hat-trick with a fine solo effort, and his fourth came a minute from time after a pass from Carlos Saleiro.