Benfica benefit from Fernandes

SL Benfica consolidated third position in the the Portuguese Superliga on Sunday evening, defeating Gil Vicente FC 2-1 away from home.

Fernandes winner
Manuel Fernandes popped up in the last minute to secure all three points for José Antonio Camacho’s side. Brazilian forward Geovanni had opened the scoring for the visitors on the half-hour before Braíma halved the deficit in the 60th minute.

Rochemback again
On Saturday, second-placed Sporting Clube de Portugal, who lie seven points ahead of their Lisbon rivals, were also successful on their travels, overcoming SC Beira-Mar thanks to goals inside the first ten minutes from Pedro Barbosa and the consistently impressive Fábio Rochemback. Sporting are seven points behind unbeaten leaders FC Porto with nine games to go.

McCarthy double
Porto swatted aside CF Os Belenenses 4-1 on Friday to preserve their lead at the top of the standings. Benni McCarthy struck immediately before and after the break with Ricardo Costa and Deco also scoring. José Mourinho’s men expect to encounter stiffer opposition against Manchester United FC on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Sánchez sacking
Boavista FC’s 1-1 draw at the Bessa stadium against FC Paços de Ferreira precipitated the sacking of coach Erwin Sánchez. Cafú put the hosts ahead but Manduca equalised in the 28th minute of a game which was the former Bolivian international's last at the Boavista helm.

Two-goal Adriano
In other Sunday matches, Adriano ensured CD Nacional’s spell of form continued in a 2-1 victory against AA Coimbra. The Brazilian striker scored twice, and Fábio Felicio's reply was not enough. Miguel Vargas also slotted in two goals as Alverca Futebol SAD dispatched bottom team CF Estrela da Amadora 3-0. CS Marítimo and UD Leiria battled out a hard-fought 2-2 draw while Moreirense and Vitória SC drew 1-1.

Blank scoresheet
In Monday night's game, Rio Ave FC and SC Braga played out a goalless draw.