Benfica boosted by Simâo

Penalty winner
The Portuguese international converted the 80th-minute spot-kick, deciding the match in favour of José Antonio Camacho's team, who drew 0-0 against FC Internazionale in the UEFA Cup on Thursday. Leaders FC Porto, who eliminated Manchester United FC from the UEFA Champions League two days earlier, won by the same margin against Boavista FC on Saturday.

In-form McCarthy
José Mourinho’s remarkably consistent side were indebted to a 73rd-minute strike from in-form forward Benni McCarthy for their victory in the Porto derby. Also on Saturday, SC Braga defeated FC Paços de Ferreira 2-1 and CF Os Belenenses went down 1-0 at home to CD Nacional.

Away wins
On Sunday, Moreirense outclassed AA Coimbra 3-0 away from home thanks to goals from Sérgio Lomba, Antonio Tito and Francisco Castro, while Rio Ave FC produced another outstanding performance on the road to see off CF Estrela da Amadora in a match in which Paulo Cesar scored twice in the second half.

Fonseca double 
Gil Vicente also won on their travels courtesy of a double from Yuri Fonseca in a 2-0 defeat of Vitória SC while UD Leiria overcame SC Beira Mar 2-1.

Sporting success
Benfica's win had temporarily closed the gap on second-placed Sporting Clube de Portugal to four points, although Sporting restored their seven-point advantage with a 2-0 win against Alverca Futbol SAD on Monday night. Carlos Martins opened the scoring a minute past the half-hour, and Liedson Muniz wrapped up the points in the final minute after Alverca's Nelson Verissimo had been dismissed.