Portugal round-up: Sporting extend lead

Sporting Clube de Portugal extended their lead at the top of the 1. Liga to four points as André Cruz scored both goals in a 2-1 victory at SC Beira-Mar.

Eleventh win
With second-placed Boavista FC not in action until Monday night, when they travel to Vitória Setúbal, Sporting recorded their eleventh win in 17 league games to put daylight between them and the champions at the top.

Decisive goal
André Cruz set them on their way with a 31st-minute free-kick before the hosts levelled the scores in the second half, Juninho Petrolina crashing home in the 62nd minute. But Sporting were not to be denied as André Cruz struck his second free-kick of a match in which nine players were booked following a fracas six minutes from time.

Benfica held
Fifth-placed SL Benfica had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Da Luz stadium as they failed to break down CS Maritímo. The Lisbon club had to come from behind after Gaúcho gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead, but it only took another 17 minutes for to come up with the appropriate response for Benfica. However, the title-chasing hosts could not add any other goals and were forced to settle for a point.

Brazilians inspire Leiria
At the Dr Magalhães Pessoa stadium, UD Leiria were comfortable winners against Vitória Guimarães. Brazilian-born striker Derlei Silva opened the scoring for the home side after 19 minutes and another Brazilian, Rafael Jacques, added a second for Leiria with 18 minutes to go. Flamarion Abreu scored a consolation goal for Guimarães deep into added time.