The final round of Liga matches in Portugal in 2015 proved highly significant as FC Porto rose to the top of the table for the first time in Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui's 18-month reign at the northern club.
Previous leaders Sporting fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at União da Madeira thanks to a 2nd-half Danilo Dias goal. Porto took advantage by beating Académica 3-1 at home to go one point clear at the top of the standings. The first match after the Christmas break? Sporting-Porto at the Alvalade.
Benfica are now just five points off the table summit after two late goals helped the Eagles to a 3-1 victory over Rio Ave.
União da Madeira 1-0 Sporting
When União were thumped 6-0 at Paços de Ferreira last week the club's president accused the players of lacking character and made it clear the only reason he did not sack coach Norton de Matos was because he did not have time to appoint a replacement ahead of two matches in quick succession against Benfica and Sporting.
In such a backdrop nobody gave the islanders any hope of avoiding two routine defeats. But remarkably the team drew with Benfica on Tuesday night, then bettered that result by beating Sporting this afternoon.
Today's game was one-way traffic with the Lions peppering the goal of the hosts for practically the entire 90 minutes but Sporting's finishing was mostly off target or of the powder-puff variety, and when Montero or Slimani did manage to direct a good effort on goal the inspired home goalkeeper André Moreira was equal to it.
As often happens in football, a side that is under pressure all game scored from their only moment of danger, Danilo Dias heading past Patrício in the 69th minute. Sporting's erstwhile positive season has taken a disappointing turn in the last week, this defeat coming on the back of being knocked out of the Portuguese Cup by Braga on Wednesday.
FC Porto 3-1 Académica
Julen Lopetegui attracted much criticism last season for not taking advantage of the occasional slips by the then-leaders Benfica, as Porto failed to chase down the Eagles in 2014/15.
This season Porto have again been playing catch-up, but today the team grasped the unexpected chance to move into first place in the table. The Dragons dominated the match from start to finish.
A whirlwind start was rewarded when the hosts took the lead in the 7th minute through a powerful Danilo header, having already come close on three occasions before the goal. Porto continued to pour forward, and it was no surprise when Aboubakar doubled the lead shortly after half time, again a firm header proving too hot for Pedro Trigueira to keep out.
Herrera scored a third for the Blue and Whites on 72 minutes with a neat back-heel finish. Rui Pedro netted a late consolation goal for Académica.
Benfica 3-1 Rio Ave
Jonas was the hero of a hard-earned victory for Benfica, scoring twice and providing an assist in the 3-1 win over Rio Ave.
The home fans must have thought they were all set to watch their side march to a straightforward win after a bright start was rewarded with an early goal, Jonas scoring at the second attempt after an excellent pass from Pizzi.
But ten minutes later the visitors equalised, Bressan netting expertly direct from a free kick.
That was the way it remained entering the final ten minutes of the match. With Benfica's fans getting nervous, that man Jonas was in the right place at the right time, heading in a cross from substitute Carcela. Two minutes later it was game over as Jiménez scored after being brilliantly played in by Jonas.
Benfica still had time to put the ball in the net again, Jiménez's strike ruled out for offside, and to hit the bar through Pizzi, but Rui Vitória will be pleased to arrive at the winter break just five points behind leaders FC Porto.
Results
Arouca 4-1 Marítimo
Benfica 3-1 Rio Ave
Estoril 0-1 Vitória Guimarães
FC Porto 3-1 Académica
Moreirense 2-0 Nacional
Tondela 1-3 Vitória Setúbal
União da Madeira 1-0 Sporting
Monday matches: Belenenses-Boavista, Braga-Paços de Ferreira
by Tom Kundert
