In Portugal it is practically unheard of to play a full Liga schedule in midweek. Given the entertainment and drama that unfolded this afternoon and tonight the Portuguese football administrators must be tempted to make it a regular occurrence.
Benfica smashed Marítimo 6-0 at the Estádio da Luz, with all the goals coming in a 40-minute spell either side of half time. In Setúbal it was a case of "anything you can do..." for Benfica's city rivals Sporting, the Lions also hitting half a dozen goals without reply at the Bonfim.
The two thunderous victories would have only added to the misery for Porto fans, who saw their team labour to a tame 1-1 draw at home to Rio Ave to pile more pressure on beleaguered coach Julen Lopetegui. Earlier in the day Vitória Guimarães edged to victory at Moreirense in a 7-goal thriller and Braga continued their fine form with a 3-0 win over Académica.
Benfica blow away Marítimo
Raul Jiménez for the hosts and Dyego Sousa for the visitors spurned excellent chances to score for each side in the opening 20 minutes, and with the half-hour mark approaching and further opportunities failing to materialise it appeared Benfica were in for a hard night's work to get the three points.
But a devastating spell saw the Eagles score three goals to practically kill the game in five minutes flat. Good work by Carcela, making a rare start in the injured Gaitán's absence, led to two similar goals in quick succession from midfielder Pizzi (pictured). Jiménez then added a third as Marítimo's defence caved in.
Benfica were not done and added three more goals in the second half, the first two coming from the penalty spot after fouls on Jonas and Carcela, the Belgian-born Moroccan doing his chances of earning a regular starting place no harm with a highly positive performance. Jonas dispatched both spot kicks with aplomb.
The best goal was left till last however, as substitute Talisca rifled in a superb 25-yard shot to complete the rout.
Irresistible Sporting put Vitória Setúbal to the sword
It has been a magnificent five days for Sporting. After convincingly beating Porto at the Alvalade to reclaim top spot on Saturday, Jorge Jesus's men put on a show for their large contingent of travelling fans in Setúbal by hammering the home side 6-0.
Bruno César, acquired from Estoril, had a dream debut. The former Benfica midfielder scored a brace with two stunning strikes and also provided an assist. It was the Brazilian who laid on the first goal, crossing low for Slimani to finish from close range. César then smacked an unstoppable shot into the net off the underside of the bar to make in 2-0 at the break.
Slimani headed in the third to round off a slick team move in the 52nd minute. Soon afterwards João Mário joined the party, scoring from a terrific shot from outside the box and César made it 5-0 with another excellent finish from the edge of the box. Late substitute Aquilani rounded off the scoring with a delightful dink over the goalkeeper.
The win puts Sporting four points clear at the top of the table, and should the Lions maintain this form it will be no easy task for Benfica or Porto to catch them.
More white handkerchiefs for Lopetegui
Porto's woes continue as the Blue and Whites surrendered two points to Rio Ave in front of a paltry crown of under 20,000 at the Estádio do Dragão.
Two similar goals by Porto's Herrera and Rio Ave's João Novais - deflected shots from distance that wrong-footed Cássio and Casillas respectively - saw the teams go into the break all square.
Porto were unlucky not to retake the lead in the 40th minute as André André headed against the post and as he tried to bundle home the rebound Cássio somehow scrambled along the floor to swat the ball away just before it crossed the line. Aboubakar also forced Cássio into a sharp save, yet despite winning no fewer than 18 corners, Porto created precious few moments of real danger for the Rio Ave defence.
"It's a tough moment but I have the strength to continue," said coach Julen Lopetegui after the match, who again was presented with white handkerchiefs by the home fans upon the final whistle.
Week 16 Results
Arouca 1-0 Estoril
Belenenses 2-2 Nacional
Benfica 6-0 Marítimo
Braga 3-0 Académica
FC Porto 1-1 Rio Ave
Moreirense 3-4 Vitória Guimarães
Tondela 0-2 Paços de Ferreira
Vitória Setúbal 0-6 Sporting
União de Madeira 1-0 Boavista
by Tom Kundert
