The Portuguese title race took another exciting turn in Round 24, after which the top three were separated by just 4 points. Moreover, leaders Sporting are now just a single point ahead of city rivals Benfica, with the two Lisbon giants meeting each other on Saturday evening at Alvalade.
A brace by Jonas gave Benfica the three points against União da Madeira, while Sporting were made to pay for missing a catalogue of chances as they drew 0-0 at Vitória de Guimarães. FC Porto will feel they are by no means out of the running to lift the championship, and a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Belenenses sees the Dragons only four points behind top spot.
Belenenses 1-2 FC Porto
A whirlwind start by Porto proved decisive as Brahimi's early strike and a Tonel own goal put the visitors two goals up before the 20-minute mark at the Restelo.
Porto coach José Peseiro seems to be giving preference to South Korean striker Suk as his number one striker, and the former Vitória de Setúbal marksman again justified the faith shown in him by putting in a lively and hard-working shift.
Save a Carlos Martins shot against the post on 29 minutes Porto were largely coasting in a one-sided first half. It was a different story after the break, however, as Belenenses came back strongly and Porto tired, no doubt feeling the effects of their Europa League clash against Borussia Dortmund three days previously.
Spanish striker Juanto got the hosts right back in the game by converting a Geraldes cross on the hour mark, and it needed two fine saves by Iker Casillas to make sure Porto left Lisbon with all three points in the bag.
Benfica 2-0 União da Madeira
Benfica coach Rui Vitória rested Renato Sanches, who is one yellow card away from suspension, ahead of the Lisbon derby. It was the first time the 18-year-old sensation had not started a Liga match since making his debut back in November.
The Eagles got off to the perfect start as Jonas latched on to a poor headed clearance to smash a volley into the corner of the net after just four minutes. Benfica looked set for a straightforward victory as only a series of excellent saves by União's Mexican goalkeeper Raul Gudino, on loan from Porto, prevented Pizzi and Mitroglou from doubling the home side's lead.
In a rare breakaway Toni Silva forced Benfica goalkeeper Júlio César into a sharp save, but União rarely troubled Benfica's back line. The Portuguese champions at last scored a second goal in the 76th minute, and inevitably it was that man Jonas again, who was in the right place at the right time to deflect Mitroglou's shot past Gudino and make sure of the win.
The Brazilian has now scored a remarkable 26 goals in 24 Liga matches, which puts him in first place in the race to win the European Golden Boot.
Vitória de Guimarães 0-0 Sporting
Sérgio Conceição has transformed Vitória since taking over the reins, and the home side, spurred on by their ever passionate fans, made life difficult for Sporting throughout the 90 minutes in an intense match in which there was no holding back from either set of players.
Nevertheless, Sporting will be kicking themselves for not coming away with all three points after creating a host of chances, especially in a second half in which the Lions largely subjugated the hosts.
Vitória were first to threaten, Patrício beating away Licá's snapshot, but that was the only time the Sporting goalkeeper was called into serious action.
In stark contrast, Vitória's young guardian Miguel Silva added to his burgeoning reputation with numerous superb stops, several of them one-on-one, to earn his side a point. Coates, Islam Slimani and Bryan Ruiz were all thwarted by Silva when they looked certain to score, while Ruiz must still be wondering how he misdirected a header over the bar with an open goal at his mercy.
Vitória central defender Josué was sent off for a second yellow card with 15 minutes remaining and Sporting intensified the pressure. William was inches away from breaking the deadlock as he slid Ruiz's cross just wide, and substitute Barcos came close to a late winner, only to be denied by that man Miguel Silva again.
Sporting coach Jorge Jesus refused to accept his side are now under more pressure in Saturday's big clash, saying: "No team can be worried if they are in first place. The teams that are under more pressure are those who are trying to reach the top."
by Tom Kundert
Week 24 results
Arouca 0-0 Braga
Belenenses 1-2 FC Porto
Benfica 2-0 União da Madeira
Boavista 1-2 Rio Ave
Estoril 3-0 Vitória de Setúbal
Marítimo 1-0 Académica
Moreirense 1-2 Tondela
Nacional 3-0 Paços de Ferreira
Vitória de Guimarães 0-0 Sporting
