Talisca at the double for Eagles
Benfica took full advantage of points dropped by 3 out of the 4 teams who started Week Six in the top four by beating Estoril 3-2 to go four points clear at the top of the table. Marítimo coach Leonel Pontes continued his fine start at the helm of the Madeira club, a thumping 4-0 victory in Funchal against Vitória Guimarães sending the islanders into third place.
Elsewhere Boavista continued their fine recent form with a win over Gil Vicente, with Braga, Vitória Setúbal and Académica also picking up three points.
Estoril 2-3 Benfica
A cracking game on the Lisbon coast saw the Eagles come out on top in a five-goal thriller, but they were made to work hard by Estoril.
It did not look that way as Talisca scored an early brace (the young Brazilian is joint top scorer in the Primeira Liga with 5 goals), the first a tremendous effort, picking up the ball on the halfway line and running through the hosts' defence before slotting home. A rampant Benfica looked set to administer a thrashing, with Lima hitting the post and Estoril goalkeeper Kieszek pulling off a number of sharp saves.
Shortly before half time Diogo Amado pulled a goal back for Estoril and the home team were right back in it. A superb passing move led to Kléber's equaliser in the 53rd minute but soon afterwards Cabrera was sent off for Estoril. The visitors took full advantage, Lima scoring from close range to earn the three points for Jorge Jesus' side.
Marítimo 4-0 Vitória Guimarães
Leonel Pontes surprised many people when he announced before the World Cup that he would be stepping down as Paulo Bento's assistant with the Seleção after the tournament in Brazil to take over as Marítimo coach. It has proven a wise decision with Pontes overseeing a resurgence of the Madeira team, in sharp contrast to Paulo Bento and the national team's woes.
Marítimo put in a devastating first-half performance at the Barreiros Stadium, scoring four times without reply against Vitória Guimarães. Edgar Costa got the ball rolling early doors, Fransérgio grabbed a brace and ex Vitória forward Maazou also netted, with only a fine goalkeeping performance from Douglas avoiding further embarrassment for Vitória. Bernard Mensah missed a penalty for the visitors in the second half, not that it would have made any difference.
Marítimo go third, level on points with FC Porto.
Round-up
Boavista continued their excellent recent run (seven points from last three games) with a 3-2 win over Gil Vicente. Anderson Carvalho was the hero, the Brazilian midfielder netting a brace, including a last-minute winner.
Northern neighbours Braga also won at home, Sérgo Conceição's men clocking up a 3-0 victory over Rio Ave on Saturday night. Zé Luís (penalty), Ruben Micael and Pardo were the scorers for the Arsenalistas, who move up to 4th place in the standings.
Académica (1-0 at Arouca) and Vitória Setúbal (2-0 at home to Nacional) both grabbed important wins, while Moreirense and Penafiel played out a goalless draw.
The weekend programme is completed tonight with Paços de Ferreira hosting Belenenses.
