Benfica edge rivals Sporting Lisbon

Benfica opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Portuguese Liga ZON Sagres with a narrow 1-0 win over title rivals Sporting Lisbon. Javi Garcia scored the only goal after 42 minutes, with Sporting unable to find an equaliser despite the dismissal of Oscar Cardozo for the hosts midway through the second half. The win takes Benfica clear of Porto, who have a game in hand, while Sporting remain third a further point adrift. Maritimo lie fourth after a late penalty from Ramos Heldon earned them a 2-2 draw in an eventful match against Nacional. The visitors went ahead through Baba Diawara on the half-hour mark, but the dismissal of Ruben at the end of the first half allowed Nacional a route back into the match. They made the most of it with an equaliser from Daniel Candeias (67) before Mario Rondon scored what looked to be a winner for Nacional a minute from time. However, Heldon's kick in stoppage time ensured the points were shared.