Benfica moved three points clear at the top of the Portuguese Liga Sagres after a 3-1 defeat of Pacos Ferreira on Sunday.

Ruben Filipe Amorim and Javier Saviola but Benfica 2-0 up inside 17 minutes only for William to halve the deficit two minutes before half-time. The Lisbon giants secured the win after 58 minutes when Oscar Cardozo netted.

Liedson scored four times in the second half as Sporting Lisbon consolidated fourth spot with a 4-0 win at rock-bottom Belenenses, while Maritimo and Academica played out a goalless draw.

After 22 rounds Braga remain second, with Porto a further eight points adrift.