Beira Mar claimed a crucial win in their bid to avoid the drop from the Portuguese top flight as they won 3-1 at relegation rivals Feirense.

The visitors were 2-0 ahead thanks to Chengdong Zhang (12) and Serginho (28) before they had Joaozinho sent off with 33 minutes played. Carlos Fonseca (53) pulled a goal back for Feirense, but Beira Mar claimed three vital points when Jaime netted 11 minutes from the end.

The win moved them five points clear of the drop zone while Feirense, winless in 12 league games, are rooted to the bottom.

Matias Fernandez struck an injury-time winner as Sporting Lisbon strengthened their hold on a UEFA Europa League place with a 1-0 win at Uniao Leiria. Sporting, who hold a 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Metalist Kharkiv in midweek, are now eight points clear of the chasing pack.

Guimaraes were 3-1 winners over Pacos Ferreira with Nuno Assis (30), Bruno Telles (51) and El Arbi Soudani (64) all on target. Michel, meanwhile, got an 87th-minute consolation for Pacos.

Ladji Keita and Claudemir scored in each half as Nacional won 2-1 over Rio Ave, whose goal came via Pinto Yazalde in the 75th minute. Finally, Ney Santos scored an 83rd-minute winner as Vitoria Setubal won 1-0 at Gil Vicente.