Porto win to stay top, Benfica up to second

Porto grabbed a 1-0 home win over Boavista to consolidate their position on top of the Portuguese Premier League as the season reached its reached its halfway stage on Sunday.

Champions Benfica moved up to second ahead of Nacional Madeira on head-to-head results with a 2-0 victory over Pacos Ferreira in front of their best crowd of the season with more than 53,100 fans packed into Stadium of Light.

Porto have 40 points from 17 matches, six ahead of Benfica and Nacional, who were held to a 2-2 home draw by Vitoria Setubal on Friday.

A powerful 23rd-minute from Ricardo Quaresma was enough to keep Porto unbeaten for 14 league matches with their 12th victory of the season.

Brazilian keeper Moretto replaced Quim in goal for Benfica while his compatriot winger Manduca and French midfielder Laurent -- also new signing -- were substitutes.

They opened the scoring thanks to an own goal by Pacos Ferreira defender Joao Duarte. who tried to cut out a Nelson Marcus attempt from the left after 10 minutes.

Brazilian winger Geovanni made sure of the three point after 67 minutes by tapping in a cross from captain Simao Sabrosa, who returned to action after nearly two months recovering from surgery.

Also Read Man Utd held by Burton, Fulham and Spurs out

Brazilian winger Wender made Sporting regret letting him go to Braga on loan in the January transfer window when he scored twice in a 3-2 victory over the Lisbon club on Saturday.

Wender opened the scoring after 33 minutes and striker Joao Tomas doubled the lead before halftime.

Sporting got back on level terms in the second half with two goals from Brazilian striker Liedson in four minutes before Wender grabbed the winner, tapping in a corner after 79 minutes.