Liga Sagres wrap: Naval stun Benfica, Porto survive scare

Naval 1 de Maio kept their survival chances alive with a thrilling 2-1 home victory against Benfica in Sunday’s Liga Sagres action.

The strugglers moved to within four points of safety after the victory, which was kick-started by Bruno Moraes’ opener in the 22nd minute.

But Benfica, who thumped PSV 4-1 on Thursday, were triggered into action and grabbed an equaliser nine minutes before the break when Alan Kardec leveled proceedings.

Benfica were expected to go on and win the game but Rogerio Goncalves’ side were desperate for the points and claimed an unlikely winner when Marinho scored for just the second time this season with seven minutes remaining.

Champions Porto won 3-2 at bottom side Portimonense, but the result did not come without a scare.

Fatigued after their own Europa League heroics on Thursday, Porto started slowly but hit the lead when Hulk scored for the 31st time in all competitions this season just five minutes into the second half.

Portimonense hit back when Ruben scored on the hour mark, and although Falcao replied three minutes later, George Mourad’s 84th-minute equaliser looked to have sealed a point for the hosts.

But Porto had other ideas and Maicon bagged the winner with four minutes to play to end a fantastic second half of football.

On a day in which all the strugglers played well, Vitoria Setubal, who sit 14th and just four points above Naval 1 de Maio, won 4-1 at home against Uniao de Leiria.

William scored the opener after 27 minutes before Neca, Claudio Pitbull and Jose Pedro scored in the second half.

Fabricio pulled back a late consolation goal for Uniao, but the hosts held on to record an easy victory.

Rio Ave fell a goal behind before netting six second-half goals to thrash Pacos de Ferreira 6-1.

Mario Rondon scored the opener 17 minutes but Joao Tomas struck in the 50th minute from the penalty spot, and then 14 minutes later to edge Rio Ave in front.

Further goals to Braga, Tarantini and a Saulo double ensured an easy victory.

In the day’s other match, Wilson Eduardo’s 59th-minute strike handed Beira Mar a 1-0 home win over Olhanense.

Mon 11 April, 2011

Liga Sagres wrap: Naval stun Benfica, Porto survive scare

Naval 1 de Maio kept their survival chances alive with a thrilling 2-1 home victory against Benfica in Sunday’s Liga Sagres action.

The strugglers moved to within four points of safety after the victory, which was kick-started by Bruno Moraes’ opener in the 22nd minute.

But Benfica, who thumped PSV 4-1 on Thursday, were triggered into action and grabbed an equaliser nine minutes before the break when Alan Kardec leveled proceedings.

Benfica were expected to go on and win the game but Rogerio Goncalves’ side were desperate for the points and claimed an unlikely winner when Marinho scored for just the second time this season with seven minutes remaining.

Champions Porto won 3-2 at bottom side Portimonense, but the result did not come without a scare.

Fatigued after their own Europa League heroics on Thursday, Porto started slowly but hit the lead when Hulk scored for the 31st time in all competitions this season just five minutes into the second half.

Portimonense hit back when Ruben scored on the hour mark, and although Falcao replied three minutes later, George Mourad’s 84th-minute equaliser looked to have sealed a point for the hosts.

But Porto had other ideas and Maicon bagged the winner with four minutes to play to end a fantastic second half of football.

On a day in which all the strugglers played well, Vitoria Setubal, who sit 14th and just four points above Naval 1 de Maio, won 4-1 at home against Uniao de Leiria.

William scored the opener after 27 minutes before Neca, Claudio Pitbull and Jose Pedro scored in the second half.

Fabricio pulled back a late consolation goal for Uniao, but the hosts held on to record an easy victory.

Rio Ave fell a goal behind before netting six second-half goals to thrash Pacos de Ferreira 6-1.

Mario Rondon scored the opener 17 minutes but Joao Tomas struck in the 50th minute from the penalty spot, and then 14 minutes later to edge Rio Ave in front.

Further goals to Braga, Tarantini and a Saulo double ensured an easy victory.

In the day’s other match, Wilson Eduardo’s 59th-minute strike handed Beira Mar a 1-0 home win over Olhanense.

Mon 11 April, 2011

Liga Sagres: Naval 0 Braga 0

Sporting Braga fell further away from European contention after a dour scoreless draw against lowly Naval de Maio in Liga Sagres.

Despite being away from home at the Estadio Municipal Jose Bento Pessoa, Braga would have been expecting to take all three points against the league’s 15th-placed side as they push for a berth in next season’s Europa League.

But Braga, who will face Liverpool in the last 16 of this season’s Europa League, were frustrated by Naval and forced to settle for a share of the points, despite both sides hitting the woodwork during the 90 minutes.

The point leaves Braga in seventh, still three points from the automatic European qualification spot, while Naval remain in the relegation zone, four points behind Vitoria Setubal.

Tue 1 March, 2011