Porto stay top
ByReuters
Published 11/12/2005 at 07:37 GMT
Porto secured a 3-1 victory at Uniao Leiria on Saturday to maintain a one-point lead over Nacional at the top of the Portuguese League. Porto lead the standings on 31 points after 14 matches, just ahead of Nacional, who maintained their title challenge with a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Maritimo.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
Struggling near the bottom of the table, Uniao Leiria took a surprise lead after 36 minutes from a long-range strike by Brazilian Fabio Felicio.
The visitors were level within five minutes, however, when Uniao Leiria defender Laranjeiro turned the ball into own net under pressure from South African striker Benni McCarthy.
Two minutes later, Porto took the lead after Argentine midfielder Lisandro Lopez slotted in a rebound off Uniao Leiria keeper Costinha, who had failed to hold a Ricardo Quaresma cross.
Diego ensured it was a good end to a poor week for Porto following their Champions League exit on Tuesday, the Brazilian putting the result beyond doubt with his first goal of the season in second half stoppage time.
Bruno netted twice for high-flying Nacional Madeira in their victory over Maritimo, the midfielder opening the scoring in the 39th minute with a close range shot to give the home side the halftime lead.
Brazilian striker Kanu levelled for Maritimo in the 66th minute when he pounced on a poor back pass by defender Patacas and shot home past keeper Marcos.
With a draw looking the most likely result, Bruno grabbed the winning goal deep into injury time to give Nacional their ninth win of the season.
Vitoria Setubal and Braga are five points off the lead with a game in hand.
Braga visit Pacos Ferreira on Sunday and Vitoria Setubal are at home to Belenenses on Monday.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement