Sporting lose chance

Champions Porto remain top with 40 points from 16 matches, five ahead of Benfica, despite suffering their second league defeat this season when they lost 1-0 at Uniao Leiria on Friday.

Sporting, who are third a point behind Benfica on 34, went ahead five minutes after the break as Brazilian striker Liedson headed home a superb cross by Chilean winger Rodrigo Telo.

Boavista equalised five minutes later when midfielder Sousa sent Sporting's keeper Ricardo the wrong way from the penalty spot after Telo had handled the ball in the area.

Both teams had a player sent off after picking up two yellow cards with Sporting losing Brazilian striker Alecsandro after 61 minutes and Boavista's Ze Manel heading for the tunnel after 79.

Veteran midfielder Rui Costa played a key role in Benfica's 2-1 victory at Belenenses on Saturday, setting up both goals to help them keep up the pressure on Porto at the top.