Top two in Portugal record wins of contrasting style.
Both Porto and Benfica recorded straight forward victories in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday, with the former enjoying a come-from-behind win over Rio Ave and the latter had a comfortable victory against Pacos Ferreira.
Porto striker Jackson Martinez made up for a missed penalty by scoring twice in a 2-1 comeback win at home over Rio Ave.
The victory gave Porto a three-point overnight lead at the top of the Portuguese standings before Benfica played.
Martinez’s poor spot-kick in the 32nd minute was saved by goalkeeper Jan Obliak, before Bruno Braga put Rio Ave ahead six minutes later.
Martinez levelled via another penalty two minutes into first-half stoppage time after defender Marcelo handled in the area.
The Colombia international sealed Porto’s win with a second goal in the 77th to take his league-leading tally to 22 goals.
However, Benfica drew back level at the top as they cruised to a 3-0 win at home over third-placed Pacos Ferreira.
Midfielder Enzo Perez opened the scoring for Benfica just seven minutes into the match.
The home side’s leading scorer this season, Oscar Cardozo, doubled the lead just after the break, prodding the ball home from close in.
It was the Paraguayan striker’s 13th goal of the season.
Eduardo Salvio capped the victory with a third goal seven minutes from time.
Benfica have now beaten Pacos Ferreira on 15 of their last 16 visits to the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica and Porto each have 16 wins and four draws in the league this season.
They enjoy a commanding 17-point advantage over Pacos Ferreira, who had only lost once away from home this season before defeat to Benfica.
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