Superliga Weekend Wrap: Benfica Clinch CL Berth, Alverca Relegated In Final Week
Another Portuguese Superliga season is in the books and once again FC Porto are the champions.
Jose Mourinho's men clinched the title two weeks ago but were still in a festive spirit as they downed relegation bound Pacos Ferreira 3-1 thanks to a hat trick from Benni McCarthy.
With this hat trick, Benni McCarthy leapfrogs Nacional's Adriano to win the league scoring title with 20 goals.
Going into the final weekend of play Adriano was leading the league with 18 goals but only got on the score sheet once on Sunday as his side downed Rio Ave 4-0. Full back Rossato, who has reportedly agreed to joining Benfica next season scored two goals while Diego add the other for the home side. With this win, Nacional clinches a berth in the Uefa Cup.
A crushing loss for Rio Ave who missed out on the final Uefa Cup berth, which went to Maritimo, because of their inferior goal differential.
It wasn't easy, but Benfica managed to cling to a 0-0 draw at home to Uniao Leiria to earn their place in the qualifying stages of next season's Champions League.
Sporting Lisbon, who were chasing Benfica for that Champions League berth, finish in third spot following their 2-0 win over Vitoria Guimaraes. Niculae and Joao Pinto scored the goals for the visitors. With this result, Sporting Lisbon will play in the Uefa Cup next season.
Braga are also headed to the Uefa Cup after the downed Belenenses 2-0 to finish 5th in the table. Igor and Fredrik Soderstrom scored the goals for the visitors.
Maritimo claimed the fourth and final Uefa Cup berth as despite losing to Boavsita 2-1. Ricardo Sousa and Cafu with the goals for the home side while Alan scored the lone goal for Maritimo.
Moreirense capped off a modest season with a 3-1 win over Alverca. A huge loss for Alverca, who must now wave good-bye to the Superliga following this loss. Tito, Manoel and Armando with the goals for the home side while Vargas pulled one back for Alverca.
Gil Vicente managed to avoid relegation as they downed Beira Mar 3-0. Ferreira scored a pair of goals and Emanuel Duah added another to complete the thrashing.
Estrela Amadora proved why they are the last placed team in Portugal as they were hammered by Academcia 4-1. Paulo Adriano netted a pair of goals for the home side while Marcelo and Sergio chipped in with a goal each. Striker Julio Cesar scored the lone goal for Estrela Amadora late in the contest.
Source: Soccerage
