Football United

SL Benfica took a major step towards lifting their first SuperLiga title for over a decade after a narrow 1-0 win against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Lisbon derby.

Luisão header
The match looked to be drifting towards an exciting goalless draw with seven minutes remaining when Brazil centre-back Luisão rose highest to head a Petit free-kick past Ricardo and earn his side a hard-fought victory. Until then, it was UEFA Cup finalists Sporting who looked most likely to secure a three-point lead at the Portuguese summit.

Sporting chances
João Moutinho, Roudolph Douala, Fábio Rochemback and Hugo Viana were all denied by the outstanding Quim, while Benfica had just two long-range Manuel Fernandes shots and a Simão Sabrosa effort to boast before sneaking what could prove a pivotal win. Sporting's hopes of salvaging something were then ended by Beto's late dismissal.

Benfica – Quim; Miguel (77’ Mantorras), Luisão, Ricardo Rocha e Dos Santos; Petit, Manuel Fernandes; Simão (cap.), Geovanni e Nuno Assis (85’ João Pereira); Nuno Gomes (88’ Alcides).

Sporting – Ricardo; Miguel Garcia, Beto, Polga e Rui Jorge (65’ Tello); Custódio, Rochemback (73’ Hugo Viana), João Moutinho e Pedro Barbosa (cap.); Sá Pinto e Douala (69’ Pinilla).

Goal: Luisão (83’).