Benfica pull out big win over Leixoes

Benfica pull out a big win over 4th place Leixoes after setback last week versus Sporting. Benfica at the Estadio da Luz defeated Leixoes 2-1. Elvis from Leixoes put Benfica ahead 1-0 when he scored an own goal, then Nuno Gomes scored his 5th of the campaign to give Benfica a 2-0 lead before Rodrigo cut the Benfica lead to one with 15 minutes left in the game but that was the closest the Leixoes would get.

Leixoes stumble in chase for title

Leixoes stumbled today in their chase for the Superliga title, Leixoes were held to a 2-2 with last place Belenenses in a game that the home side was lucky to escape with the point. Belenenses' held a 1-0 and 2-1 lead before Leixoes came back twice and if not for one of the worst finishes by Belenenses midfielder Vinicius Pacheco who was alone with the Leixoes keeper and shot the ball wide of the net, Leixoes would have been on the end of a loss. Leixoes will now head to the Estadio da Luz to take on Benfica in Week 20 action.

Sporting win exciting match over Benfica

Sporting pull off the victory in round two of this season's Lisbon
Derby and exact some revenge to an earlier season loss to Benfica. Sporting on a pair of goals from Leidson and Derlei while Reyes and Cardozo countered for Benfica. Sporting needed this victory to stay in the hunt for the Superliga title and got off to a quick start before Benfica tied it at the half 1-1. Sporting then scored early again in the second half and added another to take a commanding 3-1 lead before Benfica made the contest interesting with a late goal. Sporitng and Benfica are now tied in points and trail league leaders FC Porto by four points with 12 games remaining in this season

Benfica-Sporting clash in classic Derby

Benfica and Sporting clash in what is always Portugal's most anticipated matchup as the Lisbon Derby takes place this afternoon at Avalade Stadium. Benfica have been in better form of late but that does not mean much in these types of matchups. A Benfica win tonight would place a big dent in Sporting's chances of winning the Superliga and they would fall six points behind the Eagles who currently sit in second place four points behind Porto with a game in hand. This looks to be an exciting matchup, may the best team win

Porto continue run on top with win

FC Porto continue to hold on to the top spot in the Superliga with a 2-0 over Pacos Ferreira. Hulk and Bruno Alves contributed the markers as Porto are guaranteed top spot for at least another week as they prepare for the Champions League clash versus Atletico this upcoming week.

Braga crush Standard in UEFA Cup action

Braga got off to a great start at home in the 1st leg of of UEFA Cup action Round of 32 with a 3-0 victory over Standard Leige. Braga had goals scored by Wender, Leone and Luis Aguiar and unless they suffer a collapse next week in Belguim should be through to the Round of 16

Amadora advance to Taca semis

Amadora is the last team to enter the Taca De Portugal semi-finals. Amadora will now take on FC Porto on March 4, 2009 in a home and away series. Amadora earned their spot with a road victory over Guimaraes 1-0 on a goal by S.Varela at the 83rd minute mark. The other Taca semi will feature Pacos Ferreira vs Nacional.

Porto and Benfica win to stay one, two

FC Porto remain in the top spot after a 3-1 victory over Rio Ave in a game where Lucho and Ernesto Farias with a pair scored for the victors. Benfica also pulled out a victory over Pacos Ferreira 3-2 in a game that went down to the wire and Pacos was a goal post away from earning a draw in the last seconds of the matchup. Cardozo with his first goal since November, Ruben Amorim and Angel Di Maria scored for Benfica, while Ferreira and Silva chipped in goals for Pacos

Sporting score late to defeat Belenenses

Sporting score two late goals one by Vukcevic and the other by Helder Postiga in the last 15 minutes to seal a 2-1 victory over Belenenses in which Marcelo placed the Azuis do Restelo in Week 18 action. Sporting now pull to one point of FC Porto in the Superliga Standings with Porto yet to play this weekend

David Suazo left off Benfica roster against Pacos

Quique Floros has decided to keep David Suazo out of the lineup when Benfica take on Pacos Ferreira tomorrow. Suazo suited up for Honduras on Wednesday in World Cup qualifying action and returned late to Portugal. This resulted in Suazo not participating in training, so it seems that Floros felt Suazo wasn't prepared to take on Pacos in Superliga action. Balboa and Mantorras will return to the Benfica lineup.

Nacional extend unbeaten streal to five

Nacional have continued there winning ways after a 3-0 defeat of Guimaraes in Superliga action. Nacional had goals from Nene with a pair and Ruben. Nene the Superliga's Leading Scorer increased his goal total to 14. Nacional now are unbeaten in their last 5 games and currently sit in third spot in the Superliga at the moment pending the rest of the weeks action.

FC Porto hang onto top spot in tie with Benfica

FC Porto hang onto their lead in the Superliga (Liga Sagres) salvaging at 1-1 with Benfica in the battle for first place. Benfica took the lead in the first half on a goal by Yebda on a set piece. Then Yebda gave the game back to Porto when he was called in the second half on a tackle inside the box on Lisandro Lopez. Lucho stepped up to the penalty spot and put one past Moreira. FC Porto continue to nurse a one point lead over Benfica after 17 weeks of action. In earlier action Sporting faltered at home to Braga 3-2 and now sit tied for third spot with Leixoes, four points back of Porto

Portugal squad for Finland friendly

Portugal announced their squad for their friendly with Finland on Feb. 11/09.

Goalkeepers: Daniel Fernandes (Bochum), Carvalho (Braga)

Defenders: Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid), Rolando (FC Porto), Miguel (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Brandao (Siena)

Midfielders: Deco (Chelsea), J. Moutinho (Sporting), Maniche (A. Madrid), Duda (Malaga), Eliseu (Malaga), Tiago (Juventus), R. Meireles (FC Porto)

Forwards: Danny (Zenit), C. Ronaldo (Man U), Nani (Man U), Orlando Sa (Braga), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)

Benfica and Sporting to clash in Carlsberg Cup Final

Benfica and Sporting will clash in the Carlsberg Cup Finals as both teams advance with victories over Guimaraes and FC Porto respectively. Benfica on goals by Arnolin (an own goal) and Pablo Aimar defeated Guimaraes 2-1. Sporting rolled over league leaders FC Porto 4-1 with Romagnoli scoring a pair on PKs and Derlei chipping in the other pair. Sporting will be making their second trip to the final and will be looking to make up for last seasons PK defeat to Setubal. The Carlsberg Cup final will take place March 22, 2009.

Carlsberg Cup tickets for Benfica on sale now

Benfica has made available tickets to their Carlsberg Cup semi-final matchup against Guimaraes today for the matchup tomorrow at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica will be looking to move to their first Carlsberg Cup final to take on the winner of FC Porto and Sporting on March 4, 2009.