Sporting held by Belenenses and Rio Ave drop first points
Benfica continue to confound expectations of an implosion following the summer exodus of players from the Estádio da Luz. Fired by a hat-trick from young Brazilian Anderson Talisca, the Eagles thrashed Vitória Setúbal 5-0 at the Bomfim on Friday night.
On Saturday Lisbon rivals Sporting were held 1-1 by Belenenses, while early Primeira Liga leaders Rio Ave saw their 100% record come to an end with a 1-1 draw at Moreirense. Also on Saturday, Arouca pulled off a surprise, beating Braga 1-0.
Benfica outclass Vitória
Title holders Benfica warmed up for their Champions League bow on Tuesday at home to Zenit with a thoroughly convincing victory against Domingos Paciência's Vitória Sétubal. Sálvio got the ball rolling early on with a magnificent 20-yard curling shot into the top corner.
It was then time for Talisca to shine, the Brazilian who Jorge Jesus insists can play as a second striker netting an impressive opportunist hat-trick. "I'm very happy with the way Talisca has adapted. He's another one who will bring in millions in a few years," said the Benfica coach post-match.
Late substitute Ola John rounded off the goalscoring in what was a near perfect night for Benfica, with new Greek midfield anchorman Samaris making a solid debut. The Eagles look in no mood to relinquish their crown without a mighty fight.
Belenenses thwart Sporting
Sporting continued their stuttering start to the season, clocking up a third 1-1 draw in their first four Primeira Liga matches, in which they have scored just four goals.
As against Académica and Arouca, the Lions dominated the majority of the match but failed to create many clear-cut chances. And from the few opportunities that they did muster, they came up against an inspired Matt Jones, the English goalkeeper stopping almost everything, with particularly outstanding saves from William Carvalho and Islam Slimani.
Belenenses did not limit themselves to defence and always looked dangerous on the break. It was the visitors who took the lead in the 28th minute when Sturgeon hooked an excellent cross into the box that the impressive Deyverson headed expertly past Patrício. The hosts were soon level though, a mix-up between Bruno China and Brandão allowing Carrillo to steal in and calmly slot into the net.
Try as they might, Sporting could not get their noses in front, and the best chance to win the match fell to Belenenses, Patrício saving well from Deyverson who had been put clean through by a delightful Miguel Rosa pass. Sporting's frustration was exemplified by Jefferson's mindless sending off for a wholly avoidable second yellow card in stoppage time.
Sporting coach Marco Silva did not look unduly under pressure after the match, although he admitted, "the lack of victories brings anxiety to the players."
Rio Ave pegged back
Rio Ave missed the chance to go clear at the top the table - at least for 24 hours - as they were held at Moreirense. Diego Lopes gave Pedro Martins' side a half-time lead, but Vitor Gomes equalised shortly after the break. There was a surprise in another northern match-up as a 5th-minutes goal by André Claro proved the winner for Arouca against Braga.
The big match of the weekend takes place tomorrow, Sunday, as Vitória Guimarães welcome FC Porto to the Dom Afonso Henriques stadium with both sides boasting three wins out of three so far.
by Tom Kundert
