Benfica cruised past a spirited Vitoria de Setúbal side 4-1 with a brace from Oscar Cardozo, who was later given his marching orders. His goals were sandwiched between strikes from Nolito and Nemanja Matic.
Former Portuguese international Neca’s early goal put the away side ahead, but the Eagles upped the tempo and ran out deserved winners.
With Ezequiel Garay, Javi Garcia and Pablo Aimar unavailable due to injury and suspension, Jorge Jesus drafted in Nemanja Matic, Rodrigo and and former Olhanense central defender Jardel.
FC Porto remain in second place with a 2-0 win over lowly Rio Ave at the Estádio do Dragão thanks to a goal in each half from Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez.
Despite the champions losing Hulk to injury after 32 minutes, the result was never in doubt.
Braga beat Sporting to go third and it was an unhappy return to Braga for Domingos Paciencia as his former side leapfrogged Sporting with an impressive 2-1 win.
Goals from Helder Barbosa and Lima gave the Arsenalistas victory with Andre Carrillo getting the consolation for Sporting. Olhanense moved into the top half of the table with their first win since October.
New boss Sérgio Conceição has certainly worked wonders with the Algarve side who showed passion and commitment as they overcame a Beira-Mar side that had only conceded three goals on their travels all season.
Mauricio and Ismaily were impressive in defence whilst veteran skipper Rui Duarte worked tirelessly in midfield. The home side took the lead ten minutes into the second-half when Sporting loan player Wilson Eduardo volleyed home from ten metres.
With ten minutes to go the lively Salvador Agra was felled in the box and Rui Duarte converted his second penalty in consecutive games. 2-0 up and victory looked safe but five minutes later Beira-Mar pulled a goal back when Artur scored from the spot. Salvador Agra and Yontcha failed to convert the easiest of chances for Olhanense as the home fans were on the edge of their seats for the final few minutes.
On Monday, 23 January kick-off 8.15pm Olhanense entertain Sporting. The Lisbon side will be without midfielder Elias who picked up his fifth yellow of the season against SC Braga last Sunday.
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