Closer to the first place

The matchweek that marked the end of the first half of the Liga NOS was quite lucrative for Benfica, who won by 0-2 in the trip to Santa Clara and also won points to all the opponents involved in the title fight.

The triumph clinched in the Azores in round 17, was worth three direct points for Benfica, who moved up to the second place of the league table and also yielded six indirect points, resulting from the draws conceded by Braga (1-1 away at Portimonense, on Thursday evening) and by Sporting and FC Porto, who faced each other in Lisbon and got a scoreless draw in the "clássico".

In addition to shortening the gap to the top spot, occupied by FC Porto, Benfica overcame Braga and extended their lead over fourth-placed Sporting to three points.

Text: João Sanches

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica