Porto stay in charge

South African international striker Benni McCarthy ensured FC Porto kept their five-point lead over Sporting Clube de Portugal at the top of the Portuguese SuperLiga by scoring twice in a 2-0 defeat of FC Paços de Ferreira on Saturday.

McCarthy double
Porto hit the ground running with McCarthy collecting both his goals inside the first 25 minutes to effectively settle the match. Paços Ferreira fought tenaciously to find a way back but their efforts were to no avail.

Sporting victory
The win was important as second-placed Sporting triumphed on Friday, beating Vitória SC 2-1. Forward João Pinto and midfield player Pedro Barbosa were on target in the 31st and 42nd minutes respectively after the away side went ahead through António Romeu. Tomislav Sokota, meanwhile, scored twice as third-placed SL Benfica were held to a 3-3 draw by UD Leiria, while SC Braga, in fourth, overcame CF Os Belenenses 2-1.

Away win
At the bottom end of the table, Moreirense FC prevailed 2-1 away at Alverca Futebol SAD thanks to goals from defender António Tito and striker Demétrios. The home team had established an early lead following Rodolfo Lima's seventh-minute effort but paid the price for failing to add to their advantage.

Other games
Elsewhere, a last-minute goal from Brazilian striker Lula enabled CF Estrela da Amadora to defeat AA Coimbra 2-1 at home while the Rio Ave FC-CD Nacional and CS Marítimo-Boavista FC encounters both finished goalless.