Porto and Lisbon struggle in Portugal

November 9, 2009

Both FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon failed to impress in Sunday’s Liga Sagres matches. Porto lost 1-0 at Maritimo while Sporting only managed a draw at Rio Ave.

FC Porto needed a win at Maritimo in order to close on Braga and Benfica but never managed to break through the opposing defense.

Instead, the only goal of the match was in Maritimo’s favor and was in fact an own goal from Rolando in the 30th minute.

Troubled Sporting Lisbon appeared to be on their way to a good result at Rio Ave with first-half goals from Mati Fernandez and Joao Moutinho (penalty).

But Sporting failed to keep focus in the second half and allowed Joao Tomas to score in the 56th and 60th minute to lead Rio Ave to a 2-2 draw.

Jonathan Roorda

Tags: benfica, Braga, fc porto, joao moutinho, joao tomas, jonathan, Lisbon, Maritimo, match, mati fernandez, PORTO, portugal, Rio, rio ave, Rolando, roorda, sagres, second half, struggle

FC Porto make no mistakes in Portuguese league

April 27, 2009

FC Porto successfully defended their four-point lead over Sporting Lisbon, beating Vitoria Setubal 2-0 on Sunday.

Argentinian attacker Lisandro Lopez broke the deadlock on 61 minutes and the South American went on to add a second five minutes later.

With four matches left to play in the Portuguese Liga Sagres, Porto seem to be on course for the title as the gap with Sporting remains four points. Benfica, who follow at another four points, no longer seem to be in contention for the title.

Benfica did do what they needed to do on Sunday, beating Maritimo Funchal 3-2 in the capital. David Luiz and Oscar Cardozo scored for the home side and although Marcinho and Bruno gave Maritimo new hope in the second half, it was not enough for the visitors to pull off a stunt.

Written by: Jonathan Roorda