A goalkeeping blunder enabled Benfica to squeeze past Beira-Mar in Round 8 of the Liga ZON Sagres.
Benfica were far from their best in Aveiro, but got the three points to remain top of the table and pile pressure on bitter rivals FC Porto.
The Eagles put in a leaden-footed performance that bore the hallmarks of tiredness after their midweek exertions in the Champions League.
It was Beira-Mar who created the better chances throughout the ninety minutes, but poor finishing and more solid goalkeeping from Benfica goalkeeper Artur kept out the hosts.
The winning goal came shortly before half time, with the collaboration of the Beira-Mar goalkeeper Rui Rego. Rego is one of the top goalkeepers in Portugal, but in the 42nd minute his horribly sliced clearance ballooned into the air allowing Oscar Cardozo the easiest of tasks to head into the empty net.
The strike puts Cardozo top of the goalscoring charts in Portugal, with six goals.
The Eagles put in a leaden-footed performance that bore the hallmarks of tiredness after their midweek exertions in the Champions League.
It was Beira-Mar who created the better chances throughout the ninety minutes, but poor finishing and more solid goalkeeping from Benfica goalkeeper Artur kept out the hosts.
The winning goal came shortly before half time, with the collaboration of the Beira-Mar goalkeeper Rui Rego. Rego is one of the top goalkeepers in Portugal, but in the 42nd minute his horribly sliced clearance ballooned into the air allowing Oscar Cardozo the easiest of tasks to head into the empty net.
The strike puts Cardozo top of the goalscoring charts in Portugal, with six goals.
