Benfica beats Braga 1-0 to close on title

Associated Press

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Benfica continued its march toward the Portuguese league title by winning 1-0 at Braga on Sunday.

Benfica's victory restored its cushion of seven points over Sporting Lisbon with five rounds to go.

Striker Lima scored in the 13th minute from a pass by Rodrigo Moreno after Braga lost the ball. Rodrigo could have added another goal in the 90th, but goalkeeper Eduardo Carvalho saved his penalty kick after he was fouled by Aleksandar Milikovic.

FC Porto lost 2-1 at Nacional and will relinquish its domestic crown after three straight titles, falling 15 points behind Benfica.

Daniel Candeias opened for Nacional in the 19th. Jackson Martinez leveled one minute after halftime, but Mario Rondon gave Nacional the lead for good two minutes later.