Benefica beats Beira Mar 3-1 in Portuguese league

Oscar Cardozo scored a double and set up Javier Saviola's goal in Benefica's 3-1 win at Beira Mar on Sunday in the Portuguese league.

Benefica bounced back after its midweek Champions League exit by inflicting Beira Mar's first home loss this season.

Cardozo struck first from the penalty spot at the end of the first half, and converted a pass from Carlos Martins for Benefica's second in the 59th. The Paraguayan forward then passed to Saviola, who scored from close range to seal the win in the 66th.

Rui Varela pulled one back for Beira Mar with in the 85th minute.

The win lifted second-place Benefica to 24 points, seven behind FC Porto, which drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon on Saturday.

Also, Braga beat Nacional 2-0 and Rio Ave won 1-0 at Naval.

With the victory, Braga moved to within three points of sixth-place Nacional.

Nacional goalkeeper Bracalli stopped a penalty by Moises, but Lima raced in to score the rebound for Braga's 66th-minute opener.

Paulo Cesar capped Braga's win in the 90th from a counterattack.

Braga's Leandro Salino and Nacional's Danijel Stojanovic were both sent off midway through the second half.

Rio Ave won 1-0 at last-place Naval after a first-half goal by Bruno Gama. Naval's Alexandre Hauw and Nicolas Godemeche were both sent off in the final five minutes.

The game between Portimonense and Leiria was interrupted in the 51st minute due to a power outage. The Portuguese league said it will be resumed on Monday. Portimonense is leading 1-0.

On Saturday, 10-man Maritimo beat Guimares 2-0, and Pacos de Ferreira downed Olhanense 1-0.

Academica won 1-0 away at Setubal on Friday.