Benfica one point away from Portuguese soccer title

Benfica beat Sporting 1-0 on Saturday and need only one point from their last match to clinch the Portuguese soccer title for the first time in 11 years.

Leaders Benfica have 64 points, three clear of Sporting and Porto.

Benfica, who have the advantage of a better record in head-to-heads with Sporting, travel to Boavista in the final round of games.

Porto, who still have a chance of retaining their title, play hosts to Academica in the final round.

Brazilian defender Luisao headed Benfica's winner in the 83rd minute after Sporting goalkeeper Ricardo failed to clear a free kick by midfielder Armando Petit.

Sporting, who meet CSKA Moscow in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final in Lisbon, were reduced to 10 men when captain Beto was sent off for arguing with a linesman two minutes from time.

Two second-half goals gave Porto a 2-0 victory at Rio Ave.

South African Benni McCarthy opened the scoring after 56 minutes and Leandro sealed the win with a shot from an acute angle in the 79th.

Fifth-placed Vitoria Guimaraes overcame Boavista 2-0 to join Braga in next season's UEFA Cup.

Braga, in fourth spot, drew 1-1 with relegated Beira Mar.