Liga Sagres: Beira Mar 0 Porto 2

Porto moved three points clear atop Liga Sagres with a 2-0 victory at relegation-threatened Beira Mar on Friday.

Porto moved three points clear atop Liga Sagres with a 2-0 victory at relegation-threatened Beira Mar on Friday.

The gulf in class was not immediately evident at Estadio Municipal de Aveiroas as the hosts scuppered Porto’s attack, but a moment of individual brilliance from Christian Atsu broke the deadlock after 33 minutes.

The Ghanaian’s long-range drive was too good for Beira Mar goalkeeper Rui Rego as Porto took a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Jackson Martinez sealed the points 20 minutes from the end, the Colombian forward collecting Danilo’s pass before curling a sumptuous shot into the far corner.

The goal was Martinez’s 19th in the league this term.

The reigning champions lost Eliaquim Mangala to a second yellow card late on for a reckless aerial challenge, but their lead was never under threat.

Vitor Pereira’s side move to outright first place in the standings, with second-placed Benfica able to draw level on 49 points if they defeat Academica at home on Sunday.