Benfica clinches Portuguese Primeira Liga title

Lisbon, April 21 Benfica beat Olhanense 2-0 at the Luz Stadium here with a double from Lima to clinch the Portuguese top flight football league title.

Brazilian attacker Lima put Benfica ahead in the 57th minute and then scored again in the 60th when his effort went between goalkeeper Vid Belec’s legs Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Two rounds from the league final, first placed Benfica clinched their 33rd league title and reclaimed the crown from Porto, which has been at the top for three years.

Benfica missed several early chances. Gaitan almost scored in the third minute following a cross by Rodrigo from the right but his effort was blocked by Luis Filipe. And Lima’s effort in the 10th minute was fired too high.

Bottom place Olhanense improved throughout the game and stopped Gaitan’s effort but failed to save the rebound when Lima stunned with a between-the-legs goal.

Benfica made up for a rough start to the season and boasts 23 victories, four draws and just one defeat against Maritimo in the first round. They now have 18 points more than FC Porto, which plays Monday against Rio Ave.

Sporting’s 1-0 win over Belenenses Saturday had delayed Benfica’s title by a day.