Much to the delight of the euphoric ‘Os Arsenslistas’ fans they saw their revitalised team record a first victory at Benfica for sixty-five years thanks to a Palhinha first-half header.
Since being promoted to first team boss in early January the former Portugal international has clocked up eight victories, including wins over FC Porto (twice), Sporting and now Benfica.
As the paper went to print Braga were due to play Glasgow Rangers on Thursday evening in the first-leg of their Europa League tie at Ibrox Park with the return leg in Braga next Wednesday. With second place FC Porto winning at V.Guimarães the gap at the top of the Primeira Liga has been reduced to just one point.
Sporting drew 1-1 at Rio Ave where the home side took the lead inside the first minute through Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon. The Lions were reduced to ten men twenty minutes from time when Sebastian Coates picked up a second yellow card. Despite the numerical disadvantage they levelled the score in the 84th minute through a Jovane Cabral penalty. Sporting drop to fourth place below Benfica, Porto and Braga.
SC Portimonense, still looking for their first win since the end of November, were held to a 1-1 home draw by Moreirense. Jadson opened the scoring for the home side on twenty-six minutes but the visitors equalised ten minutes later through Fábio Abreu.
Portimonense face a Herculean task if they are to pull away from the relegation zone; on Sunday they are away at FC Porto and a fortnight later travel to a rejuvenated SC Braga. CW