Football: Porto battle past Benfica for top spot

LISBON: Porto beat bitter title rivals Benfica 3-2 on Friday to open a three-point lead at the top of the Portuguese first division.

Brazilian striker Hulk gave Porto the lead after just six minutes before Paraguayan Oscar Cardozo struck in the 41st and 48th minutes to give Benfica the advantage, taking his season's goal tally to 18 in the process.

But Benfica were reduced to 10 men shortly after when Emerson was red-carded.

James Rodriguez, on as a substitute, brought Porto level before Maicon headed in the winner three minutes from time despite looking to be in an offside position. (AFP)