Olhanense got off to a dreadful start when they conceded a third-minute penalty which Cardozo put away and things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Ferreira Delson was sent off six minutes later.

Angel Di Maria doubled Benfica's lead in the 18th minute and Cardozo scored two in as many second-half minutes to record a hat-trick before Pablo Aimar completed the rout 11 minutes from time.

Benfica are nine points above Braga who have a game in hand, while Olhanense remain in the relegation zone, level on points with Vitoria Setubal who have a better head-to-head record.

Should Sporting Braga lose to Naval tomorrow, Benfica will be crowned champions.

Vitoria Setubal also suffered a hefty defeat as they were swept aside 5-2 at home by FC Porto.

Falcao and Roque Maicon gave the visitors a comfortable half-time lead before Bernardo Henrique pulled one back five minutes after the break.

However, Fredy Guarin and Fernando Belluschi wrapped up the points for the visitors before Falcao and Henrique each scored a late goal for their respective teams.

Porto remain in third place, 11 points behind Benfica.