Nani's second-half goal separated the sides as Sporting moved level with city rivals Benfica who have a game in hand and four points behind leaders and champions Porto.

Eduardo Dady gave Belenenses a 1-0 win at Uniao Leiria while two later goals from Geraldo earned Pacos Ferreira a 2-1 win over Nacional who had taken an early lead through Bonfim.

Nacional's fellow Madeirans Maritimo were held 1-1 in Funchal by Naval who equalised through Joao Pimenta after Gregory Arnolin had opened the scoring.

Maritimo's Arvid Smit and Joao Pedro China of Naval were both dismissed.

Almani Moreira earned Aves a 1-0 win over Boavista who had Kalifa Cisse sent off.

Amadora and Academica shared a 3-3 draw. Claudio Pitbull gave Coimbra-based visitors Academica the lead before goals from Anselmo and Dario put Amadora in charge.

Two Joeano strikes put Academica back in front before Jaime's penalty evened things up. Amadora's Marco Paulo was sent off at the death.