Brazilian striker Hulk put his side on track for their fourth consecutive victory with a penalty in the 16th minute.

Porto wasted numerous chances throughout the match but made sure of the win in the 89th minute when Maritimo's Rafael Miranda brought down Djalma Campos in the box.

Miranda received his second yellow card of the game and was sent off and Hulk again took responsibility from the spot to make it 2-0.

Porto now lead Benfica by seven points at the top of the Liga Sagres table.

Benfica have a game in hand against Rio Ave on Sunday but would need Porto to lose both of their remaining games to have a chance of the title.

In Saturday's other match, Gil Vicente defeated Vitoria Guimaraes 3-1.

Joao Vilela gave Gil Vicente the lead when he rounded Guimaraes' goalkeeper to score in the 15th minute.

But an unfortunate own goal by the home side's Richard allowed Guimaraes to draw level.

As Guimaraes midfielder Pedro Mendes dribbled into the box from the left wing, Richard pushed back to help defend but Mendes' cross bounced off the Vicente midfielder's torso and into the net.

Rodrigo Galo gave the hosts the lead again with a goal eight minutes after the break before Vilela headed home Richard's corner in the 61st minute to wrap up the win.

Vicente moved above Vitoria Setubal and Pacos de Ferreira into ninth spot on the Liga Sagres table, while Guimaraes remain sixth on 42 points and look unlikely to qualify for the Europa League as they are six points behind fifth-placed Maritimo with two games to go this season.