Benfica beat Rio Ave in Portuguese league

Benfica beat Rio Ave 1-0 in the ninth round of the Portuguese football league at the Estadio da Luz here.

Attacking midfielder Talisca scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute Friday, with a left-footed kick that went out of Rio Ave goalkeeper Cassio's reach, reports Xinhua.

Benfica saw few scoring chances in the first half, but improved after half-time when Jorge Jesus replaced Samaris with Nicolas Gaitan.

Rio Ave almost equalised in the 68th but Wakasuo's effort was deemed offside.

Benfica remain at the top of the Portuguese league, now with 22 points, four points ahead of FC Porto, while Rio Ave sit at fifth place with 14 points.