An early goal from Radamel Falcao settled the big game in the Liga Sagres as FC Porto defeated nine-man Sporting 1-0.
Falcao netted in the third minute while the Lisbon side's hopes of a comeback were hit by the sendings off of Correa Anderson Polga and Miguel Veloso in the second half.
The result moved third-placed Porto three points ahead of their rivals.
Benfica closed to within two points of leaders Braga with a 5-0 thrashing of Leixoes.
David Lui! z scored the opener on the stroke of half-time and second-half efforts from Oscar Cardozo (penalty), Nascimento Ramires, Victorio Maxi Pereira and Cardozo again wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
Leixoes also finished the match with nine men, Christian Pouga seeing red in the 28th minute and Miguel Nuno Silva following 10 minutes after half-time in the penalty incident.
Naval claimed their first victory of the campaign, a double from substitute Mehdi Kerrouche earning a 2-1 victory over Maritimo.
Pacos Ferreira were 1-0 winners over Vitoria Setubal thanks to Araujo Maykon's early goal while Rio Ave and Academica drew 0-0.
