Sporting, Benfica win in Portugal

LISBON, Portugal -- Sporting Lisbon climbed to second place in the Portuguese league with a 2-0 win over Braga on Monday.

Benfica also won 2-0, against Rio Ave, to move up to third, one point behind Sporting.

But defending champions Porto remain seven points clear at the top following their 4-1 win over Gil Vicente on Sunday.

Joao Pinto struck first for Sporting on 30 minutes and Silva added the second on 61 minutes.

Simao Sabrosa opened the scoring for Benfica from the penalty spot on 41 minutes and Cristiano was also on target on 69 minutes.

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