Porto trailed Benfica despite a red card for Marcano

Porto struggled to beat neighbors Boavista 1-0 on Sunday in the derby in the northern Portuguese city, but they still haven’t let go of Primeira Liga leaders Benfica.

The battle was intense on the field, although the goal was slow in coming and had to wait until the 59th minute for Mehdi Taremi, from a penalty, will strengthen Porto.

But life got complicated for the Blue and Whites a few minutes later, with the Cantabrian central defender sent off in the 67th minute Ivan Marcano, who was forced to commit a tactical foul to stop the Portuguese side sleeve stay alone, a tough decision that was applauded by ‘portista’ fans.

Toni Martinez, sacrificed

His countrymen were also applauded Toni Martínez, who was replaced for tactical reasons after the dismissal, even entering the fray a bit earlier.

Minutes of suffocation followed for Porto, created by the ‘chessmen’, who were very close to scoring before the 90th minute, but the Portuguese international goalkeeper. Diogo Costa greater evils were prevented.

Porto reclaimed second place and reached 73 points, four less than leaders Benfica and two more than third-place Braga, while Boavista was twelfth, with 37.

The complications of this game also created problems for the next round, at home to fifth-placed Arouca, where Porto will not be present. Marcano, because of his direct red card, or Taremi and Uribe, both because of the accumulation of yellow cards.

Winning in sports

For its part, Sporting de Portugal remains fourth, seven points behind BRaga, after defeating Famalicao 2-1. Morita Hidemasa opened the scoring (18′) and Ricardo Esgaio extended the lead (60′) with his first goal in a ‘lions’ shirt. After a few moments Sebastian Coates an own goal was scored (69′) but the team from ruben’s loveto the tied victory.