SL Benfica defeated Vitória SC (3-0) away at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, which, despite the heavy rain, saw packed stands with over 23,000 fans in attendance. Pavlidis shone once again with another brace, scoring in his fourth consecutive match and moving into sole possession of second place in the top scorers' list, now with 17 goals.

The first came in the 21st minute. After a strong start from the Vimaranense side, the Eagles opened the scoring on a quick counter-attack. The Turkish connection paid off, with Akturkoglü setting up Kokçü, who struck a shot saved well by Bruno Varela, but the Greek striker was there at the far post to tap in the rebound.

The net rippled again only in the second half, this time through Carreras. A solo run by the Spanish full-back, who dribbled past Miguel Magalhães, cut inside onto his favoured foot in the visitors’ box and unleashed a rocket into the back of the net in the 77th minute.

At 84 minutes, number 14 for the Reds bagged his brace. A powerful free-kick from Kokçü wasn’t held by Bruno Varela, and Pavlidis reacted quickly to slot home again. The win was sealed, ending Luís Freire’s unbeaten home record in Guimarães.

Bruno Lage’s side remains firm in the title race and now sit level on 72 points with rivals Sporting CP at the top of the table. Vitória, on the other hand, stay in fifth place with 48 points.

Liga Portugal Betclic MVP: Florentino (SL Benfica)

Check the full competition table HERE.

Eagle can't get off the top spots

Eagle can't get off the top spots