Benfica Women Top Liga BPI After 4-1 Win Over Sporting

Benfica thrash Sporting in women's derby to take league lead Sporting conceded their first defeat of the Liga BPI women's football season in emphatic fashion, losing 4-1 to Benfica at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday. The result moves the Lisbon side top of the table, pending Torreense's result against Sporting Braga.

Ana Dias opened the scoring at five minutes, finishing a precise pass from Carla Armengol. The lead lasted just six minutes.

Brazilian striker Nycole Raysla connected with Danish midfielder Caroline Moller to fire home the equaliser at 11 minutes. Benfica manager Ivan Baptista saw his side take complete control before half-time.

Anna Julia Csiki made it 2-1 at 31 minutes, converting Moller's second assist of the match. Raysla struck again four minutes before the break, receiving from Marit Lund to make it 3-1.

Andreia Norton added the fourth in the 88th minute, assisted by Diana Gomes. Title race takes shape The victory gives Benfica12 points from four matches, maintaining a perfect record.

Sporting dropped to their first domestic defeat of the campaign. The reigning champions, who have won six consecutive women's titles, now hold the advantage in the title race.

Should Torreense fail to beat Sporting Braga, the Eagles confirm their place at the summit. The Lisbon club has dominated Portuguese women's football in recent years, making this derby result a significant statement against their closest rivals.

Prestianni inspires men's team comeback The women's team were not the only Benfica side producing a comeback this week. Gianluca Prestianni scored his 10th goal of the season on Monday night, securing a 2-1 win against Santa Clara in the Azores.

The Argentine winger, introduced at half-time with Benfica trailing, provided the assist for Vangelis Pavlidis's 62nd-minute equaliser before scoring the winner himself six minutes later. His celebration saw him kiss the club crest before running to the visiting supporters.