LISBON // Benfica recorded their first Premier League victory of the season when they beat Pacos Ferreira 4-3 away yesterday. Nacional Madeira, who won 2-0 at Vitoria Guimaraes, and Sporting Lisbon are the only teams with perfect records after the opening three matches. The Benfica coach Quique Flores's first league win at the helm started when striker Nuno Gomes tapped home a perfect cross from the left after seven minutes.
Seven minutes later the Brazilian defender Ozeia levelled for Pacos, bundling the ball home after a mix-up in the Benfica defence. The Uruguayan defender Maxis Pereira put Benfica in front again with a close-range shot after Pacos goalkeeper Bruno Conceicao had parried a header from Nuno Gomes after 31 minutes. Oscar Cardozo doubled the lead for the Lisbon team with a penalty after Pacos defender Tiago Valente handled just before half-time.
A blunder by the Benfica keeper Quim allowed Rui Miguel to reduce the deficit after 63 minutes. Defender Jorge Ribeiro scored his first league goal of the season with a 25 yard shot to restore the two-goal cushion on 76 minutes. William pulled one back for Pacos four minutes from time. Champions FC Porto, who drew 0-0 at promoted Rio Ave on Sunday, and Benfica are both four points behind the leaders.
*Reuters
