Liga Sagres wrap: Benfica rescue point, Maritimo edge Rio Ave

19 August 2012 00:36

Maritimo opened their Liga Sagres campaign with a 1-0 win away at Rio Ave, while Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw by Braga on Saturday.

Without the absent Javier Saviola, who is expected to join Spanish side Malaga, Benfica managed to salvage a point in an entertaining clash against 2011 Europa League finalists Braga.

New signing from Atletico Madrid, Eduardo Salvio, put Benfica ahead four minutes into the second half before defender Lorenzo Melgarejo sent the ball into his own net five minutes later to level the scores.

Braga's Marcio Mossoro then put the visitors in front on the hour mark after some sloppy defending from Melgarejo.

However, Benfica drew level when leading marksman Oscar Cardozo converted a 73rd-minute penalty, which resulted in the dismissal of Braga defender Douglao.

Meanwhile, Rio Ave looked destined for a share of the points but Brazilian defender Joao Guilherme struck an 87th-minute goal, silencing the home faithful.

The win moves Maritimo level on points with Olhanense on top of the table after they beat Estoril 2-1 on Friday.