Benfica extended their unbeaten streak to 21 matches after beating Feirense 2-1 in Liga Sagres action on Saturday.
The win also extended Benfica's lead at the top of the league to five points, with second-placed Porto to play on Sunday.
But things were not all smooth sailing for Jorge Jesus' side, especially after they went behind early in the second half.
Cape Verde Islands defender Varela scored the opener for Feirense just five minutes into the second half.
But he soon turned from hero to villain as he turned the ball into his own net before an Oscar Cardozo penalty 17 minutes from time gave Benfica the lead.
Feirense manager Quim Machado made a desperate attempt to snatch what would have been a valuable point in their fight against relegation but his late substitutes did not have any impact on the scoresheet as Benfica celebrated yet another victory.
Saturday's other match saw Rio Ave and Academica play out a 0-0 draw.
Academica had midfielder Flavio sent off with 10 minutes to play but it had no bearing on the result as they moved up to seventh.