March 9, 2008 7:38 PM

SOURCE:
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Quaresma strike puts Porto in sight of another title

Winger Ricardo Quaresma gave Porto a 1-0 home win over struggling Academica which took the champions a step closer to retaining their Portuguese Premier League title on Sunday.

With eight matches left, Porto top the standings on 54 points, 14 ahead of nearest rivals Benfica.

In-form Vitoria Guimaraes, who beat Sporting 2-0 at home, are two points behind Benfica and battling for second place and an automatic Champions League spot.

Benfica's Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho resigned after the Lisbon side were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom side Uniao Leiria.

"I think it is best (my resignation) for the team," the former Spanish national coach told a news conference. "I hope that players improve with another coach."

Uniao Leiria went ahead two minutes from the break when Brazilian Paulo Cesar tapped home a cross from the right.

Benfica, who drew their fourth home match in a row, scored two goals in five minutes soon after halftime through a neat header by Ivory Coast defender Zoro, his first for the club, and a free kick from Paraguyan striker Oscar Cardozo.

But Uniao Leiria striker N'Gal equalised on 70 minutes following a mix-up between keeper Quim and Zoro.

Porto, eliminated from the Champions League by Schalke 04 last week, extended the contract of coach Jesualdo Ferreira until June 2010.

Porto, chasing their third successive title, clinched their 17th league victory when winger Quaresma shot home from inside box after 31 minutes.

Guimaraes opened the scoring one minute before halftime with a swerving shot by defender Sereno following a bad clearance from Sporting keeper Rui Patricio.

Guimaraes missed a penalty when Alan's kick was saved by Rui Patricio after 84 minutes. Sporting's Brazilian striker Grimi was sent off and Guimaraes made the points safe in stoppage time with a goal from substitute Fajardo following a counter-attack.