Sporting Lisbon top Primeira Liga table with victory over Maritimo

Sporting Lisbon have won a hard-fought encounter against Maritimo to return to the summit of the Primeira Liga table.

A quiet first half saw Sporting midfielder William Carvalho booked in the 13th minute.

Moussa Marega almost put the home side in front moments later but the forward was denied by Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio.

An injury to Maritimo's Gevorg Ghazaryan saw the midfielder replaced after 34 minutes by Antonio Xavier.

Sporting captain Adrien Silva put his side in front with their first meaningful effort of the game in the 54th minute.

A move down Sporting's right-hand side saw Joao Mario break into the box before squaring for Silva, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Gelson Martins then shot over the crossbar as Jorge Jesus' side looked to have put the game beyond their hosts.

The victory returns Jesus' team to the summit of the league table, having been temporarily knocked off the top spot after Porto recorded a 2-1 victory over Pacos de Ferreira earlier on Saturday.