LISBON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Benfica beat Vitoria de Setubal 2-0 in the 14th round of the Portuguese league on Friday, through goals by Rodrigo and Lima.
There were poor scoring chances for both teams throughout the game. However, Benfica saw a stronger second-half display, with Spanish striker Rodrigo Machado scoring in the 54th minute with a header, following a cross by Gaitan.
Lima made it 2-0 through a free kick, with a right-footed effort that went past distracted V.Setubal goalkeeper Kieszeck in the 69th minute.
The victory was a pleasant surprise for coach Jorge Jesus, who was back on the stands after having been suspended for a month for helping a fan struggling to fight off police.
Benfica was without players Artur Moraes, Siqueira, Salvio and Cardozo, and Vitoria de Setubal was without Paulo Tavares.
Benfica now stands second in the Portuguese league after Porto, with 33 points, while V.Setubal is 11th with 16 points.