LISBON, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Sporting beat Academica 1-0 on Sunday in the 18th round of the Portuguese league at the Alvalade stadium in capital Lisbon.
Sporting's midfielder Joao Mario scored in the 76th minute with a header to bring them to third place. Sporting is one point behind Porto after the match.
Sporting created a few scoring chances in the first half, with Colombian forward Fredy Montero's header in the eighth minute going over the net.
French midfielder Adrien Silva's acrobatic effort hit the bar in the 53rd.
The Lions won for the fourth consecutive time this season, while Academica hasn't won in 12 matches.
Sporting stands third with 39 points while Academica stands 16th with 12 points.
Also on Sunday, Porto's title hopes were shattered when it was defeated 1-0 by Maritimo, with a goal by Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Galo in the 32nd minute.
Porto stands second in the league with 40 points, six points behind league leaders Benfica which will face Pacos de Ferreira on Monday.
On the same day Setubal beat Rio Ave 4-1; Nacional beat Moreirense 3-2; Belenenses drew 0-0 with Penafiel; Estoril beat Arouca 1-0 and Boavista beat Braga 1-0.