Benfica ready for Zenit with 4-1 win over Nacional

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Spanish striker Rodrigo scored twice as Portuguese leader Benfica prepared for its upcoming Champions League match with a 4-1 victory over Nacional on Saturday.

Ezequiel Garay headed home Pablo Aimar's pass after nine minutes then Oscar Cardozo took his league leading goal tally to 14 after finishing off Nicolas Gaitan's impressive run.

Claudemir's 29th-minute penalty cut the deficit for Nacional before Rodrigo re-established the two-goal lead in the 39th. The Spain Under-21 striker added a second just after the hour to extend Benfica's unbeaten season and put it provisionally ahead of FC Porto and Braga by eight points.

Benfica plays at Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

Also, Maritimo beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0.