Soccer-Quaresma strike puts Porto in sight of another title

By Carlos Pontes

LISBON, March 9 (Reuters) - 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.