Soccer-Porto kick off title defence with 2-0 win
LISBON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Porto began the defence of their Portuguese premier league title with a 2-0 home win over Belenenses on Sunday.
The champions went ahead after 15 minutes when Belenenses goalkeeper Paulo Cesar parried Argentine Lisandro Lopez's shot and his compatriot Mariano Gonzalez knocked in the rebound.
Belenenses were reduced to 10 men after 73 minutes when defender Graziano was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Newly-signed Brazilian Hulk wrapped up the three points with a searing left-footed shot into the top corner from 25 metres six minutes from the final whistle.
The victory restored Porto's confidence after they lost the Portuguese Supercup to Sporting last week.
Promoted Rio Ave spoiled Spaniard Quique Flores's league debut as Benfica coach by holding the Lisbon side to a 1-1 draw.
Flores was appointed in May to succeed compatriot Jose Antonio Camacho, who resigned in March after a run of poor results.
Rio Ave went ahead after 55 minutes with a goal by striker Semedo in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Continued...
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