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Posted: Sat December 15, 2012 7:24PM; Updated: Sat December 15, 2012 7:24PM

Portugal: Cardozo hat trick carries Benfica

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LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Oscar Cardozo scored a hat trick to help Benfica to a 4-1 comeback win over visiting Maritimo and take the lead of the Portuguese league on Saturday.

Benfica's 10th win through 12 rounds kept it unbeaten and lifted it three points clear of Porto, which has a game in hand.

Rodrigo Antonio grabbed Maritimo the lead 26 minutes in. But Cardozo scored his first goal in the 34th to pull the hosts level on a setup by Eduardo Salvio.

He then put Benfica ahead in the 66th from the penalty spot when Valentin Roberge was sent off with his second yellow.

The Paraguay forward added a third goal three minutes later to take his league-leading tally to 12.

Substitute Rodrigo Moreno capped the rout two minutes from time.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 
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