Óscar Cardozo scored his 18th league goal on Sunday against Paços de Ferreira, and now totals 26 goals this season in all competitions, the best striker this decade.

The Paraguayan has been on fine form and is the undisputed forward for Jorge Jesus, playing as many games as possible for the full 90 minutes.

Pierre van Hooijdonk's tally of 23 in the 00/01 season was quickly surpassed by Cardozo, who has been consistent since his arrival in 2007.

He has now scored a total of 65 goals with a Benfica shirt, very close to Simão Sabrosa's 72, and still has a couple of months to his advantage before the season ends to pass the ex-Benfica captain and win the 'Silver Boot'.

However, Nuno Gomes did score 34 goals in 1998/99.

List of Benfica top scorers since 2000:
2009/10 Cardozo 26*
2008/09 Cardozo 17
2007/08 Cardozo 22
2006/07 Simão Sabrosa 17
2005/06 Nuno Gomes 16
2004/05 Simão Sabrosa 22
2003/04 Simão Sabrosa 15
2002/03 Simão Sabrosa 18
2001/02 Mantorras 13
2000/01 Van Hooijdonk 23

Even though his side won fairly comfortably, Jorge Jesus was disappointed at the lack of efficiency in front of goal.

The Benfica manager also took a dim view of the yellow cards shown to his players by the referee.

"Paços were a dignified team, and I had already said that they were yet to lose in the second round of the Liga Sagres, but we made it easier on ourselves by playing quality football."

"We weren't as efficient and could have scored more. It's a clear victory nonetheless and there are 8 more finals to come."

"We set a high pace to the game and we made our opponents run. Cardozo, Maxi, Di María and even Luisão looked a bit jaded because of the International games in midweek."

"I agree with the referee on Saivola's decision, that it wasn't a penalty; but a yellow card for falling? Referees have to be less theoretical and more practical. Curiously he decided to book three players who are all near suspensions."

Ruben Amorim
Amorim is the kind of player any manager would want in his team. The former Belenenses man is a versatile player that can cover many positions, and last night, Amorim played in midfield alongside Carlos Martins and Airton, and opened Benfica's account with a header early on.

"We were aware of the difficulties and we prepared this game as a final. We studied our opponent well and knew it wouldn't be easy to score goals."

"When they scored it got complicated a bit, but after our third goal we took full control."

"It doesn't really matter who scores the goals. I work to play, and everytime I have been called, I have done my best."

Benfica move three points ahead of the Liga Sagres by beating Paços de Ferreira 3-1, equaling the away result from the first round.

Ramires and Pablo Aimar were rested ahead of the Europa League game on Thursday which saw Carlos Martins and Ruben Amorim take their places in midfield. Airton got his second successive start as Javi García completed his suspension.

There were over 42,000 spectators at the Luz who witnessed a blinding start and tremendous pace from Benfica. Cardozo teed up Ruben Amorim with his second header inside the area and the Portuguese headed home over the advancing keeper with only 13 minutes on the clock.

Less than five minutes later Saviola doubled the lead after cutting inside from his marker and shot near post past keeper Coelho.

Paços de Ferreira slowly got into the game and were more of a menace than most teams who visit Estádio da Luz in the Liga Sagres. Despite being 2-0 down, they crawled back with a loofted cross from deep which William converted with ease right before the half.

A fairly comfortable evening could have turned out different but Benfica began the second half with the same intentions as the first.

Di María was denied by the woodwork again, in mid-week with Argentina, but Cardozo restore the two goal cushion when his effort cannoned off a defender to hit the crossbar and in.

Goalkeeper Coelho kept his side from being embarrassed any further as he frustrated the Benfica attack who were clearly in the mood more.

Airton had another solid game and was deservedly chanted off by the fans, as were Carlos Martins and Saviola.

Benfica face Marseille on Thursday for the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

Planet Benfica's Key Players: Ruben Amorim, Maxi Pereira, Airton, Di María and Saviola

Date: Sunday 7th March 2010, 20:15 GMT PT/UK (21:15 CET)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisboa
Competition: Liga Sagres - Jornada 22
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (A. F. Porto)
Assistant Referees: Rui Licínio, João Silva
Fourth Referee Bruno Paixão
Attendance: 42,971
Weather: Mostly Cloudy 15°C - Humidity: 72% - Wind: W 13mph
TV: RTP

BENFICA - Quim; Maxi Pereira, Luisão (c), David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão; Airton (Felipe Menezes 70'); Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins (Sidnei 79') and Di María; Saviola (César Peixoto 82') and Cardozo
Subs: Júlio César, Nuno Gomes, Felipe Menezes, César Peixoto, Sidnei, Kardec and Éder Luís
Coach: Jorge Jesus

P. FERREIRA - Coelho; Manuel José (Candeias 31'), Danielson, Ricardo (c) and Jorginho; Leonel Olímpio, Livramento (Fábio Pacheco 64') and Bruno; Pizzi (Davidson 64'), William and Maykon
Subs: Cássio, Davidson, Kelly, Romeu Torres, Fábio Pacheco, Candeias and Carlitos
Coach: Ulisses Morais

Disciplinary action: - Yellow card to Di María (37'), Luisão (45'), Saviola (61'), Davidson (75')
Highlights: Click here to watch highlights and goals
Photos: See images from the game here

Jorge Jesus praised Paços de Ferreira's current form but showed confidence that his pupils will overcome the difficulties and win on the night.

"Paços de Ferreira are yet to lose in the second round of the Liga. I believe it is going to be a complicated game because in their last six games, they have won three and drawn three."

"They will be organized defensively with the intention of playing the counter attack, but we are ready to impose our tempo and we will certainly find our way to their goal."

In relation to the starting eleven against Leixões, the manager has left the possibility of making a few changes.

"We always work on our tactics and every game needs a different strategy."

"The fans' passion for Benfica is stronger than the rain. The fans have to be with team like they have during the season. We need them for «9 finals» to achieve our objectives, which is to be champions"

Both César Peixoto and Fábio Coentrão have been included after the medical team gave Jorge Jesus the green light.

In relation to the Leixões game last week, Luís Filipe has come in to replace Miguel Vítor whilst Javi García will be serving his last game of suspension. Airton is likely to start in his place.

The Liga Sagres Matchweek 22 encounter will kick-off tomorrow at 20:15 GMT at the Estádio da Luz.

The 21 players called up are:

Goalkeepers: Quim and Júlio César
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz, Sidnei, Luís Filipe and César Peixoto
Midfielders: Airton, Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Di María, Ramires, Filipe Menezes, Aimar and Fábio Coentrão.
Forwards: Saviola, Nuno Gomes, Éder Luís, Kardec and Cardozo

Round up of all the international games as seven Benfica players were on duty with their respective nations.

Portugal u-21
Miguel Vítor played full part in the 2-0 home defeat to Sweden with both goals coming the in the second-half. Benfica's central defender was also booked on the 67th minute.

Portugal u-23
Fábio Coentrão has given Jorge Jesus plenty to think about as the youngster was substituted on the 30th minute to prevent further injury from the knock he received against Leixões. César Peixoto is yet to recover fully which means the left-back position will be a worry on the weekend for the Benfica manager.

The side led by António Simões trashed Wales 7-2 in the International Challenge Trophy

Brazil
Ramires started the friendly played in London against the Republic of Ireland. The 2009 summer signing was substituted in mid-second half whilst «sheriff» Luisão came on late as Brazil held their 2-0 lead.

Argentina
Benfica winger Di María played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 Argentina win against Germany in their own back-garden.

The 22-year old justified the confidence Diego Maradona has shown on him as he hit the crossbar on the 38th minute, the closest the South American side had come to take the lead. But, just before the half time whistle, Di María assisted Higuaín with a quick pass on the counter and the Real Madrid striker made no mistake to brush off the keeper in no man's land.

Paraguay
Cardozo continued to show his lethal form as Paraguay won Spanish club Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in a friendly. The in-form Benfica striker scored a brace in the first half.

Uruguay
Maxi Pereira's Uruguay overcame an injury-ridden Swiss side and won 3-1 where they equalized just before the half. Benfica's right back was named in the starting line-up.

In other news, Portugal beat China 2-0 in a friendly in Coimbra, but were subject to whistles from home fans during the second-half as they were anything but impressed with the way the «Selecção» was playing.

The squad continued their preparations for Sunday's encounter against Paços de Ferreira at the Estádio da Luz,

Left-back César Peixoto was subject to individual training for nursing an injury to his left leg. Benfica's playmaker Pablo Aimar also carried out specific training at the Caixa Futebol Campus.

Due to International games this week, Jorge Jesus was without Luisão, Miguel Vítor, Maxi Pereira, Fábio Coentrão, Ramires, Di María and Cardozo.

Benfica resume their training tomorrow at 17:00 local time.

Javi García re-affirmed his happiness at Benfica to Spanish paper El País, after being one of the key pieces in Jorge Jesus’ side, having played over 2900 minutes of football in a red shirt.

The defensive midfielder represented Real Madrid and Osasuna on loan, but manager’s at both clubs made a huge mistake at their own expense, fortunate for Benfica, and overlooked the solid player that Javi has been for the Lisbon side.

"I am confident, in an ideal team, and a perfect tactical system for me."

"They trusted me from the beginning and I am playing like never before in a great club. I have everything."

The Spaniard hopes to be called by national manager Vicente Del Bosque one day, and does not regret a move away from his home country, stating that it has helped him more.

"When you leave your country you start to think that you will be forgotten, but later find out that you are dearer to them and are always taken into account."

Jorge Jesus was satisfied with the 4-0 win over Leixões where Di María scored a hat trick in the second half.

"We played an excellent second half and I think the change in tactics confused our opponent. We presented some quality football and were very secure at the back, and goal by goal, the players started gaining confidence."

"Since the day I entered this club I was convinced that Benfica have all the possibilities to be champions. We are first at the moment which gives me more confidence that the wish will turn to reality."

Éder Luís
January signing Éder Luís was also satisfied with his first goal for Benfica but underlined the importance of helping the team rather than individual performances,

"It's always important to help the team, independently of scoring the goal or not. Whoever is playing thinks about helping the team and not being the best player on the pitch."

Di María scores a hat trick in the second-half as Benfica brush aside Leixões in a surprisingly comfortable game.

Airton made his starting debut for Benfica in place of the suspended Javi García and Éder Luís was favoured ahead of Aimar in the «number 10» position.

Weather conditions were predicted to be difficult and the first half saw a lot of rain and high winds at the Estádio do Mar.

Benfica's first chace came right on the 3rd minute when David Luiz's near post flick off a corner hit the post. Cardozo was inches away of making contact.

Di María had the ball inside the net on the 22nd minute but the linesman saw an offside which was never there. The Argentine was later booked for protests.

Éder Luís opened his goalscoring account with a deflected shot from outside the area. Leixões keeper Diego could only watch the ball passing by.

In the second half Di María was the danger man once again. His first effort was parried by Diego after he made a darting run from midfield which Cardozo picked out with a through ball. The winger tried the audacious chip only to be denied by the rushing keeper.

Di María, who had yet to score in the League, found the net three times to celebrate his hat trick.

His first, a power shot from the left side where the keeper could have done better to keep it out. The second effort was a killer pass from substitute Carlos Martins and the Argentina International winger got what he was looking for, a superb chip.

The fans asked for one more and Di María beautifully placed the ball in the top left corner with little under 5 minutes left on the clock.

An expected tough game, where one of Benfica's rival drew a blank a couple of weeks ago, was seemingly turned comfortable by a slick performance from the «encarnados».

Planet Benfica's Key Players: Di María

Date: Saturday 27th February 2010, 21:15 GMT PT/UK (22:15 CET)
Venue: Estádio do Mar, Leixões
Competition: Liga Sagres - Jornada 21
Referee: Lucílio Baptista (A. F. Setúbal)
Assistant Referees: Venâncio Tomé, Mário Dionísio
Fourth Referee Bruno Esteves
Attendance: 6,474 (66%)
Weather: Rain 8°C - Humidity: 94% - Wind: NW 20mph
TV: RTP

LEIXÕES - Diego; Nuno Silva (c), Joel, Cardozo and Antunes (João Paulo 45'); Fernando Alexandre, Paulo Tavares (Didi 69') and Seabra; Jean Sony, Pouga and Bruno Gallo (Nelson 6')
Subs: Berger, Roberto Tucker, Zé Manel, Cauê, Nelson, João Paulo and Didi
Coach: Fernando Castro Santos

BENFICA - Quim; Maxi Pereira, Luisão (c), David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão; Airton (Ruben Amorim 69'), Ramires, Di María and Éder Luís (Carlos Martins 58'); Saviola (César Peixoto 65') and Cardozo
Subs: Júlio César, Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Nuno Gomes, César Peixoto, Sidnei and Alan Kardec
Coach: Jorge Jesus

Disciplinary action: Yellow card to Di María (22'), Nelson (36'), João Paulo (48') and Fábio Coentrão (61')

Highlights: Click here to watch goals and highlights
Photos: See photos from the game here