LISBON: Sporting Clube have secured the Portugal league title after a hap of 19 years following a 1-0 home win over Boavista.

With two matchdays remaining the Lions won their 19th title thanks to a goal from the Portuguese Paulinho in the 36th minute.

This was Sporting’s 25th victory so far in a league campaign in which they have yet to know defeat.

Thousands of fans gathered, hours before the match, around the José Alvalade stadium. Next time out Sporting visit the Estadio da Luz to face old rivals Benfica who will have to form a guard of honour.

Benfica won 3-1 against relegation-bound Nacional with two goals from Gonçalo Ramos and a Pedrão own goal.

In Spain Barcelona missed a chance to maintain pressure on leaders Atletico Madrid after being held 3-3 by Levante.

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