Benfica scored three second half goals to snap a two-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over visiting Estrela Amadora on Thursday night.

Freddy Adu came off the bench for the final eight minutes - enough time to be shown a yellow card for diving - as the Eagles cut their deficit on first place Porto to seven points.

In the 21st minute, visiting keeper Nélson made a fine save to deny Óscar Cardozo 's header from a Kostas Katsouranis set-up.

Christian Rodriguez threatened on the half hour, but guided his header inches wide of the frame.

The home side finally broke through seven minutes out of intermission when Gilles Binya crossed form the right for Rodriguez to convert off the post.

In the 70th minute, David Luiz was felled in the area by Estrela defender Maurício and Cardozo dutifully bagged the ensuing spot kick.

Nuno Gomes completed the margin with a last minute strike, sending the club into their holiday break on a high note. Benfica return to action with a January 6th trip to Vitória Setúbal.

Scoring
BEN - Christian Rodriguez 4 (Gilles Binya) 52'
BEN - Óscar Cardozo 5 (PK) 70'
BEN - Nuno Gomes 6 (Ángel Di Maria) 90'

Line-ups
BEN - Quim; Nélson (Nuno Gomes 46'), Luisão, David Luiz, Léo, Gilles Binya, Kostas Katsouranis, Maxi Pereira, Christian Rodriguez (Freddy Adu 82'), Rui Costa (Ángel Di María 46'), Óscar Cardozo

EA - Nélson; Rui Duarte, Wagnão, Maurício, Hélder Cabral, Fernando, Tiago Gomes, Mateus, Aliou Ndiaye (Anselmo 68'), Yoni (Pedro Pereira 72'), Luís Aguiar (Fábio 75')