Second place Benfica kept their fading title hopes alive with a 2-0 win at Naval on Sunday evening, but super sub Freddy Adu was forced to hobble off near time.

The US international came off the bench in the 72nd minute to help spur the late attack on the right side, but had to be replaced himself in the waning moments after picking up what appeared to be lower back troubles.

The visitors opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Óscar Cardozo flicked a long Gilles Binya throw-in for Cristián Rodriguez to slot home.

Benfica would have doubled the lead through Nuno Assis on the stroke of halftime were it not for a Davide line clear.

Eagles netminder Quim ably defended the slim lead in the 61st minute with a top notch save on Marcelinho's free kick drive.

After a few poor touches to start his appearance, Adu was busy helping his side search for an insurance tally until being removed for László Sepsi in the 90th minute. The debutant truly made it a moment to remember seconds later, wiggling his way into the area before setting up Nuno Assis for the stoppage time dagger.

Benfica return to UEFA Cup action Thursday at Nürnberg in an effort to protect a 1-0 first leg lead before hosting Braga in league play next Sunday.

Scoring
BEN - Cristián Rodriguez 5 (Óscar Cardozo) 18'
BEN - Nuno Assis 1 (László Sepsi) 90+

Line-ups
NAV - Wilson Junior; Mário Sérgio (Elivelton 75'), Paulão, Diego Ângelo, Igor (Dudu 63'), Gilmar, Nicolas Godeméche, João Ribeiro, Davide, Saulo (Marinho 75'), Marcelinho

BEN - Quim; Luís Filipe, Luisão, Kostas Katsouranis, Léo, Gilles Binya, Maxi Pereira, Nuno Assis, Cristián Rodriguez [Freddy Adu 72' (László Sepsi)], Ariza Makukula, Óscar Cardozo (Rui Costa 85')