Former Santos striker Lima grabbed two goals on Saturday to help Benfica to a 2-1 win over Paços de Ferreira and send his side top of the Primeira Liga in Portugal, temporarily at least.
Lima, 28, who was signed in the close-season after impressing at Braga, was handed his first league start of the season and vindicated his selection in fine style.
With Benfica, who were resting Pablo Aimar and Oscar Cardozo, having fallen behind, Lima took advantage of a poor spill from Paços goalkeeper Cassio to equalise almost immediately.
Benfica pushed for a lead almost incessantly, but it was not until the 71st minute that Lima would grab his second – finishing from inside the box after tenacious work from Maxi Pereira.
With 3 goals in 2 appearances for the Eagles so far this campaign, Lima has taken his chances when handed an opportunity and will look to better his 20 goals of 2011-12.
