Benfica draws 2-2 with Chaves, leadership in Portuguese league at risk

Benfica's match against Chaves in northern Portugal ended in a 2-2 draw, putting the teams lead in Portugal's Primeira Liga at risk.

Including this match, Benfica now has 14 points, only one point more than Sporting Braga and two more than Porto, which could easily snatch the lead from Benfica if they win their matches this week, reports Efe.

In a match that started over an hour late due to rain on Thursday, Rafa opened the scoring in the 3rd minute by finishing off a cross-shot of Argentinian Franco Cervi.

Benfica was able to maintain the lead until the 76th minute, when Armenian Ghazaryan's shot slipped into the bottom corner of the goal.

Raga then shot a tiebreaker for Benfica in the 85th minute thanks to a pass from Ruben Dias.

After the goal, Benfica, led by manager Rui Vitoria, suffered the loss of a player due ar red card for the Argentinean Conti. Ghazaryan then scored another equalizer for Chaves during extra time.

The tie allowed Chaves to climb to eighth place with seven points.

--IANS

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