Leiria 3 - 3 Benfica
Benfica lost ground on league leaders Porto for the second week in a row as they were held to an exciting 3-3 draw in Leiria.
Newly signed Luis Filipe had an immediate impact for the home as he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.
The speedy winger beat two Benfica defenders before firing home on a quick counter attacking play.
Tomo Sokota scored the equalizer ten minutes later after poking in a corner kick.
But Leiria were determined, as they retook the lead when Luis Filipe's hit the post but landed neatly for Douala, who tapped it home in the 42nd minute.
Jose Camacho's men pressed hard for another equalizer and it came in the 58th minute through Nuno Gomes.
The Portuguese striker slid in to knock home a low cross from Simao.
Nuno Gomes added his second goal in the 80th minute after latching onto a pass from Zahovic and beating the keeper.
But Leiria would not be denied on this night and three minutes later, they tied the game.
Douala bagged his second of the game after a nice pass from Hugo Almeida.
Both sides pressed hard for the winner, but poor finishing left the score line unchanged for the final 7 minutes.
The home side started all three of their new signings (Tiago, Hugo Almeida and Luis Filipe) and it paid off immediately.
Greek international defender Fysass also made his Superliga debut with Benfica and put in a good performance.
Benfica now trail FC Porto by 11 points and are slowly slipping out of title contention.
UNIÃO DE LEIRIA – Helton; Bilro, João Paulo, Gabriel Edson; Paulo Gomes, João Manuel, Tiago (Oliveira, 86 m); Luís Filipe, Hugo Almeida, Douala (Alhandra, 90 m).
BENFICA – Moreira; Armando (Zahovic, 69 m), Hélder, Luisão (Argel, 44 m), Fyssas; Petit; João Pereira, Tiago, Simão; Nuno Gomes, Sokota.
Half Time: 2-1
Goals: 1-0, Luís Filipe (19 m); 1-1, Sokota (30 m); 2-1, Douala (43 m); 2-2, Nuno Gomes (57 m); 2-3, Nuno Gomes (80 m); 3-3, Douala (83 m)
Source: Soccerage
