Lisbon, Mar 03: Benfica's party marking its 100th birthday was dampened on Sunday by a 1-1 draw with Moreirense at home, leaving the Lisbon club 11 points off the lead.
Second-placed sporting beat Maritimo 1-0 at home on Saturday to close the gap with League leaders Porto to four points.
Benfica applied impressive attacking pressure but wasted several opportunities to score.
Winger Simao Sabrosa's shot over Moreirense goalkeeper Joao Ferreira was cleared off the line by defender Ricardo Fernandes after 30 minutes.
Striker Nuno Gomes then put the ball into Moreirense's net 10 minutes later though the goal was disallowed because of a disputed offside.



More than 32,000 fans at the new Luz stadium celebrated a deserved goal in the 56th minute when midfielder Fernando Aguiar headed in from an Armando Petit free kick.



Moreirense, however, ruined the celebrations when Brazilian substitute Demetrios Montanini headed home with three minutes remaining but he was then sent off two minutes later because of a second bookable offence.



Benfica desperately pressed for the winning goal in injury time with substitute midfielder Zlatko Zahovic hitting the bar.



Benfica, who have won 30 league titles, marked their centennial birthday on Saturday with a weekend of festivities.



Sporting kept up the pressure on Porto when defender Beto Severo scored the winning goal from a 30-metre free kick with eight minutes remaining on Saturday.



Porto, unbeaten in the league this season, lead with 59 points and a game in hand.



Sporting have 55 points with Benfica in third place with 48.


Bureau Report