The 28th round of the Liga Bwin season had a tense feel to it as teams in all parts of the table began to feel the pressure of the advancing weeks of the run-in. Marítimo and Portimonense gave survival bids a boost with victories against rivals in this respect Paços de Ferreira and Estoril respectively.

Famalicão and Vizela maintained impressive form, while Arouca’s continued heroics foiled Sporting on this occasion, the Lions’ hopes of Champions League football next year fading fast with Braga taking advantage in the top three race.

The title race looked done and dusted a few weeks ago but previously impregnable table-toppers Benfica are seriously on the wane, their leadership taking another big hit with a shock defeat to an improving Chaves. Their manager and PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Vítor Campelos’ risky approach paid off with a last-gasp winning goal. 

Vizela came home strong to earn a 1-1 draw against a spirited Boavista side to round off Matchday 28 in the Primeira Liga.

It was a dull first half before the game came alive, Yusupha Njie putting the Panthers ahead in the 71st minute when he headed Gaïus Makouta’s cross into the net.

It looked like the visitors were going to steal all three points before Osama Rashid’s deflected strike wrong footed Bracali in the 87th minute.

There was still time for more drama at Estádio Do Vizela, Bracali coming off his line to dent Zohi before Fabijan Buntić made a great save to deny Miguel Reisinho.

It was a frustrating night for Sporting in Lisbon tonight as Arouca continued their hugely impressive season by taking a point at Alvalade.

Pote missed a chance to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot, and Antony gave the visitors a half-time lead.

Sporting threw everything at the high-flying northerners and eventually equalised when Pote atoned for his earlier miss from the spot by earning and converting a late penalty, but the home side could not find a winner despite 11 minutes of stoppage time.  

Braga’s title hopes remain on track after a 1-0 victory against Gil Vicente at the Quarry.

Ricardo Horta volleyed home in the 30th minute but the Warriors were unable to turn their dominance into a second goal.

The visitors stayed in the contest with Fran Navarro converting Carraça’s cross in the 85th minute, the Spanish striker ruled narrowly offside much to the relief of the home supporters.

The victory keeps Artur Jorge’s side in range to overhaul Benfica and Porto with six matches remaining.