Belenenses left Mafra with a 2-2 draw after leading 2-0, a result that keeps them top of Liga 3 Série B but makes their grip on first place look less comfortable. They were ahead after 26 seconds through Diogo Leitão, then doubled the lead when Chamito scored in the 53rd minute from an Evandro assist. Mafra came back through Mamor Niang in the 72nd minute and Lénio Neves in the 83rd.
Belenenses' collapse in Mafra
The opening goal arrived almost immediately, and Belenenses looked in control when Chamito made it 2-0 just after half-time. From there, though, they let the game drift. Mafra did not need many chances to punish them, and once Niang cut the gap in the 72nd minute the pressure was on.
The late equaliser from Neves turned a routine away win into two dropped points. Belenenses still have the lead, but the margin for error is clearly smaller after surrendering a two-goal cushion at Mafra.
Atlético keep the pressure on
The day also belonged to Atletico Madrid, who beat Caldas 4-1 with goals from Vicente Durand in the 8th minute, Suker in the 48th, Nico in the 84th and again in stoppage time. Their result does not change Belenenses' standing on its own, but it does keep the chase lively.
Atlético's league form underlines why the 4-1 scoreline carries weight. They have 19 points from 8 matches, have won 6 of those 8 league games, and have scored 18 while conceding 8. The gap at the top is still there, yet Belenenses now know another slip would make it harder to stay clear.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
