Benfica missed the chance to top the Portuguese soccer championship on goal difference when they were held to a 1-1 draw at promoted Leixoes on Monday.

League leaders Porto, who won 2-1 at Sporting on Sunday, now have 11 points, one ahead of Nacional Madeira, Estrela Amadora and Leixoes.

Benfica and Sporting now have nine points.

Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo put Benfica ahead with a close range shot after 33 minutes into the match but Leixoes grabbed an equaliser when midfielder Wesley headed home a corner two minutes before the final whistle.

(Xinhua News Agency October 7, 2008)