Benfica mounted a stunning second-half comeback to overcome a six-goal deficit and defeat ABC 34-31 on Friday, keeping pace with the league leaders.
The dramatic away victory in Braga ensures Benfica remains level on points with FC Porto at the top of the championship standings. FC Porto secured its own win in Madeira.
Benfica achieved the hard-fought win despite a hostile environment and a significantly depleted squad due to multiple key injuries.
The team initially took a three-goal lead in the first half, going up 18-15.
However, ABC rallied to equalize by halftime, bringing the score to 20-20.
In the second half, ABC surged ahead, establishing a six-goal advantage at 28-22 after 40 minutes of play.
ABC failed to hold its significant lead, committing several technical errors that allowed Benfica to claw its way back.
Benfica recaptured the lead at 31-30 with just four minutes remaining in the match and maintained control through to the final whistle.
The reigning two-time champions, Sporting, are scheduled to play in Guimarães on Saturday and still have a postponed match against Avanca.
Benfica was missing several key players, including Nikita Vailupau, Alexis Borges, Belone Moreira, Reinier Taboada, and Kristian Olssen.