

Amarante 2-2 CF Os Belenenses | Portuguese Liga 3 | April 26, 2026
CF Os Belenenses secured a hard-earned point on the road, coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Amarante in an absorbing Portuguese Liga 3 contest. The result keeps both sides in the mix for the promotion playoff spots with just a handful of games remaining in the regular season.
Match Overview
An open and competitive first half saw both teams create chances, with Amarante taking a deserved lead through a well-worked team move. Belenenses responded well after the interval, equalizing early in the second half. The home side regained the lead through a penalty, but Belenenses showed character to level again and even had chances to win it late.
Key Moments
- 1-0 (28'): Amarante's striker latched onto a through ball and lifted it over the advancing goalkeeper.
- 1-1 (52'): Belenenses equalized when their winger cut inside and fired a low shot into the far corner.
- 2-1 (68'): A handball in the box gave Amarante a penalty, which was calmly converted.
- 2-2 (78'): A deflected free kick found its way into the net, with the Belenenses midfielder claiming the goal.
Tactical Story
Amarante controlled the midfield battle in the first half, dictating the tempo and creating overloads. Belenenses adjusted after the break, pressing higher and forcing errors from the home defense. The match became stretched in the final 20 minutes, with both teams committing men forward in search of a decisive winner.
Standout Performer
The Belenenses central midfielder was excellent, covering ground tirelessly, winning duels, and providing the assist for the equalizer. His energy and composure under pressure were key to the visitors' recovery.
Table Implications
With this draw, CF Os Belenenses remain in sixth place, just two points behind the third-placed promotion playoff spot. Amarante sit one place behind them in seventh, but this result does little to close the gap on the top five. Both sides will view this as two points dropped in their pursuit of promotion, but the draw keeps the race wide open heading into the final weeks of the Liga 3 season.