Benfica and Manchester United, who beat Otelul Galati 2-0 at Old Trafford, both have eight points, with Basel, who play the pointless Romanian group whipping boys next, on five and still very much in the hunt for a last-16 place.
Benfica's next game is away to United, though they can expect to finish with three points when they host Otelul in their final match which would send them through even if they were to lose at Old Trafford.
"This was not the result that we were looking for but the draw keeps us in a good position to qualify. We will go to Manchester to win the match and fight for the top place in the group," said Benfica assistant coach Raul Jose.
Jose was deputizing for Jorge Jesus, banned for one game following a red card in last month's meeting between the two in Switzerland.
"I feel like I am working well and hope to secure my space in the team, things have been coming out nicely for me," said Rodrigo.
Gaitan now boasts four assists in the Champions League and almost made another decisive pass after 19 minutes with a pin-point cross that found Ezequiel Garay unmarked in the area, but the Argentine defender's header flew just wide of the goal.
"We always kept a positive attitude but we played against a strong opponent, who passed the ball around well, it wasn't by any chance that they drew at Manchester United," Jose said.
