Benfica defeated Sporting 2-1, scoring two goals in stoppage time, in the 11th round of the I Liga football. With this victory, the Reds equalize with the Lions at the top of the standings.
The game started with a slight advantage for Benfica, and Rafa, twice, came close to opening the scoring. In the 9th minute, in the heart of the Sporting area, the red forward shot, but the ball went just past the left post of Adán’s goal.
In the 12th minute, again Rafa with an excellent arched shot hit the crossbar of Sporting’s goal with a bang. João Mário came close to scoring in the 24th minute. The chip went slightly wide of Adán’s goal.
Sporting only responded close to half an hour into the game. Following a corner kicked by Pote, Diomande headed the ball into the heart of the area, and Trubin made a great save near the ground. In the 33rd minute, again Sporting with an excellent opportunity.
Edwards passed to Pote, who shot for another excellent save by Trubin. It’s an open and exciting derby. In the 45th minute, Sporting’s goal by the usual suspect Viktor Gyökeres.
The Sporting forward shot with his right foot from the right side of the area to the upper right corner. Marcus Edwards assisted after a lightning counterattack. At the beginning of the second half, in the 51st minute, Sporting was reduced to 10. Gonçalo Inácio was sent off. After a bad pass, the central defender entered hard on Rafa, and received a yellow card, and a subsequent red card.
In the 64th minute, Viktor Gyökeres was stopped at the entrance of the area. Pote passed to St. Juste, who crossed to the far post, but Turbin managed to intercept.
Di María shot strongly in the 77th minute from outside the area for an excellent save by Adán. A great chance for the Argentine forward and World Champion.
Sporting sought to manage the advantage; however, Benfica believed and never gave up, pushing Sporting to the ropes.
The goal for the Reds was anticipated. Benfica equalizes in stoppage time, minute 94. João Neves scores the equalizing goal following a corner.
A dramatic ending for Sporting at Luz, as Benfica scored through Tengstedt and won the match.