Sporting CP could only manage a draw against SC Braga in the eighth round of the Portuguese League.
Sporting CP, with a win, had the opportunity, based on the result of FC Porto vs. SL Benfica, to close the gap on the league leaders or further distance themselves from the Reds. However, the Braga team turned the tables on the Lions.
The home team started the match at full speed, and in the fourth minute, Geovany Quenda fired a shot from outside the box, which was superbly saved by Lukas Hornicek.
Pedro Gonçalves, in the 18th minute, found himself unmarked and, racing down the left wing, crossed the ball into the visiting team’s penalty area. Luís Suárez pounced and, with some luck, slotted the ball into the net—thus opening the score at Alvalade.
Braga had the upper hand until the end of the first half, but were unable to create any real danger, leading into the break.
The second half began with coach Carlos Vicens’s team changes, bringing on Fran Navarro and leaving Pau Víctor.
The green and white team was the first to create danger when, in the 50th minute, Pote sent a cross into the box, but Georgios Vagiannidis’s header went wide.
Shortly after, SC Braga had the opportunity to equalise, with Leonardo Lelo responding to Zalazar’s cross and shooting from close range, which was brilliantly saved by Rui Silva, who prevented the equaliser.
The match remained highly unpredictable, with chances on both sides and a fierce battle for possession, but to no avail.
It was in added time that referee Cláudio Pereira awarded a penalty to Braga, after Hjulmand grabbed Lagerbielke and fouled him. Rodrigo Zalazar made no mistake, and Barga tied the match, much to the dismay of the home fans.
With this draw, Sporting CP remains in second place, three points behind FC Porto and one point ahead of Benfica.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to access exclusive content tailored for each social network.
