Sporting CP maintained their position at the top of the Liga Portugal standings after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Benfica at the Estádio da Luz. The latest instalment of the Lisbon derby saw both sides share the spoils in front of 65,247 passionate supporters, with late drama ensuring the title race remains finely poised heading into the final matches before the winter break.
Early exchanges set the tone
The visitors struck first through Pedro Gonçalves, who found the net in the 12th minute to silence the home crowd. The Portuguese international, known affectionately as 'Pote', has been in inspired form this season with eight goals and five assists to his name, and his early strike gave Sporting the perfect start.
Benfica responded well, however, and Georgiy Sudakov restored parity just 15 minutes later. The Ukrainian midfielder's goal in the 27th minute rewarded José Mourinho's side for their positive approach, and the match was level at the interval.
Mourinho's unbeaten record preserved
The second half was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances but finding it difficult to breach well-organised defences. Sporting controlled possession, enjoying 59.2% of the ball, but Benfica looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
The home side pushed for a winner in the closing stages, and their persistence paid off in the 92nd minute. Substitute Gianluca Prestianni found the net to spark wild celebrations at the Estádio da Luz, though replays showed the ball may have taken a deflection on its way in.
However, the drama wasn't quite over. The goal was reviewed by VAR before being allowed to stand, much to the relief of the home supporters and Mourinho on the touchline.
Title race implications
The draw leaves Sporting top of Liga Portugal with 32 points from 13 matches, maintaining their advantage over José Mourinho's Benfica, who sit on 29 points. Crucially for Sporting, their unbeaten away record in the league extends to 16 matches stretching back to December 2024.
For Benfica, the result continues their remarkable unbeaten run in domestic football under Mourinho, though they will be frustrated not to have claimed all three points in front of their own supporters. The Eagles remain six points behind league leaders Porto, who also have a game in hand.
Mourinho's first Lisbon derby
This was José Mourinho's first Lisbon derby since returning to Portuguese football as Benfica manager. The Special One has revitalised the club since his appointment, guiding them to an unbeaten start in Liga Portugal and their first Champions League victory of the season against Ajax.
"We deserved to win," Mourinho said after the match. "But a point against Sporting at home is not a bad result. We remain unbeaten and continue to believe in our project."
Weekend fixtures: Sporting face AVS as title race continues
The Liga Portugal action continues this weekend with several important fixtures. Sporting CP welcome bottom-half side AVS to the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday evening, looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. AVS arrive in poor form, having lost eight of their last ten matches.
Elsewhere, Rio Ave host Vitória de Guimarães in a mid-table clash, while Casa Pia take on Gil Vicente at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior. Nacional face Tondela at the Estádio da Madeira in what could be a crucial match in the battle to avoid relegation.
On Sunday, Benfica travel to face Moreirense looking to keep the pressure on Sporting, while FC Porto host Estrela da Amadora on Monday to complete the matchday.
Benfica's record run
Benfica's unbeaten domestic record under Mourinho is particularly impressive given the quality of opposition they have faced. The Eagles haven't lost a league match at the Estádio da Luz since April 2023, a remarkable run that has made them formidable at home.
Vangelis Pavlidis continues to be Benfica's talisman, with the Greek striker averaging a goal every 100 minutes in Liga Portugal this season. He scored the winning goal in the Super Cup final against Sporting in July and remains a constant threat to opposition defences.
What's next
With the winter break approaching, every point is crucial in the Liga Portugal title race. Sporting will be confident of extending their lead against struggling AVS, while Benfica will look to keep the pressure on with victory at Moreirense. Porto, meanwhile, will be watching closely, hoping their rivals drop points as they look to defend their position at the top of Portuguese football.
