Lisbon Derby Ends All Square as Sudakov Cancels Out Pote Strike
Puntos Clave
- Benfica and Sporting CP played to a 1-1 draw in opening derby
- Pote's early strike cancelled out by Sudakov's close-range equalizer
- Late red card for Prestianni overshadowed thrilling Estádio da Luz encounter
- Sporting dominated possession but couldn't find decisive second goal
Benfica and Sporting CP played to a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Estádio da Luz in their opening Primeira Liga encounter, with both teams sitting level on points as the season gets underway. The capital city rivals delivered an enthralling derby that showcased the quality and intensity expected from Portugal's biggest clubs, though neither could claim the bragging rights in this early-season showdown.
The match exploded into life within the opening quarter-hour as both sides found the net in quick succession. Pote broke the deadlock for Sporting in the 12th minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner after being perfectly set up by Morten Hjulmand's incisive pass. The visitors' lead lasted just 15 minutes before Heorhii Sudakov restored parity for the hosts, prodding home from very close range with his left foot after Amar Dedic's assist created the opportunity in the 27th minute.
The tactical battle saw Sporting assert their dominance in possession, controlling 59.2% of the ball as they looked to dictate the tempo from midfield. Morten Hjulmand pulled the strings for the visitors, while Benfica's Leandro Barreiro and Enzo Barrenechea worked tirelessly to disrupt Sporting's rhythm. The defensive duel between Nicolás Otamendi and Luis Suárez provided compelling viewing, with the experienced Benfica centre-back winning several crucial aerial battles.
Despite Sporting's territorial advantage, Benfica created the clearer chances after the break. Vangelis Pavlidis forced two excellent saves from Rui Silva, while Fredrik Aursnes also tested the Sporting goalkeeper as the hosts registered four shots on target compared to their rivals' two. The visitors managed 20 shots overall but struggled to find the clinical edge needed to break down a resolute Benfica defence.
The turning point arrived in the dying moments when Gianluca Prestianni received his marching orders in the 90th minute after VAR upgraded his yellow card to red for a foul on Geny Catamo. The incident sparked a lengthy delay and added seven minutes of stoppage time, during which both sides pushed for a winner that never materialized.
The drama continued right until the final whistle as tempers flared in a nervy final 10 minutes, with both Pote and Maxi Araújo picking up yellow cards as the intensity reached fever pitch. The passionate crowd at the Estádio da Luz witnessed a classic derby encounter that lived up to its billing, even if neither side could claim maximum points.
Both teams will look to build momentum from this hard-fought draw as they prepare for their upcoming Primeira Liga fixtures. Benfica travel to face Moreirense on December 14, looking to strengthen their position in the title race, while Sporting CP face a trip to Guimarães to take on Vitória SC at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques on December 21, with a UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich sandwiched in between on December 9. It promises to be a compelling month for both Portuguese giants.