Benfica vs Sporting CP: Lisbon Derby Ends 1-1

Sporting CP vs Benfica, Primeira Liga match ends in stalemate

Sporting CP and Benfica settle for a 1-1 draw in a feisty Lisbon derby, allowing Porto to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Tensions ran high in the dying stages, culminating in a rash challenge from substitute Gianluca Prestianni...

Benfica and Sporting CP clashed in a thrilling Lisbon derby, with the match ending 1-1. Benfica came from behind to draw with their arch-rivals, extending their unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga to 13 games (W8, D5).

Porto emerged as the real winners, as the draw allowed them to maintain their lead at the top of the table. The two teams have been evenly matched, with three of their last four meetings ending level at full-time.

Despite the pre-match hype, the first half-hour saw Sporting dominate at the Estadio da Luz. The visitors took the lead in just 12 minutes, capitalizing on a defensive error by Enzo Barrenechea. Morten Hjulmand seized the opportunity, laying it off for Pedro Goncalves to score his ninth league goal.

Sporting maintained control, with Maximiliano Araujo causing trouble with two rapid-fire shots. First, his strike flew across goal, and then he unleashed a fierce shot that narrowly missed the target. The Sportinguistas looked threatening, and it seemed only a matter of time before they added to their lead.

Benfica's fortunes changed in the 27th minute, as they leveled the score through Heorhiy Sudakov's scramble. The Ukrainian midfielder bundled Amar Dedic's low cross over the line, catching Sporting off guard.

The equalizer sparked a resurgence for Benfica, who dominated the remainder of the first half and carried their momentum into the second. Sporting threatened to retake the lead around the hour mark, but Geny Catamo's cross evaded everyone. Benfica responded with several shots, though Rui Silva was comfortable dealing with them.

⏸ Full-time in the derby.#SLBSCP | #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/Qu4UFLfcei

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) December 5, 2025

As the game wore on, clear-cut chances were scarce, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. Benfica came close to creating an opportunity, but a crucial headed intervention from Luis Suarez denied Leandro Barreiro a shot at goal.

Tensions ran high in the dying stages, culminating in a rash challenge from substitute Gianluca Prestianni, who was sent off in stoppage time, just 11 minutes after entering the fray. The red card capped a tense encounter between the Lisbon rivals.

Benfica picked up a valuable home point, recovering from a slow start to hold Sporting to a draw. The result keeps them third in the table, with the point helping to maintain their unbeaten run.

Sporting dropped points for the first time in the league, failing to win away from home (W6, D1). The result means they miss the chance to top the table, trailing leaders Porto by two points having played an extra game.