On Friday evening, FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon played out a fast-paced duel at the top of the Portuguese league. In the process, the leaders came back from a 2-0 deficit, but also operated in overtime for just under a half. Four players also saw red cards after the final whistle.
The pursuers from Lisbon were to get off to the better start in the game and took an early lead after Paulinho’s goal. After a cross, the attacker was able to put the ball into the net relatively unchallenged (8th). The fact that it was not already 1:0 for Porto at this point was partly due to keeper Adan, who thwarted the visitors’ first major chance in the first minute. In the following minutes, the spectators saw a fast-paced and intense game in the race for the championship in the Portuguese league. After Sarabia’s wonderful assist, Sporting even extended their lead through Nuno Santos’ goal (34th), before Porto found a fitting answer fairly soon with Fabio Viera’s long-range strike – the leader’s equaliser (38th).
Coates sees yellow – Porto equalise late on
The second half began in style for Porto, not because of the equaliser, but because of Coates’ yellow card for a tactical foul as the last man, even if the contact was minimal (49th). Outnumbered, the blue-and-white-clad home side sealed Sporting in their own penalty area and created one opportunity after the other: Zaidu had a dream goal a quarter of an hour after the restart, but he missed the ball against the aluminium and the equaliser. The Iranian then did better at the start of the final period with a powerful header into the right-hand corner from a cross from the left (78th minute).
Bullying punished with four red cards
With the last action, tempers boiled up again: Pepe was hit on the head by a clearing tackle from Joao Palhinha on the rebound off the crossbar about five metres from goal, but the penalty whistle failed to blow. A controversial decision, as the defender’s foot was at head height and he took an injury to Pepe. The mood only turned shortly after the final whistle when all the support staff and players suddenly ran onto the pitch and, in addition to Pepe himself, Marchesin, Palhinha and Tabata were also shown the red card for assault.
Sporting Lisbon have a Champions League home tie against Manchester City on Tuesday at 9pm. Porto host Lazio Roma in the Europa League on Thursday at 9pm.
