Champions League tune as Sporting snatch 2-2 derby from Benfica | OneFootball

Benfica and Sporting played out an exciting derby that ended in a draw (2-2), on the opening matchday of Group B of the Pontinha International Tournament at under-13 level. The young Eagles came close to securing victory after a second-half comeback, but ended up conceding the equaliser in the very last minute.

The teams’ entrance to the pitch, to the sound of the Champions League anthem (with the Eagles’ place in next season’s edition possibly depending on Porto), gave even more symbolism to the match, played at the Alto do Lumiar Sports Complex. In the first half, despite the balance between the sides, it was the Lions who took the lead close to half-time through Nuno Rodrigues (22').

In the second half, the club from Luz showed a different attitude and managed to respond effectively. Steven Lopes levelled the score with a precise header (39'), after a cross from the right, giving the team fresh momentum.

Soon after, Rodrigo Santos completed the turnaround (44') by pouncing on a rebound in the six-yard box, putting the Reds ahead on the scoreboard. With control of the game, Benfica seemed to be on course for victory, but Sporting eventually found the equaliser.

In a closing stage that was more emotional than organised, a long-range strike from Duarte Coelho caught the Benfica goalkeeper by surprise and made it 2-2 just moments before the final whistle. Despite the outcome, Benfica showed plenty of promise and now turn their focus to the next round, where they will face Santa Clara. The Reds therefore remain in the fight for a place in the semi-finals, in a tournament where only the top two teams in each group go through.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.