Late super-sub rescues Gil Vicente against Sporting | OneFootball

Sérgio Duarte levelled in the 87th minute with a close-range header to earn Gil Vicente a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP.

Introduced late, Duarte attacked the box with purpose, timing his run to meet Luís Esteves' inviting cross and guiding a firm header into the centre of the net. The substitute forward gave the hosts a focal point against the Leões' tiring back line.

He almost won it in the third minute of second half stoppage time, rising again for a header that Rui Silva clawed away. Moments earlier and thereafter he kept offering the near-post option, keeping Sporting's defence pinned back.

Duarte finished with two attempts, both on target, and two touches in the penalty area, a concentrated burst that shifted the tie. His aerial presence and direct movement stretched a ten-man Sporting side and ensured the pressure finally told.

Gil Vicente host Nacional next in Liga Portugal. The Leões face Vitória S.C. in the Taça da Liga semi-finals.