Sporting CP rally as Rafael Nel strikes late | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Sporting CP beat Santa Clara 4-2 at the Estádio José Alvalade. Gustavo Klismahn put Santa Clara ahead in the third minute. Pedro Gonçalves equalised from the spot (22.), then Daniel Bragança and Trincão flipped the game before the break for Leões (39., 42.), while Gonçalo Paciência briefly narrowed the gap late on (89.) and Rafael Nel settled it in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time. Leões controlled proceedings with 71.2% possession and 22 attempts to seven, repeatedly pinning the visitors back. Leões remain second in Liga Portugal and visit Arsenal in the Champions League next, while Santa Clara host Rio Ave.

Player of the Match: Rafael Nel decided the contest with his stoppage time finish and had earlier teed up Daniel Bragança, adding six touches in the box and diligent work off the ball.

Stat of the Match: Leões recorded 71.2% possession, a platform that sustained pressure and enabled a three-goal first half swing.

Three Things We Learned: Trincão matched end product with creativity, scoring once and supplying seven key passes from nine crosses. Geny Catamo's direct running changed the early mood, winning the first half penalty and later striking the bar after the restart. Eduardo Quaresma mixed control and incision, completing 89 passes with two key passes and providing the through-ball assist for the late fourth.