Sporting throw away lead again as Arouca grab 2-2 draw in Lisbon | OneFootball

Sporting winger Irankunda made his full debut for Sporting tonight (Photo: Arlindo Alves Homem ©)

For the second time in a week and the third time this season Sporting failed to hold onto a lead and dropped costly points in the Liga Portugal.

Goals from Gonçalo Inácio and Luis Suárez put the Lions in control against Arouca. But a senseless challenge leading to a straight red card for Zeno Debast in the 54th minute changed the complexion of the game.

Arouca began to dominate possession and when substitute Eduardo Quaresma gave away a penalty, converted by Jose Fontán, alarm bells were ringing all around Alvalade.

Sure enough, Vasco Seabra’s side got their equaliser, Dylan Nandín turning in a Pedro Santos cross in the 87th minute.

It is the 17th time Sporting have failed to close out a game when leading under Rui Borges, and the second time this season they have let two points slip from a position of having a two-goal advantage.

After the international break Sporting travel to Braga. A poor result at the Quarry could render Borges’ position as head coach of the Lisbon club untenable.

Sporting 2-2 Arouca highlights