Flamengo target features as Sporting held to draw in Liga Portugal | OneFootball

The 1-1 draw between Gil Vicente and Sporting, this Friday (2nd), at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, was more than just a simple stumble away from home. In the 17th round of Liga Portugal, the Lisbon team, which occupies second place, saw two important points slip away and risks falling even further behind Porto, the league leader who still has to play in this round.

On a night of decisive performance by goalkeeper Andrew, Gil Vicente held firm, grew towards the end, and sought the equalizer.

Andrew - a 24-year-old product of Botafogo - was observed in person by Filipe Luís and José Boto, Flamengo's coach and football executive, respectively. 

The first half was balanced and intense. Gil Vicente was not intimidated by a technically superior opponent, pushed forward in marking, and created good opportunities, such as Touré's dangerous shot, saved by Rui Silva. Sporting had more control at times, but it was efficiency that made the difference before the break.

At 45 minutes, Eduardo Quaresma launched Luis Suárez behind the defense, and the Colombian, the league's top scorer, beat Andrew one-on-one, finishing between the goalkeeper's legs.

If Andrew could do little about the goal conceded, in the second half he became the central figure of the match. Sporting returned pressing, cornered Gil Vicente, and created clear chances to extend their lead. They didn't extend it because Andrew didn't allow it. The Brazilian made a good save from Maxi Araújo's shot and, above all, made a great save to prevent Suárez's second goal when the lions completely dominated the game.

The goalkeeper's performance was closely watched from the sidelines. Filipe Luís and José Boto, Flamengo's coach and football executive, were present at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos and observed each of Andrew's interventions attentively. Even after conceding in the first half, the Brazilian remained secure, firm in his exits, and decisive at the most delicate moment of the game.

The scenario changed in the 79th minute when Gonçalo Inácio was sent off for stopping Gustavo Varela in a clear goal-scoring opportunity. With one more player, Gil Vicente gained confidence, began to occupy the offensive field, and almost equalized with a free-kick by Murilo, which went just wide of Rui Silva's post.

The pressure was rewarded in the 87th minute. After a beautiful cross by Luís Esteves, Carlos Eduardo appeared free in the area and headed in to equalize, sending the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos into an uproar. The goal crowned the roosters' persistence and the resistance largely built by Andrew's saves.

The draw keeps Sporting in second place, now with the possibility of seeing Porto extend their lead at the top of the table. They reached 42 points - four behind the Dragons. 

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente reached 28 points, remains in fourth, and now hopes Braga (26) will falter. 

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

📸 MIGUEL RIOPA - AFP or licensors