Rafa’s late goal sees Benfica edge out hard-fought Lisbon derby 2-1 to overtake Sporting and maintain pressure on leaders Porto

Benfica 2-1 Sporting

The buildup and excitement were warranted for this highly anticipated Lisbon derby that promised so much. Both sides have had strong campaigns, putting together deep runs in the European Champions League and remaining within touching distance of the coveted Primeira Liga title. One thing was certain going into Sunday’s battle at the Alvalade — a draw would suit neither side. As the game sailed towards a 1-1 draw that would have done little for either club, it was a Benfica veteran that emerged with a crucial goal in the final minutes. Rafa Silva's goal will go a long way towards taking the pressure off José Mourinho and giving the Benfiquistas a glimmer of hope going into the final stage of the season.

It was hard to separate these two sides over the 90 minutes in a match that could’ve fallen either way. After Luis Suárez missed a penalty early on, Andreas Schjelderup converted his opportunity from the spot to give Benfica the early advantage. The Eagles were organised defensively and held on to their lead well into the second half before Hidemasa Morita connected with Zeno Debast’s pinpoint cross to head in an equaliser in the 72nd minute. Each club had their chances to kill this tie off, but it was the experienced midfielder Silva who would have the last laugh, converting a close-range effort to stun the Sporting supporters late into added time.

The result places Benfica within four points of leaders FC Porto, but the momentum now seems firmly with the Northern Portuguese club as we approach the business end of the season. Sporting’s chances of a third consecutive league title were all but dashed today and Rui Borges’ side now need help from other clubs to have any hope of retaining the title.

[1-0] Andreas Schjelderup , 27’

[1-1] Hidemasa Morita , 72’

[2-1] Rafa Silva , 90’

Lineups :

Sporting CP: Rui Silva, Eduardo Quaresma (Georgios Vagiannidis, 60’), Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 60’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 88), Morten Hjulmand, Geny Catamo (Rafael Nel, 88’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 67’), Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez