Sporting CP secure 3-1 comeback victory against Sporting de Braga

Sporting CP secured a 3–1 comeback victory against Sporting de Braga in the eighth round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, driven by Rodrigo Zalazar’s 25-minute appearance off the bench.

Zalazar Arrives From Asia to Reverse the Match

Rodrigo Zalazar entered the match at the 58th minute, arriving from international duty with Uruguay in Asia where he played the last of three games, reporting almost without training sessions. Sporting trailed 1–0 after Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva put the ball into his own net at the 41st minute, a sequence where Huseinbasic hit the post before the ball crossed the line. Despite whistles from the home crowd at a venue where he previously played for SC Braga, Zalazar commanded the right flank by the 71st minute, beating Gabri Martínez to cross into the area and force Braga goalkeeper Bernardo Fontes into an own goal to make it 2–1. At the 81st minute, Zalazar advanced from his own half into the area and finished with his right foot to seal the 3–1 win before exiting the pitch with complaints after 25 minutes in the game.

Luis Suárez and Second-Half Substitutions Shift the Momentum

Luis Suárez scored at the 66th minute, seven minutes after entering the pitch alongside Zalazar and Maxi Araújo, who also returned from international travel across Asia.

Borges Defends Team Selection as Goalkeepers Score Own Goals

Speaking to SportTV after the final whistle, Rui Borges praised the competitive attitude of his squad and defended his team selection. Those players were not prepared to be starters, Borges explained regarding his international returnees, adding that squad depth and group spirit proved vital in overcoming the early deficit. Playmaker stats highlighted an unusual milestone from the fixture: the match marked the first time in Liga Portugal Betclic history that opposing goalkeepers—Bernardo Fontes for Braga and Rui Silva for Sporting—each scored an own goal in the same game. With the three points secured, Sporting sits three points behind the league leaders as the domestic campaign resumes following the international break.

Upcoming Fixtures for Sporting CP

Sporting CP returns to training to prepare for their upcoming Liga Portugal Betclic fixtures as they attempt to close the gap at the top of the table. The squad will assess Rodrigo Zalazar’s physical condition following his late-game injury complaints before finalizing their lineup for the next round of domestic competition.