A hard-fought match of few chances had a dramatic twist in the tail in Famalicão tonight.
Sporting had taken the lead in the 81st minute through a Luis Suárez penalty and the points seemed certain to be heading back to Lisbon when Roméo Beney was sent off soon afterwards.
But the hosts were rewarded for their efforts and organisation that blocked Sporting’s route to goal most of the night when Gonçalo Inácio turned Umar Abubakar’s header into his own net in stoppage time. It was the hapless Sporting captain’s second own goal in successive matches.
Sporting poured forward in the remaining minutes, Suárez and Ioannidis both with chances to restore the Lions’ lead, but it wasn’t to be.
Rui Borges’ team fall four points behind leaders Porto and two behind second-place Benfica one week ahead of the Porto-Benfica Clássico.
Famalicão remain in the bottom half of the table but this performance and result will give Carlos Carvalhal’s side a boost in their quest to get on track and try to replicate last season’s excellent showing.
