SL Benfica and Sporting Lisbon draw 1-1 in Lisbon derby

SL Benfica and Sporting Lisbon shared the points at Estadio de la Luz with an entertaining 1-1 draw, featuring Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez coming off the bench in the second half for the "eagles".

The goals were scored by Gelson Martins in the 19th minute for Sporting, while Jonás equalized from the penalty spot for Benfica in the 90th minute.

With this result, Sporting Lisbon remains in second place with 40 points while Benfica is in third place with 37 points.

The 'lions' quickly took a 1-0 lead in the Lisbon derby, thanks to the skillful Portuguese winger, Gelson Martins, who pounced on a rebound in the six-yard box and headed home, leaving no chance for Benfica's goalkeeper.

Just like the first goal, controversy surrounded the equalizer as a shot from Jonás hit Fábio Coentrao's face; the play had to be reviewed by the referee, who ruled that the ball had struck the former Real Madrid player's face, sparking anger from the crowd and the Benfica team.

The start of the second half brought a new opportunity for Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez to be Benfica's hero, as Rui Vitoria brought him on at the 55th minute, replacing Portuguese midfielder Pizzi Fernandes, when they were trailing 1-0.

Although the 'Aztec' forward couldn't score a goal, his presence on the field proved effective as he troubled the opposition's defense on several occasions.

The equalizing goal came just before the end from the penalty spot, when Rafael Silva's shot was blocked by Rodrigo Battaglia's hand, and the referee didn't hesitate to award the penalty, which Jonás converted to make it 1-1 for the "eagles", who fought until the end.

The mid-week fixtures in the Primeira Liga will be completed tomorrow with the matches between Vitoria de Setubal against Estoril and Portimonense against Belenenses.

Lineups:

SL Benfica.- Bruno Varela, André Almeida, Rubén Dias, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel Vieira, Pizzi Fernandes (Raúl Jiménez, 55), Filip Krovinovic, Ljubomir Fejsa, Eduardo Salvio, Jonás Goncalves, Franco Cervi. Manager: Rui Vitoria.

Sporting Lisbon.- Rui Patricio, Cristiano Piccini, Sebastián Coates, Jérémy Mathieu, Fábio Coentrao, William Carvalho, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcos Acuña (Bruno Cesar, 77), Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins (Bryan Ruiz, 83), Bas Dost. Manager: Jorge Jesús.