How did Benfica secure a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP?

Benfica secured a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP thanks to a late stoppage-time goal by Rafa, after a dramatic match featuring a penalty save and a disallowed Sporting equalizer.

What was the significance of the derby match for Benfica?

The derby victory propelled Benfica into second place in the Primeira Liga and extended their league unbeaten run to 30 matches, a club record for a season start.

What key events happened in the dramatic Lisbon derby?

Key events included Benfica taking a penalty-led lead, Sporting equalizing, a disallowed late goal for Sporting, and Rafa scoring the winning goal in stoppage time.

Home / Sports / Rafa's Late Winner Seals Derby Thriller for Benfica

Rafa's Late Winner Seals Derby Thriller for Benfica

19 Apr

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Summary

Rafa scored a dramatic late winner in stoppage time.
Benfica goalkeeper saved a crucial penalty kick.
Sporting had a late equalizer disallowed by VAR.

Rafa's Late Winner Seals Derby Thriller for Benfica

A dramatic Lisbon derby concluded with Benfica securing a vital 2-1 victory over Sporting CP, thanks to Rafa's decisive late goal. The match, held recently, was packed with twists and a crucial VAR intervention that shaped its outcome.

Benfica took the lead in the first half after Andreas Schjelderup converted a penalty, awarded when Hidemasa Morita handled the ball in the box. However, Sporting fought back, with Morita leveling the score in the 72nd minute with a header. The match was set for a frantic finish when Sporting's Rafael Nel thought he had scored a late winner in the 91st minute, but it was disallowed for offside.