Gil Vicente FC score late to share the spoils

In their first game of 2026, Sporting CP drew 1-1 with Gil Vicente FC in Liga Portugal, as Luís Suárez' first half goal was cancelled out by a late equaliser from the home side.

At the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, they faced a Gil Vicente FC team that occupied a surprising fourth place in the league, on 28 points and coming into the game off the back of four consecutive draws. Rui Borges fielded largely the same lineup as had beaten Rio Ave FC 4-0, bringing back Iván Fresneda after suspension and including Matheus Reis in place of the injured Ricardo Mangas.

Whilst Sporting CP quickly took control, monopolising possession, the first sign of danger came from the opposition, as a surprise shot from Gustavo Varela forced Rui Silva to stretch and tip the ball over for a corner.

At the other end, Fotis Ioannidis sent an effort over the bar, before Gil Vicente settled into the game with an organisation and intensity which made it difficult for Sporting CP to break through the fourth-best defence in the league.

Goalscoring opportunities only arose very close to the end of the first half, with Gil Vicente's Tidjany Touré troubling Rui Silva after a free kick, followed by the opening strike of the game. From near the halfway line, Eduardo Quaresma created space for Luis Suárez to go through on goal, and he slid a shot through goalkeeper Andrew Ventura's legs to make it 15 league goals for the season for him.

Sporting CP went into the second half in the lead, but also received bad news, as captain Morten Hjulmand picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign, and will therefore be unavailable for the next game.

The second half was much more eventful, and began in absolutely frantic fashion. Andrew Ventura was kept busy with two well-aimed shots from Maxi Araújo and Francisco Trincão, and also denied Luis Suárez with his foot. The Colombian then shot low across the face of goal, with his effort going just wide of the post.

Gil Vicente FC had another header from Touré met by Rui Silva, as they continued to put a steady stream of balls into the box.

As the final ten minutes approached, Sporting CP were reduced to ten men after Gonçalo Inácio was sent off. The referee considered that the centre back was the last man and had grabbed Varela illegally, showing him a straight red card.

Rui Borges, who had moments before brought on Hidemasa Morita and Alisson Santos, had to make another substitution, and opted for B team player Rômulo Jr. to make his debut for the first team.

From the resulting free kick, a deflected shot went just over the crossbar. Then came the equaliser for the home team, in the 87th minute. After numerous attempted crosses, Gil Vicente FC's tactic paid off, with Carlos Eduardo heading in to level.

The damage could have been even greater shortly after, were it not for Rui Silva's decisive save from former Sporting CP winger Joelson Fernandes.

Whilst there was a final opportunity off a header from Hjulmand following a corner, the score remained 1-1 at full time.

Next up is a trip to Leiria to compete in the Taça da Liga Final Four. Sporting CP will face Vitória SC in the semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis (Alisson Santos, 78’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão, Fotis Ioannidis (Rômulo Jr, 84’), Luis Suárez