Benfica 1-3 Sporting
65,000 passionate fans jam-packed the New Estadio Da Luz to witness the Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting.
Sporting came out on top 3-1 in a match that saw three players (Rochemback, Miguel and Rocha) sent off.
Benfica enjoyed the majority of the ball possession but Sporting Lisbon was well organized in both defence and attack.
The first goal of the game came in the 8th minute thanks to a mistake by referee Pedro Proenca, who awarded a non-existent penalty to the visitors.
Joao Pinto had played a delightful through-ball into Elpidio Silva; the Brazilian tried to go around keeper Moreira but lost control of the ball but instinctively dragged his foot and went to ground.
The ref awarded the penalty, but television replays showed that Silva had simulated the foul.
Nonetheless, the referee's decision is final and Fabio Rochemback successfully converted the penalty kick.
BENFICA - Moreira; Miguel, Luisão, Hélder e Ricardo Rocha; Fernando Aguiar (Petit, 46m), Tiago e Zahovic (João Pereira, 46m); Simão, Sokota (Roger, 66m) e Nuno Gomes.
SPORTNG - Ricardo; Miguel Garcia, Beto, Polga e Rui Jorge; Custódio, Rochemback, Pedro Barbosa (Paulo Bento, 86m) e João Pinto (Lourenço, 68m); Silva (Sá Pinto, 58m) e Liedson.
Goals: 0-1, Rochemback, 8m (g.p.); 0-2, Silva, 33m; 1-2, Luisão, 56m; 1-3 Sá Pinto, 91m (g.p.)
