(VIDEO) Sporting CP vs. Arouca | Matchday 7 of the 2026-27 Primeira Liga

Arouca came back from a 2-0 deficit to deny Sporting CP the victory, as the Lions dropped points at home.

Sporting CP let a victory slip away at home, settling for a 2-2 draw against Arouca at Estádio José Alvalade on Matchday 7 of the 2026-27 Primeira Liga. The Lions had built a 2-0 lead, but Zeno Debast’s red card changed the course of the game and sparked the visitors’ comeback.

THE LIONS TAKE AN EARLY LEAD

Rui Borges’ side got off to an ideal start, opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute. Gonçalo Inácio rose inside the box to head home a cross from Maxi Araújo, giving Sporting a 1-0 lead.

The hosts continued to dominate, and in the 17th minute, Luis Suárez doubled the advantage with a powerful finish following an assist from Iván Fresneda. However, the game changed in the 54th minute, when Zeno Debast was shown a red card for a strong challenge on Gabriel Rukavina, leaving Sporting with 10 players.

RED CARD PROVES DECISIVE AS AROUCA FIGHT BACK

With the numerical advantage, Arouca increased the pressure and eventually found a way back into the game. In the 81st minute, Jose Fontán converted a penalty to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The decisive equalizer arrived in the 87th minute, when Dylan Nandín found space in the box and fired home to make it 2-2, completing Arouca’s comeback. Sporting CP pushed for a late winner but could not regain the lead, ultimately settling for one point at home.