Sporting draws at Benfica and the Portuguese league will be decided in the final round
Benfica's mascot eagle Vitoria flies at the Luz stadium prior to a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Sporting's Francisco Trincao celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis encourages fans for their support during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Benfica's Angel Di Maria protests to referee Joao Pinheiro during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Benfica's mascot eagle Vitoria flies at the Luz stadium prior to a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Sporting's Francisco Trincao celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis encourages fans for their support during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Benfica's Angel Di Maria protests to referee Joao Pinheiro during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Sporting's Francisco Trincao, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's opening goal during a Portuguese league soccer match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The Portuguese league will be decided in the final round with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica level on points after the crosstown rivals drew 1-1 in a potentially decisive derby on Saturday.
Sporting could have clinched the title with a victory at Benfica, while the host could have also been proclaimed champion with a victory by two goals.
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The stalemate means Sporting, which holds the head-to-head goal advantage thanks to a 1-0 win earlier this season, only needs to match Benfica's result next weekend. Benfica must win and hope Sporting doesn't.
Sporting struck first when Francisco Trincão scored four minutes in. The forward was set up on the edge of the area by Viktor Gyökeres.
Muhammed Aktürkoğlu leveled in the 63rd for Benfica. Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis dribbled past five defenders inside the area before assisting his teammate to knock in the equalizer.
Sporting host Guimaraes in the final round next weekend, while Benfica is at Braga.
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