Sporting beat Benfica, the second time the rivals have played in the space of four days, this time at Estádio de Alvalade (2-1). The Lions are thus closer to the national title than the Eagles, with a four-point advantage over the incarnate and one less game played.

The game was marked by some dubious refereeing decisions, led by Artur Soares Dias and Luís Godinho in the VAR room. The main one was the possible expulsion of Ángel Di María, for aggression against Pedro Gonçalves, in the 32nd minute.

4': Yellow card for simulation to Geny Catamo

After scoring the opening goal of the match, Mozambican Geny Catamo had a good run in the Benfica penalty area, where he managed to reach the end line. Feeling the presence of Nicolas Otamendi, Catamo let himself fall and claimed a penalty. Artur Soares Dias understood the opposite and gave him a yellow card.

32': Should Ángel Di María have been shown a red card?

After the first half hour of play, with Sporting already in the lead, the experienced Di María risked an expulsion in an action without the ball, hitting Pedro Gonçalves with a clenched fist in the face of the Sporting player. The move was not reviewed by the VAR and the game proceeded normally.

45+3': Is Alexander Bah's goal legal?

In the last play of the first half, Benfica equalized through Alexander Bah. The Dane jumped higher than everyone else, at the second post, and equalized. The move was reviewed by the VAR for a few minutes, perhaps because of Otamendi's push on Matheus Reis. There is no offside.

55': Should Soares Dias have given advantage?

In the second half, with the game tied at one goal, Viktor Gyokeres made a great run on the right, passing Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi. The Argentine fell after contact with the Swede, and the assistant referee signaled a foul. Soares Dias whistled and cut the move, not giving advantage.

73': Should Morten Hjulmand have been shown a second yellow card?

Entering the last quarter of the game, Sporting's Hjulmand came close to being sent off. He stopped a dangerous Benfica move, led by Fredrik Aursnes, without touching the ball. Soares Dias signaled a foul but did not give the second yellow card to the offender.

[News in update]

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