Jorge Jesus was without Nicolás Gaitán, and André Almeida started ahead of the Brazilian Talisca. Sporting started with Fredy Montero upfront in place of Islam Sliamni who picked up an injury during his African Cup of Nations campaign.
Sporting set out to put pressure on Benfica’s defence, with Eliseu being targeted in particular. Benfica looked to go wide whenever they ventured forward with Eduardo Salvio and Ola John threatening early on.
Despite the big build up, Benfica soaked up Sporting’s pressure and rarely looked threatening as the first half finished without any chances of note.
There was no great improvement to the action after the break despite the atmosphere in the Alvalade remaining as electric as it was from the first whistle. Twenty minutes into the second-half and Benfica replaced Ola John with Talisca.
Five minutes later saw the first big chance of the game. Jefferson’s cross from the left found André Carrillo whose header was well saved by Artur.
Ten minutes from time and Benfica won their first corner of the game as against Sporting’s ten corner kicks.
Sporting finally made the breakthrough with three minutes of normal time remaining. João Mario had his shot well saved by Artur but Jefferson however did incredibly well to finish on the rebound from an awkward angle. However defender Jardel came to the rescue for the Eagles with their first chance of note in the entire game to give Jorge Jesus’ team a hugely important point in their title challenge.
Jardel, who joined Benfica from Olhanense four-years-ago, powered home a close range effort deep into stoppage time to snatch a point that virtually ends Sporting’s title challenge. A goal in each half from Jackson Martinez and Casemiro gave FC Porto all three points at Moreirense.
FC Porto have cut the gap at the top to four points, and with Sporting now seven points behind the league leaders, it seems that Jardel’s late goal will see the Eagles and the Dragons battling it out for the title.
Elsewhere there were away wins for SC Braga and Belenenses whilst bottom club Gil Vicente recorded their first away win of the season in Madeira against Marítimo. In a six goal thriller at Arouca - three came in the last ten minutes - Rondon netted a hat-trick for Nacional in the 3-3 draw.