Sporting CP draws 2-2 with Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal opener

Sporting CP drew 2-2 against Estrela da Amadora in their opening match of the 2026/27 Liga Portugal season. After a scoreless first half, Sporting took a commanding 2-0 lead in the second half with goals from Rodrigo Zalazar and Fotis Ioannidis.

However, Estrela da Amadora staged a comeback in the final stages of the match. Leandro Antonetti reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute, and Beni Souza secured the equalizer in the 84th minute following a mistake by Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva.

Following the match, Liga Portugal announced it will issue a negative assessment regarding the condition of the pitch at Estádio José Gomes, citing high temperatures that caused the turf to regress. Estrela da Amadora coach Pepa expressed satisfaction with his team's resilience, noting they had opportunities to win the game.