# Sporting CP squad adjustments and Braga match results > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sporting-cp-squad-integration-and-youth-evaluation > Updated: 2026-10-08T16:57:30.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Sporting CP has transitioned from squad evaluation and youth integration into competitive match adjustments for their Liga Portugal Betclic campaign. Following a period of testing academy prospects such as Rodrigo Dias and Paulo Cardoso, manager Rui Borges implemented specific tactical changes for an eighth-round match against SC Braga. Due to player suspensions and fatigue management following international duties, Borges adjusted the starting lineup. Notably, Eduardo Quaresma was selected to defend alongside Gonçalo Inácio to cover for the suspended Zeno Debast. To preserve energy for upcoming Champions League fixtures, the club opted to rest players including Maxi Araújo, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo Zalazar. The starting eleven for the Braga encounter also featured Silas Andersen and Fotis Ioannidis. Despite the initial rotation, Sporting CP secured a 3-1 comeback victory against SC Braga. After falling behind in the 41st minute due to an own goal by Rui Silva, Sporting utilized impactful substitutions to turn the match around. Luis Suárez equalized in the 66th minute with a header, marking his seventh consecutive scoring match. A play by Rodrigo Zalazar led to a second own goal by Bernardo Fontes in the 71st minute, before Zalazar scored the final goal in the 82nd minute to seal the win. The victory moves Sporting into second place in the league standings with 18 points, trailing leader FC Porto by three points. Coach Rui Borges praised the team’s attitude and the impact of his substitutes, specifically highlighting Zalazar, while noting the difficulty of managing players returning from international duty. Following the match, SC Braga expressed significant dissatisfaction with the officiating. Club president António Salvador criticized a perceived missed penalty in the 49th minute and described the conduct of Arbitration Council leader Luciano Gonçalves as a ‘surrealist spectacle.’ ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Sporting CP defeats SC Braga 3-1 in Liga Portugal comeback Sporting CP defeated SC Braga 3-1 in Liga Portugal, led by goals from Luis Suárez and Rodrigo Zalazar. Braga has formally protested officiating errors and the conduct of arbitration leadership. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sporting-cp-evaluates-youth-players-amid-squad-changes ### 2026-10-03: Sporting CP integrates returning internationals and youth prospects Sporting CP players Geny Catamo and Nestory Irankunda have returned from international duty, while youth prospect Paulo Cardoso scored in a 1-0 closed-door training victory against Atlético. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sporting-cp-integrates-returning-internationals-and-youth-prospects --- Cite as: Sporting CP squad adjustments and Braga match results. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sporting-cp-squad-integration-and-youth-evaluation