Portugal round-up: Jardel double not enough
Saturday, March 2, 2002
Article summary
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 with SC Braga on Saturday but still lead the 1. Liga table.
Article body
Sporting Clube de Portugal threw away a two-goal lead against SC Braga on Saturday but still lead the way in the 1. Liga table.
Jardel double
Portugal's top scorer Mario Jardel opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just five minutes following a handball by Braga captain Artur Jorge. The Brazilian striker doubled Sporting's advantage two minutes later as he was on hand to tap home from close range after good work by João Pinto.
Barata equaliser
Ricardo Rocha reduced the arrears after 12 minutes as the defender headed home a driven corner. Barata drew Braga level five minutes before half-time as Sporting goalkeeper Tiago could only fumble José Barroso's free kick and the Brazilian striker was free to steer home the rebound.
Home defeat for Benfica
In Saturday's other match, SL Benfica were beaten 2-0 at home by UD Leiria. Maciel put the visitors in front at the Da Luz stadium in the 37th minute. Benfica goalkeeper Robert Enke made a magnificent save to deny Leiria but was helpless as Maciel struck with a fine overhead kick. Derlei made sure of the points in the 63rd minute, as his indirect free-kick beat Enke.
