Rui Patrício and Paul Baysse shine in goal in a well disputed final pre-season friendly

Sporting were held to a 0-0 draw in the final pre-season friendly this Friday evening, in a match which had its fair share of opportunities for both sides.

Contrary to Thursday night's encounter against Betis, Sporting made a sluggish start, allowing Nice to create two early chances. However, the French side fired both shots off target.

The earning shots shook Sporting up and Jorge Jesus' side began to battle their way higher up the pitch. On 21 minutes, Adrien and João Mário linked up well and set up Bryan Ruiz, but the Costa Rican's chipped effort was unable to beat the Nice keeper. A minute later, Schelotto was released down the right flank by William Cavalho and the wing-back picked out Bryan Ruiz, but again he was unable to finish.

The team from Alvalade continued to dominate possession, but without breaking the Nice backline. Faced by a stubborn French defence, Sporting resorted to shots from range, first through Bruno César and then from Alan Ruiz. The last chance of the half fell to the French from the penalty spot, but Rui Patrício pulled off one of his typically brilliant stops from 12 yards to keep the scoreboard black.

Jorge Jesus rang the chances at the break, bringing off Adrien and Bruno César for Petrovic and Gelson Martins, while also shifting João Mário into the middle in support of Alan Ruiz and pushing Bryan Ruiz out to the left. It was Nice however who had the first big chance of the half, after Rúben Semedo miss timed his clearance attempt. However, the French side were once again unable to find the back of the net.

Four minutes from time Nice could have finished it, but Rui Patrício thought differently and made a fine save. The game should have been decided on penalties, However Nice voluntarily conceded defeat and the win was given to Sporting.