Sporting CP dominate, only to be frustrated by an inspired Casillas

Both Jorge Jesus and Nuno Espírito Santo rang the changes for the weekend's classic, with Matheus Pereira starting for Sporting CP and Soares making his debut. The difference between the two sides at the final whistle rested largely on the former Vit. Guimarães' killer instinct in front of goal, as well as some brilliant saves from Casillas in the second-half.

Sporting CP's efforts to bring the points back to Lisbon were dealt a heavy blow after just six minutes, when Corona whipped in a deep cross that Soares headed on after beating the off-side trap.

The strike shook a sense of urgency into Sporting CP's attacking play, but Casillas was on hand time nad time again to frustrate Jorge Jesus' side. FC Porto rarely created clear opportunities to extend their lead, but Soares again did the damage just before the break, linking up with a pass from Brahimi to make it 2-0.

After the restart and with Alan Ruiz on for Matheus Pereira, Sporting CP began to peg FC Porto back and chances soon followed. First it was Bryan Ruiz, with a header pushed away by Casillas, before Gelson Martins fired a shot high and wide after controlling well.

Sporting CP's dominance finally got its reward on the hour mark, with a fantastic strike from Alan Ruiz after controlling with his chest from a Bas Dost pass. Coates, who just this week secured a permanent move to Alvalade, looked to have equalised minutes later, but Casillas got down well to turn his header around the post.