Ledman LigaPro comes to a close with a draw in Braga

The Ledman LigaPro season game to a close with a 1-1 draw against Sp. Braga B this weekend, in a match which saw Luís Martins blood several new faces. In the end it was one of the youngsters who decided the result, with Rafael Leão netting on his senior debut in the dying stages.

Varzim's win against Famalicão guarantees Sporting CP B's place in II Liga

With a brilliant turn around triggered by the arrival of Luís Martins in the Sporting CP B hotseat, a much deserved place in next season's Ledman LigPro competition was secured by Varzim's 1-0 against Famalicão this weekend.

Luís Martins shakes of derby draw with praise for his players

Sporting CP B coach Luís Martins praised his side's attitude in the Lisbon reserve derby this Friday, despite the points being split at the final whistle: "We were well prepared. We didn't let the goals get to us and reacted really well. We didn't play our best quality football, but we can't do that 100% of the time of course. However, we got a point and this was only the first match in which we haven't won all three points at home. I am happy with our consistency and to see the players learning and growing. The lads are more confident now and ready to respond."

The Colombian striker Leonardo Ruiz mirrored his coach's comments: "We felt good and did our best. It was a realyl good match and we showed that we are well prepared for anything."

Lisbon reserve derby ends in a draw

Sporting CP B were held to a draw by SL Benfica B this Friday, after the team from Alvalade led twice.

The encounter got off to a well-disputed opening, with two similar set ups largely cancelling each other out. The first clear chance of the afternoon was made to wait until the 9th minute, when Leonardo Ruiz headed just wide of the post from inside the six-yard box. Gelson Dala did the same following a move down the right wing, before the Benfica defence just about managed to scramble away a lethal looking cross from Pedro Delgado in the 17th minute.

Three minutes alter Ruix and Delgado linked up to pick out Gelson Dala and the Angolan forward wasted little time in doing what he does best with his 12th goal in 16 Ledman LigaPro outings.

Some superb movement from Ruiz and Dala at the attacking end of the pitch kept Benfica chasing shadows and on 31 minutes Ruiz came close to making it 2-0 after some good play between Delgado and Bubacar Djaló.

Bilel found a yard of space and scuffed his attempt across goal, before João Félix responded down the other end with a chip that Silva did well to divert away. Sporting CP B looked to have secured the lead at the break, however a late strike from José Gomes levelled just before the referee called the players into the dressing room for half-time.

Sporting CP again took control at the restart, against a Benfica side that looked happy to make the most of the odd counter-attack. Escobar fired a free-kick over the bar, after Dala could have done better to score his second after an attack triggered by André Geraldes down the flank. Benfica threatened twice through Heriberto, but it was Sporting CP B who struck, with Escobar scooped up some sloppy possession to set up Leonardo Ruiz.

Benfica responded with an injection of pace and Empis did well to deny the visitors from an equaliser in the 74th minute. However, sixty seconds later José Gomes found the back of the net to restore the deadlock.

With two matches to play in Ledman LigaPro, Sporting CP B currently sits in 13th overall with 54 points.

Luís Martins happy with his side's performance, despite missing out to FC Porto B

Luís Martins took a moment to speak with the press after Sunday's loss to FC Porto B, reflecting on what he sees as a final result influenced by some dubious refereeing.

"It was a well-disputed match between two good teams, with a third team that I didn't think were in their best form. We could have done better, considering the chances we had. We didn't do very well in defence and we don't usually let in so many goals, even when we are down to 10 men. The sending off was the key moment for FC Porto B, but I give them credit for the result and applaud my players for keeping their cool when things started going against us", said Martins.

Also speaking at the final whistle was the Sporting CP B striker Leonardo Ruiz, who actually used to play for FC Porto B: "It was a hard game, the kind that every player loves to be involved in. We aren't happy with the result, but we are happy because we did out best. I was very welcome at FC Porto, but of course we are rivals on the pitch now."