Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 2 Portimonense 1

Sporting Lisbon have cemented their Europa League place for next season after their 2-1 Liga Sagres win over Portimonense on Saturday.

With Porto having claimed the title in Portugal’s top flight, and Benfica being assured of their position to take the final Champions League spot, Sporting entered Saturday’s clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the knowledge that a win would guarantee their place in Europe next term.

Former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga opened the scoring in the 20th before Joao Pereira doubled the Lisbon side’s lead two minutes before the half-time interval.

Portimonense then pulled a goal back in the 67th minute via Peres, but they could not muster a much-needed result to aid their relegation battle.

The winning side then saw two players dismissed from the park, with Andre Santos collecting his second booking and scorer Pereira picking up a straight red card in the final 10 minutes.