Liga Sagres wrap: Stunner sinks Sporting

A stunning goal from Samuel sparked Pacos de Ferreira to a shock 3-2 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Liga Sagres on Saturday.

Samuel – a product of Athletico Mineiro’s youth academy and on-loan at Pacos from the Brazilian club – produced an instant classic in the 28th minute at the Estadio Jose de Alvalade, prompting wild celebrations from his team-mates and disbelief from his opponents.

The 22-year-old defender, sitting deep as Pacos took a corner kick, collected a clearance at the edge of the centre circle, gathered and fired a sizzling, flat strike that curled away late and tucked inside the right post.

Stunned Sporting recovered to level the scores in the 42nd minute through Portugal international Liedson, who pounced on a rebound after Ferreira goalkeeper Cassio blocked a long-range attempt.

But the visitors were back in the lead two minutes later, with Manuel Jose converting from the penalty spot after Mario Rondon was felled in the area.

Diogo Salomao brought the Lisbon side level once more, winning a foot race to a deep through ball and clattering a left-footed strike past Cassio in the 62nd minute.

But Pacos would have the last laugh as young forward Pizzi one-timed Baiano’s cross inside the far post nine minutes from time.

Lisbon remain third on the Liga Sagres table after their three-match winning run was ended, while Ferreira improve to 11th.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Vitoria Guimaraes notched a hard-fought 1-0 win over Olhanense to stay within the Europa League places.

Former Academica midfielder Joao Ribeiro netted a 50th-minute winner for the hosts.

Olhanense move up into ninth on the table but could be as low as 12th once Sunday’s results are finalised.