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Rui Borges arrived at Sporting on December 26, 2024, taking over from João Pereira, who had unsuccessfully replaced Rúben Amorim at the helm of the Lions. Three days later, the Transmontano coach secured a 1-0 victory against Benfica. A roaring start, much like many others for the green and whites. The problem, however, lies in their finishes…
Indeed, after Sunday's 1-1 draw against Famalicão in Week 6 of the 2026/2027 Liga — Gonçalo Inácio scored an own goal in the 90+1st minute, with Famalicão down to ten men, squandering Suárez's 81st-minute penalty — the tally of squandered leads now stands at 16! Two this season, nine last season, and five in 2024/2025.
It all began in Guimarães in Week 17 of the 2024/2025 season. Sporting held leads of 1-0, 2-1, and 3-1, only to fall behind 3-4, a deficit partially salvaged by Trincão's 4-4 equalizer in the 90+5th minute. This match, in particular, saw the most dramatic swings in score. In total, these squandered advantages have resulted in 14 draws and two losses, the latter coming against Bayern in the Champions League and Vitória de Guimarães in the Allianz Cup. Three times these leads were lost at home, 12 times away, and once at a neutral venue, specifically the last one against Guimarães in Leiria. And seven of these were particularly painful blows, occurring after the 90th minute, with four more after the 80th.
Of the seven conceded in injury time, Salazar was responsible for two. Pedro Lima, like the Uruguayan now with the Lions, also contributed to a disappointment. Check out all 16 in the photo gallery below:
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