Luis Suárez and Rodrigo Zalazar inspire Sporting’s comeback win over Braga

Sporting came from behind to beat Braga 3-2 on Friday, at the start of the eighth round of the Primeira Liga. Luis Suárez and Uruguay’s Rodrigo Zalazar were the leading figures in the win, which returned Sporting to winning ways after two consecutive draws.

With Braga on top early in the second half, Sporting turned to Suárez and Uruguayans Maxi Araújo and Zalazar. All three had started on the bench after recent commitments with their national teams. The changes made an immediate impact: Suárez headed in the equaliser in the 66th minute, making it seven consecutive matches in which he has scored, including one in the Champions League.

Sporting moved ahead in the 71st minute, making it 2-1 through an own goal, with Zalazar involved in the move. The Uruguayan, jeered on his return to face his former team, then scored in the 82nd minute to make it 3-1. Sporting eventually won 3-2.

The result puts Sporting second on 18 points, two ahead of Benfica, who face Vitória de Guimarães on Sunday. Seventh-placed Braga are moving further away from their target of reaching the podium.