Sporting CP produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Braga 3-1 at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, with Rodrigo Zalazar coming off the bench to inspire the turnaround. The match, played on 9 October 2026, saw Braga take a fortunate lead in the 41st minute when Denis Huseinbasic's long-range effort struck the post, rebounded off goalkeeper Rui Silva's back and into the net for an own goal. Sporting coach Rui Borges made a triple substitution at half-time, introducing Zalazar, Luis Suarez and Maxi Araujo, and the changes transformed the game. Nestory Irankunda crossed from the left for Suarez to head home the equaliser in the 66th minute. Five minutes later, Zalazar burst into the box from the right, and his cross was turned into his own net by Bernardo Fontes. Zalazar then sealed the win in the 82nd minute with a lung-busting solo run from midfield, beating a defender and firing low past the goalkeeper. The Uruguayan, who spent three seasons at Braga before joining Sporting for €30 million, did not celebrate against his former club. The win lifts Sporting to second place with 18 points, while Braga remain on 11. Can Sporting maintain this momentum and challenge Porto for the title.

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