Sporting CP B came from behind to beat Leixoes 2-1 in Liga Portugal 2 on 31 October 2026, producing a mature second-half response at the Estádio do Mar. Leixões started brightly and took the lead, but Sporting’s reserve side grew into the game after the break and turned the contest around with two well-taken goals.

Match overview

Leixões began with intensity and looked to press Sporting CP B high up the pitch. The approach paid off when André Simões opened the scoring, finishing a quick attacking move that caught the visitors’ back line out of shape. Sporting CP B responded well before half-time, keeping possession and probing the flanks, but the equaliser did not arrive until after the restart. Once Afonso Moreira levelled, the visitors looked the more likely side to win, and Rafael Nel completed the comeback with a composed finish in the closing stages.

Key moments

• 18' – Leixões take the lead: André Simões converted from the edge of the box after a neat exchange on the left.
• 36' – Sporting CP B respond: A header from a corner was cleared off the line as the visitors began to build pressure.
• 57' – The equaliser: Afonso Moreira cut inside from the right and curled a low effort beyond the goalkeeper.
• 83' – The winner: Rafael Nel finished first-time after a flowing move through midfield, sealing a 2-1 away win.

Tactical story

Leixões’ early pressing disrupted Sporting CP B’s rhythm, but the visitors adjusted by dropping their midfielders deeper and creating overloads on the wings. Sporting’s second-half substitutions added energy in the final third, and their patient build-up eventually pulled Leixões out of position. The home side pushed for an equaliser late on, but Sporting CP B defended their box with discipline and managed the game well in the final minutes.

Standout players

Moreira was the catalyst for Sporting CP B, combining direct running with an important goal. Nel’s movement stretched the Leixões defence, while the midfield trio grew stronger as the match progressed. Leixões’ Simões was their brightest spark, but the home side could not maintain the intensity of their opening half-hour.

Season impact

The away win gives Sporting CP B a valuable boost in the Liga Portugal 2 table and highlights the depth of the club’s development pathway. For Leixões, the defeat is a frustrating one after a promising start, and they will need to respond quickly in the coming fixtures. Sporting CP B’s ability to win after conceding first will be especially encouraging for the coaching staff.