Sporting Lisbon Faces Challenge from Estoril Praia in Primeira Liga Showdown

Lisbon, Portugal — Sporting Lisbon will take on Estoril Praia on March 3, 2025, at 8:15 PM UK time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade as part of Primeira Liga Gameweek 24. The Lions come into this match looking to build on their recent cup success, having won against Gil Vicente in the Taca de Portugal quarter-finals.

Sporting managed a crucial 1-0 victory to end a five-game winless streak across all competitions. The decisive goal came in the 68th minute, allowing them to progress to the semi-finals. Despite this win, they still search for their first league victory in three outings, following consecutive draws, including a recent 2-2 stalemate against AVS last weekend. This has reduced Sporting’s lead at the top of the table to just one point ahead of second-placed Benfica due to goal difference.

With 53 points, Sporting Lisbon’s commanding six-point gap has evaporated, increasing the urgency to claim a victory against Estoril Praia. Sporting has been strong at home, winning nine of their 11 league matches at Alvalade, earning them 28 points out of a possible 33 on home turf. Furthermore, they have historically dominated this matchup, winning their last seven encounters against Estoril, including a 3-0 victory in September.

Conversely, Estoril arrives in good form, winning six of their last eight matches and harboring hopes of concluding their winless streak against Sporting that dates back to 2018 when they last claimed a victory in this fixture. In the last ten visits to the Estadio Jose Alvalade, Estoril has only secured one win, suffering eight defeats and one draw.

In their last match, Estoril defeated Rio Ave 2-1, which lifted them to seventh place in the standings with 34 points, still 13 points away from European qualification places. While Sporting must manage several injuries, including doubts over their key players, Estoril will benefit from a fully fit squad, giving their manager a wide array of options.

Sporting’s injury woes include long-term absentees, and while recently injured players face uncertain participation, their leading scorer remains a key figure who aims to extend his tally of 23 goals. Estoril manager Cathro will likely field a strong lineup, including a player recently recovered from illness.

The match presents an interesting dynamic for both teams. Sporting is under pressure to secure points to maintain their position at the top of the league, while Estoril, with a clean bill of health, will look to capitalize on any weaknesses displayed by the hosts. As the season edges closer to its conclusion, this encounter is critical for both clubs’ ambitions.