May 12 – Sporting Lisbon have been crowned Portuguese champions for the first time in 19 years after a 1-0 victory against Boavista, ending Porto and Benfica’s dominance of the domestic scene.
Paulinho’s single strike delivered delirium to a club that has long been the sullen minnow of Portugal’s giant three, but following tempestuous times under Jorge Jesus when dozens of fans with their faces covered forced their way into the team’s training complex and assaulted players and staff, Sporting have breathed new life under young coach Ruben Amorim.
This season they have remained unbeaten and a narrow victory, one of many, against Boavista was enough to end a near two-decade wait for the league crown. Sporting are eight points clear of Porto with two games to play.
Thousands of Sporting fans flocked to the streets to celebrate the league title, even if local authorities had cautioned against it due to the global health crisis. Porto have won 11 titles and Benfica seven since Sporting last lifted the trophy 19 years ago.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714161005labto1714161005ofdlr1714161005owedi1714161005sni@o1714161005fni1714161005