The Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon will be rocking this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as defending champions Sporting CP (2nd, 52 points) host FC Famalicão (6th, 32 points) in a vital Liga Portugal Matchday 22 encounter. Kick-off is set for 20:30 UTC.
Fresh off a high-stakes 1–1 draw against Porto on February 9, Sporting is determined to keep the pressure on the league leaders. Meanwhile, Famalicão is licking its wounds after a shocking 5–0 thrashing at the hands of Gil Vicente, making this trip to the capital a daunting test of their character.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | Liga Portugal (Matchday 22) |
| Date | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:30 UTC / 15:30 ET |
| Venue | Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon |
| Referee | TBD |
| TV Channel | Sport TV (Portugal) / GOLTV (US) |
Sporting CP: The Pursuit of Perfection
Under head coach Rui Borges, Sporting has transformed into an offensive machine, netting a league-high 55 goals this season. While the draw in Porto prevented them from taking the top spot, their unbeaten home record (8 wins, 1 draw) remains their greatest psychological weapon.
Team News and Selection:
Major Absences: The Lions are significantly weakened on the flanks. Nuno Santos (patellar tendon) and Geovany Quenda (metatarsal fracture) are long-term absentees. Pedro Gonçalves (muscle) and Zeno Debast (knee) are also ruled out.
The New Legend: With Gyökeres having moved on in previous seasons, veteran Luis Suárez has stepped into the spotlight, leading the team with 19 league goals (26 in all competitions).
Creative Core: Expect Francisco Trincão and Maximiliano Araújo to provide the service for Suárez, while Morten Hjulmand anchors the midfield.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Rui Silva; Matheus Reis, Inácio, Diomande; Vagiannidis, Hjulmand, Bragança, Araújo; Trincão, Luis Suárez, Luis Guilherme.
FC Famalicão: The Resilience Test
Famalicao’s season has been one of streaks. Currently sitting 6th, they have proven they can compete with the elite but are prone to defensive collapses, as seen in their recent 5-0 loss. Manager Hugo Oliveira will likely prioritize defensive solidity to avoid another embarrassment in Lisbon.
Team News and Selection:
Key Absences: Rafa Soares and Oscar Aranda are sidelined with injuries.
Defensive Anchor: Justin De Haas has been the most consistent performer in the backline, though he will face his toughest test yet against Suárez.
Attacking Threat: Gustavo Sá (4 goals) and the experienced Gil Dias will be the primary outlets if Famalicão hopes to catch Sporting on the break.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Carevic; Pinheiro, De Haas, Realpe, Pedro Bondo; Van de Looi, Zaydou Youssouf; Sorriso, Gustavo Sá, Gil Dias; Simon Elisor.
? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Lopsided History: Sporting has won 9 of the last 10 meetings between these two sides.
Home Fortress: The Lions have won their last 5 home matches against Famalicão.
Reverse Fixture: Sporting secured a 2–1 victory away at Famalicão back in September 2025.
Scoring Trends: Sporting has scored first in 16 of their last 17 matches across all competitions.
Tactical Preview and Prediction
Rui Borges will likely instruct his side to suffocate Famalicão from the first whistle. Despite missing the creative spark of "Pote" (Pedro Gonçalves), the raw power of Luis Suárez should be enough to overwhelm a Famalicão defense that looked fragile last week.
Famalicao will likely deploy a low block, hoping to frustrate the home crowd and find joy through Sorriso’s pace on the wings. However, given the talent gap and Sporting’s desperation to keep pace with Porto, a comfortable home win is the expected outcome.
Final Score Prediction: Sporting CP 3–0 Famalicão
