(Reuters) -Sporting will have to wait until the final day of the Primeira Liga season as they bid to retain their title after being held to a 1-1 draw at second-placed rivals Benfica on Saturday.

The Portuguese capital pair started the match level on points but Sporting, with the advantage due to their head-to-head record, edged closer to a 21st league title when Francisco Trincao fired them into the lead after four minutes.

Benfica equalised in the 63rd through Kerem Akturkoglu's tap-in from close range after Vangelis Pavlidis sliced through Sporting’s defence with a dazzling solo run, bringing the home crowd at the Estadio da Luz back to life.