LISBON, Portugal — Ventspils remain in contention to make the next round of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw with Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Sporting had been strong favorites going into the game having already beaten Ventspils in their own backyard but it was Ventspils who were making the early inroads with Alessandro Zamperini forcing home a header in the 15th minute to give the visitors a surprise lead. The header came from a Jurijs Laizans free-kick which looked to have been overcooked. Sporting were back on level pegging through Carlos Saleiro just seven minutes later.

Ventspils had limited opportunities for the remainder of the game as Sporting directed proceedings but it was perhaps the Latvians who were the unlucky team to only come away with the draw, coming close on their limited opportunities.

Following the draw, Sporting coach Paulo Bento handed in his resignation with his team currently relishing in a lowly eighth in the Portuguese domestic league, a position in which the Sporting faithful are not used to being in.