Sporting's hopes of a sustained title challenge were damaged on Sunday night after a 1-1 draw at Académica.
The Lisbon outfit are now six points behind joint leaders, FC Porto and Benfica.
A lively game produced chances for both sides throughout the ninety minutes.
Sporting striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel must be wondering how he failed to score, missing three one-on-one opportunities with just Académica goalkeeper Peiser to beat.
The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute as Ederzito finished off a rapid counter-attack, knocking Diogo Valente's cross into the net at the second post.
The visitors piled on the pressure in the second half, and eventually got their reward when Elias latched onto a rebound to level the scores with ten minutes remaining.
Shortly afterwards Elias was sent off as he picked up two yellow cards in a 4-minute spell, and Sporting's head of steam was deflated.
With two points dropped, Sporting's first two matches after the Christmas break, at home to Porto and away to Braga, will probably decide whether or not they can be considered genuine title challengers this season.
A lively game produced chances for both sides throughout the ninety minutes.
Sporting striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel must be wondering how he failed to score, missing three one-on-one opportunities with just Académica goalkeeper Peiser to beat.
The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute as Ederzito finished off a rapid counter-attack, knocking Diogo Valente's cross into the net at the second post.
The visitors piled on the pressure in the second half, and eventually got their reward when Elias latched onto a rebound to level the scores with ten minutes remaining.
Shortly afterwards Elias was sent off as he picked up two yellow cards in a 4-minute spell, and Sporting's head of steam was deflated.
With two points dropped, Sporting's first two matches after the Christmas break, at home to Porto and away to Braga, will probably decide whether or not they can be considered genuine title challengers this season.
