Nick Powell pounced two minutes into stoppage time as relegation-threatened Stoke salvaged a 1-1 draw at Reading on their return to Sky Bet Championship action.
After a poor opening, Stoke went behind in the seventh minute when Reading striker Lucas Joao guided home smoothly from 10 yards.
Tom Ince wasted Stoke’s best chance of a first-half equaliser and Reading almost increased their lead when John Swift struck the crossbar early in the second period.
However, Powell struck in the second minute of stoppage time to give Stoke a point.
Stoke manager Michael O’Neill tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month but spent a period in self-isolation and he returned to training on Friday and was present in the dugout at Madejski Stadium.
Before kick off, a minute’s applause was held in tribute to the NHS frontline workers.
Also, players and staff from both clubs and the match officials “took a knee” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
At a near-empty Madejski, as per the virus protocols, O’Neill’s side made a sluggish start.
It was his first appearance since New Year’s Day – after recovering from a long-term hamstring problem – and his sixth strike for Reading this season.
The Portuguese striker also scored a goal for Sheffield Wednesday – against Reading – back in August before moving to the Berkshire club.
Joao went off injured before half time, during which O’Neill decided to bring on substitutes James McClean and Danny Batth.
Stoke almost went further behind when Swift’s sweetly struck free-kick from just outside the area thumped against Butland’s bar.
Reading also experienced a fortunate escape after Campbell’s deflected shot evaded Rafael and brushed off an upright.
However, Stoke did get their reward when Powell headed home from close range from James Chester’s nod-down.
