O Sporting had no major problems, on Saturday afternoon, to defeat Portimonense (3-0) and get even closer to winning the title of national champion, the 20th in its history. On a full house afternoon in Alvalade, the fans’ euphoria seems to have given extra breath to the Leo players who entered the match full throttle.
Paulinho, in the 13th minute, broke the deadlock and broke the Algarve’s resistance, but it was only in the 70th minute that Trincão scored the goal that calmed the fans (who were so eager for the title). Even before the final whistle, Viktor Gyokeres also scored, fixing the final result of a one-way game.
The numbers are categorical and Sporting now needs just two points to confirm what appears to be a title delivered several weeks ago. Furthermore, the lions can even celebrate this Sunday if Benfica fails to win on their visit to Famalicão.
Let’s go to the protagonists.
The figure
Paulinho He has been a secondary figure throughout this season for Sporting, but once again he was decisive, scoring and assisting, in addition to being one of the most enlightened units on the field. In the first goal he had the eye for appearing in the right place, while in the second he didn’t give up on the move and went to the line to cross, with the right measure, for his colleague Trincão.
The surprise
After being on the bench against FC Porto, Nuno Santos He jumped into the starting lineup and gave another life to Sporting’s left flank. He participated in the first two goals directly, being a real danger on the loose for the Algarve.
The disillusionment
Igor Formiga He had no trouble with all the work Paulinho and Gyokeres gave him. The Brazilian defender tried hard and even put up a fight, but invariably ended up beaten in almost every move. Too late to forget.
The coaches
Rúben Amorim
Sporting’s coach returned to his usual plan, albeit pulling Pote into midfield, and saw the players give a complete response, with a brilliant entry. In the second part he also knew how to change the timing, namely through the introduction of Daniel Bragança.
Paulo Sergio
The Algarve team started timidly in Alvalade, but in the second half, and already at a disadvantage, they dropped further back. A debatable approach for someone who needs points so much to stay in this First League.
The referee
The best compliment you can pay to a referee is that you barely noticed him on the field. That’s what happened with Iancu Vasilica, who was always very calm but never lost control of the players.
Read Also: “We hope Benfica slips up. But being champion is not enough”
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* Study by e Netsonda, Nov. and ten. 2023 product of the year – pt.com
