 06-02-2010
Sporting, 1 - Académica, 2
Sporting was unable to take maximum points away from the clash the visiting Académica (1-2), despite João Moutinho netting for the Lions on 24 minutes.
Carlos Carvalhal handed Pedro Mendes his debut with a place in the starting XI, while Sinama-Pongolle, Matias Fernandez and Vukcevic also all found a place in Sporting's opening line-up.
Sporting started the game looking for a goal, as Vukcevic came close on two occasions in the opening exchanges. It was, however, Académica that took the lead, as a free kick from 30 yards out took a bounce in front of the diving Rui Patrício to leave the shot-stopper to pick the ball out of the net.
Following the opening goal, Académica fell back under a wave of good Sporting pressure; with the hosts beginning to c reate space in the final third. Just 24 minutes had past when Liedson found a lone João Pereira on the right wing; who whipped in a cross for Moutinho to slot home at the far post. Half-time result: 1-1
With the second half underway, Sporting continued to press. A goal, however, was proving difficult to come by. Liedson could have given the Lions the lead on 52 and 57 minutes, but for two saves by Ricardo.
In mirroring the first half, Académica managed to snatch another goal from their first shot. João Ribeiro worked space on the edge of the area following a quick transition from defence to attack to leave Rui Patrício beaten for the second time on the night.
With Sporting trailing, Carvalhal threw Saleiro, Pereirinha and Hélder P ostiga into the mix. Carlos Saleiro could have snatched the spoils in the dying stages, but the substitute's header was cleared off the line by Amoreirinha as it was making its way into an empty net. As Pedro Henriques whistled for full time, Académica were left to enjoy there first victory on the road this season.
Sporting returns to action in Alvalade, as Benfica visit in the semi-finals of the League Cup.
SPORTING, 1
Rui Patrício, João Pereira, Tonel, Polga and Leandro Grimi; Pedro Mendes, João Moutinho, Simon Vukcevic, Matias Fernandez; Liedson and Sinama-Pongolle.
Coach: Carlos Carvalhal.
Unused substitutes: Bruno Pereirinha, Abel, Carlos Saleiro, Pedro Silva, Adrien Silva, Hélder Postiga and Ricardo Baptista.
Cards: none.
Goal: João Moutinho (24 m).
Académica, 2
Ricardo; Pedro Costa, Berger, Orlando and Emídio Rafael; Nuno Coelho, Tiero, Diogo Gomes (Vouho, 45 m) and Cris (Amoreirinha, 78 m); Sougou and João Ribeiro (Lito, 69 m).
Coach: André Villas-Boas.
Unused substitutes: Rui Nereu, Hélder Cabral, Bru e André Fontes.
Cards: yellow, Sougou (86 m).
Goals: Orlando (3 m) and João Ribeiro (60 m).
Liga Sagres - Matchday 18
2010-02-06 Estádio José Alvalade.
Referee: Pedro Henriques (Lisbon).
Assistant referees: Gabínio Evaristo and Hernâni Fernandes.
Half time result: 1-1.
Text: Jorge Vicente
Photos: Pedro Cruz
Translation: Michael B. Risley |
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