Jesus and Co. secure three points to turn up the heat ahead of the Lisbon derby

A minute's silence, the message "Força Chapecoense" and the Brazilian side's logo on Sporting CP's shirts was a moving tribute before this Saturday's hosting of V. Setúbal, in Estádio José Alvalade, after the tragic events in Colombia earlier in the week.

"Vamos, Vamos Chapê" was the song ringing out from the Alvalade stands for most of the second-half, in a show of solidarity that is spreading around the world of football.

Every season has a Supporters' Clubs match in Alvalade and this year it was the hosting of V. Setúbal. The players were understandably keen to please and a goal almost came after just 22 seconds, when Gelson picked out Bas Dost with a wire-guided cross that the Dutchman saw denied by the legs of goalkeeper Bruno Varela.

Six minutes later, with Gelson the instigator through a blazing run past his marker, Adrien Silva got a shot away that again called the visiting keeper into action. It ws a case of third time lucky though, as William Carvalho headed in from the resulting corner to open the scoring (1-0).

Jorge Jesus's charges continued to push the pace and Setúbal could do little but bunker down and tried to see out the attacking storm. The only change the visitors has before the break was in the 11th minute, when Rui Patrício smartly controlled after a shot from Amaral. Bas Dost had the ball in the back of the net with an effort that was canceled out with a dubious offside decision, before an absolute work of art from Bruno César (37') saw the Brazilian fire into the top corner from the edge of the area (2-0).

The second-half saw Sporting CP move into management mode, while V. Setúbal, who have already taken points off Benfica and FC Porto this season, pushed forward in search of a surprise. However their was little the visitors could do, with Rui Patrício in such brilliant form between the sticks. Vasco Costa looked to have pulled a goal back in the 61st minute, but a classy stop from point-blank range by the Alvalade stopper kept the margin at two.

Bas Dost (55') had another goal ruled out with an even more contentious decision, before the big Dutch striker blasted his last opportunity high over the bar after a cross from João Pereira.

At the final whistle, Sporting CP had secured a 13th consecutive undefeated home fixture (12 wins and 1 draw) and a 5th consecutive win. The result leaves Sporting CP just two points off Benfica, with Liga NOS top spot to de disputed in the coming Lisbon derby.