Gonçalves strikes twice in a 2-1 win over Varzim SC

A return to action after the international break saw Sporting Clube de Portugal edge past Varzim SC in the Taça de Portugal, with a 2-1 win taking them through to the Round of 16. A brace from Pedro Gonçalves included a late strike that put the team back in front, and earned a ninth consecutive victory for the side.

As is customary in the cup, coach Rúben Amorim changed six players from the starting XI against Paços de Ferreira: João Virgínia, Gonçalo Esteves, Zouhair Feddal, Daniel Bragança, Bruno Tabata and Jovane Cabral all began the match, with Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio and Sebastián Coates all out of the squad entirely, and João Palhinha,

Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Gonçalves on the bench. Rúben Vinagre, Manuel Ugarte and Tiago Tomás (with tonsillitis) were missing, with André Paulo and José Marsá included in the squad.

Varzim SC had already eliminated top flight side CS Marítimo in the competition, but were on the back foot against Sporting CP from the start. Width on the wings was the main weapon for the home team, as Varzim SC packed the midfield.

The visitors did, however, create a good opportunity on a quick transition, albeit safely defended by the back line. Sporting CP's first chance was in the 25th minute, when Tabata fired a shot from a distance that Ismael Lekbab had to keep out, before also needing to fly across to prevent a Bragança strike.

In a frantic finale to the first half, Jovane hit the crossbar with a direct free kick, with Matheus Reis missing the rebound. In a one-on-one, an inspired Lekbab got the better of Matheus Nunes; and Virgínia also caught a dangerous shot from Zé Ferreira to keep things 0-0 at half time.

Right at the start of the second half, after Tabata couldn't find a finish inside the area, Matheus Reis rushed in and shot straight at Lekbab.

On 57 minutes, Jovane would go off injured, with Pedro Gonçalves on  to replace him. It was he who finally broke the deadlock, ten minutes after his introduction: In the right place at the right time, he chased a loose ball in the six yard box and made it 1-0 with a poke across the line.

However, in the 77th minute, a Varzim SC side who had not yet caused danger in the second half won a penalty and Heliardo levelled.

Os Leões looked for the advantage again, and pushed the visiting team further and further back. With less than five minutes remaining, Porro was brought down in the area, and this time around it was Gonçalves who elected to take the spot kick. He stood firm, and converted to seal a 2-1 win.

The team will be in action at the Estádio José Alvalade again next Wednesday, November 24th (8pm), in an important UEFA Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GR], Gonçalo Esteves (Pedro Porro 67'), Ricardo Esgaio, Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Reis, Nuno Santos (Luís Neto 89'), Daniel Bragança [C], Matheus Nunes, Bruno Tabata (Pablo Sarabia 67'), Jovane Cabral (Pedro Gonçalves 57') and Paulinho.

A 0-4 win over CF “Os Belenenses” earns progress to the Fourth Round

Sporting Clube de Portugal earned a place in the Fourth Round of the Taça de Portugal with a 0-4 win against CF “Os Belenenses” on Friday night.

It was Os Leões' return to Estádio do Restelo after three years away, playing the team who currently ply their trade in the Campeonato de Portugal. Rúben Amorim gave full debuts to João Virgínia and Gonçalo Esteves, a first start to Ugarte, and welcomed back Pedro Gonçalves after a month and a half out through injury.

Beginning their quest for an 18th Taça de Portugal, Sporting CP needed just one chance to open their account in front of goal. A slick move begun by Gonçalo Inácio at the back saw Vinagre break through, crossing low into the box for Tiago Tomás to convert to make it 0-1.

Spurred on by the early goal, they continued to go forward and enjoyed another opportunity when Vinagre picked out Jovane Cabral, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Feddal headed an effort over, and Gonçalves was unsuccessful from close range.

The first half was one-way traffic, and just before the interval Tomás and Inácio were both denied by opposition stopper Marcelo Valverde.

CF “Os Belenenses” had a resurgence in the initial minutes of the second half, but there was soon a return to the script of the first period. Gonçalves struck wide from a free kick, and Gonçalo Esteves had a powerful shot tipped out for a corner.

Coach Amorim brought on Pedro Porro and Nuno Santos for Esteves and Gonçalves in his first changes, just before Sporting CP extended their lead: A corner kick from the left was knocked on by Feddal for Tomás to dive at the ball to convert.

Just ten minutes after coming on, Porro would be stretchered off following a heavy challenge. He was replaced by Matheus Nunes, whilst Feddal made way for Matheus Reis.

A pair of penalties confirmed the victory for Sporting CP, as first Jovane Cabral and then Nuno Santos converted from the spot.

A footnote for a 0-4 win was provided with the debut of João Goulart, as Sporting CP finished the game with six academy products on the pitch.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio (João Goulart, 83'), Zouhair Feddal (Matheus Reis, 75'), Gonçalo Esteves (Pedro Porro, 63' and Matheus Nunes, 75'), Manuel Ugarte , Daniel Bragança [C], Rúben Vinagre, Pedro Gonçalves (Nuno Santos, 63'), Jovane Cabral and Tiago Tomás.

Os Leões will play at the Estádio do Restelo in the Third Round

Sporting Clube de Portugal will take on CF “Os Belenenses” in the Third Round of the Taça de Portugal.

The draw took place at the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol headquarters on Wednesday, at the Cidade do Futebol.

The match, against the side currently third in Série E of the Campeonato de Portugal, will be held on the weekend of October 16th-17th, at the Estádio do Restelo.

Eighteen Primeira Liga clubs enter the competition in the Third Round.