A 1-4 aggregate win over Rio Ave FC takes the team to Jamor

Sporting Clube de Portugal secured their place in the Taça de Portugal final with a 1-2 win over Rio Ave FC in the second leg of the semifinals. They progressed 1-4 on aggregate and will now play against either SL Benfica or FC Tirsense on May 25th.

Having already won 2-0 at Alvalade, Sporting CP came to Paços de Ferreira looking to extend their advantage and make it to Jamor for the second consecutive season.

To face Rio Ave FC at their ‘borrowed home’ of the Estádio Capital do Móvel – due to the damage caused by the ‘Martinho depression’ at the Estádio dos Arcos – Rui Borges opted for four changes to his starting lineup. Pedro Gonçalves enjoyed a first starting role since his five months injury absence, and Jeremiah St. Juste, Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda also came in. Furthermore, after serving a suspension, Conrad Harder was back available and started on the bench.

Rio Ave FC kept the ball at the beginning of the game and even had a first chance through Clayton, saved by Rui Silva.

For Sporting CP, a shot across from Matheus Reis forced goalkeeper Cesary Miszta to go to the ground to save. Miszta also got the better of a one-on-one with Viktor Gyökeres.

However, in the 11th minute, Gonçalo Inácio struck with a close-range header from a corner by Zeno Debast, flicked on at the near post by Gyökeres.

Controlling the play, Sporting CP were linking up well and finding ways out from the back to attack, but whilst they continued to get into the opponent's area, they struggled to finish. ‘Pote’ saw a shot blocked and Gyökeres headed the ball over the bar.

Rio Ave FC tried to open play up after the half-hour. A move that started with Clayton in an offside position – which was later flagged – forced Rui Silva to block from André Luiz, who shot wide after a clearance in the area from another opportunity.

At half-time, Geny Catamo was brought on to replace Pedro Gonçalves. He had practically an immediate impact, as the score was increased to 0-2 after 50 minutes. After having already tried his luck once, on the second attempt Miszta had to stretch to prevent the Mozambican from scoring. As he spilled the ball, the opening allowed Gyökeres to convert the rebound for his 48th goal of the season -his fourth in this Taça de Portugal.

Ricardo Esgaio was immediately introduced to take Debast's place in midfield. Harder and Biel Teixeira also came on, in the 67th minute, for Francisco Trincão and Gyökeres.

A powerful shot from the home team's Ole Pohlmann struck the upright and served as a warning to Sporting CP. Practically immediately after, the confirmation came. A quick move put through André Luiz to make it 1-2.

Although Rio Ave FC grew in confidence, Sporting CP got back in control shortly afterwards, with a dangerous run into the area by Fresneda which was only stopped by Miszta. He also denied Harder from a one-on-one, quickly diving at his feet.

In a last-ditch effort, the home team had a shot from outside the area saved by Rui Silva, but there would be no comeback. Sporting CP booked their place in the final, where they will look for their 18th Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Jeremiah St. Juste (Maxi Araújo, 83’), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Ricardo Esgaio, 53’), Francisco Trincão (Biel Teixeira, 67’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geny Catamo, 46’), Viktor Gyökeres (Conrad Harder, 67’)