Sporting CP 4-0 Rio Ave - Luis Suárez hat-trick keeps the Lions on pace in the Primeira Liga | OneFootball

Sporing Clube de Portugal kept up the pace in the Primeira Liga after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Rio Ave at Estádio José Alvalade.

Luis Suárez sent an early chance wide and Maxi Araújo was getting plenty of ball in attacking areas, both players involved in the opening goal in the 34th minute.

Araújo’s corner was headed towards the back post by João Simões, Suárez sneaking in and diverting the ball into the net.

Sotiris Sylaidopoulos introduced André Luiz at the break and the speedy Brazilian immediately posed problems for Sporting's defence. He was the only threat however, and couldn’t help the visitors register a single shot on target.

The Lions doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute following a great pass over the top from Suárez. Araújo racied onto the ball, took it past Cezary Miszta and squeezed it into the net.

Miszta did well to deny Fotis Ioannidis but the pressure was relentless. The third goal came on the hour mark, Trincão's corner headed home by Suárez .

Sporting made it 4-0 less than two minutes later after a horrendous kick off from Rio Ave saw them inexplicably lose the ball. Hjulmand and Ioannidis combined to send Trincão through on goal, his shot saved by Miszta with Suárez perfectly positioned to claim his hat-trick.

Rui Borges emptied his bench within 15 minutes and his side cruised to the finish line, a comprehensive performance that keeps Sporting on the heels of Primeira Liga leaders Porto.