Sporting go top with 1-0 win at Estoril | OneFootball

An early goal by Luis Suárez was enough for Sporting to earn the three points at neighbours Estoril and ascend to joint top of the table – at least until Porto play Arouca on Monday.

The Lions dominated the first half and could have increased their lead against an Estoril team with just one win to their name this season, Suárez taking a certain goal off teammate Pedro Gonçalves’ foot, although at the other end it needed a sharp save from Rui Silva to deny Alejandro Marques after a crass mistake by Zeno Debast.

The second half was a non-event with Sporting seemingly conserving energy for their Champions League clash in Italy against Napoli on Tuesday, while the hosts were unable to carve out opportunities against a discipled visiting defence.

Sahir Bhojwani and Tom Kundert report from the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.

Rainy night on the Lisbon coast

The heavy rainfall made it difficult for any fluid passing sequences to occur in the opening minutes. Both teams attempted long balls into the opponent’s half early on. The first opportunity of the match fell to Morita in the eighth minute. Gonçalves’ corner landed at the Japanese midfielder’s feet, who plucked it out of the air. His attempt, however, went past the left post.

Sporting kept applying pressure and were rewarded in the 12th minute after Hjulmand played a beautiful diagonal cross-field pass that found Araújo charging down the left wing. The full-back did well to catch the ball in the air and angle it back towards Suárez, who was waiting in the box. The in-form striker took care of the rest, smashing a low shot into the right corner to open the scoring.

Holsgrove responded shortly after the goal, recording Estoril’s first shot on target. It was a powerful shot from the Scotsman, but aimed directly at Rui Silva, who was able to push it away.

The recalled Morita played a key role in the first 30 minutes, creating several chances and even firing a long-range effort just over the goal in the 23rd minute.

Mix-up prevents second Sporting goal

Quenda got involved in the 32nd minute, playing a beautiful one-two down the right wing to create some space for himself. The 18-year-old winger then placed a low cross into the six-yard box, which should’ve been put away. Gonçalves and Suárez both could’ve converted the chance, but ended up getting in each other’s way, and neither could apply the finishing touch, with the ball flying over the net after and both players lying on the floor after colliding.

Things went from bad to worse for the Estoril when Ricard Sánchez, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this season, limped off with an injury in the 34th minute.

Sporting continued to dominate in the possession and shots category. Suárez looked dangerous throughout the night, his speed and elusiveness causing problems for Estoril’s back line.

Rui Silva saves Debast’s blushes

A mistake from Debast in the 41st minute, however, almost allowed Estoril back into the game. The Belgian defender was careless, losing the ball just outside the box and allowing Alejandro Marqués an opportunity to level the match. The striker did well to snatch the ball off the defender and found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but his chip was well saved by Silva.

Carvalho then had another effort for Estoril, connecting with a brilliantly weighted long ball. The midfielder decided to take it first time, volleying a powerful shot across the goal. This time, though, it flew high and wide.

Second-half snore-fest

Sporting continued to push forward in the second half as they looked to close out this one and secure all three points.

Patrick de Paula picked up the first yellow of the match in the 48th minute, a sloppy lunge on Suárez. The Colombian was slow to get up, but managed to continue.

Kochorashvili, who was brought on at halftime, looked to play his part. The midfielder forced a good save from Robles in the 53rd minute, a goal that wouldn’t have counted though, as it was ruled to be offside.

Estoril’s manager Ian Cathro made a double change in the 64th minute, replacing Marqués  and de Paula, who were both on a yellow. Georgian midfielder Nodar Lominadze and forward André Lacximicant would have approximately 25 minutes to influence this game, which was still up for grabs.

Sporting answered with changes of their own. Quenda, Suárez and Vagiannidis making way for Iván Fresneda, Geny Catamo and Fotis Ioannidis in the 73rd minute.

Pedro Carvalho had a half-chance in the 76th minute, connecting with a corner from Hosgrove. His shot ballooned well over the goal.

Defences dominate

Estoril did their best to break a Sporting back four that have conceded just four goals in the league this season, but apart from a few tame crosses and some unsuccessful through balls into the box, they were unable to create that one quality chance to level the match.

The final whistle confirmed Sporting’s fourth straight win in all competitions and the Green and Whites will now wait to see how Porto respond on Monday. As for Estoril, it is not panic stations yet, but Ian Cathro will be keen to kick-start his season with a seemingly favourable run of fixtures in the immediate future.

Estoril 0-1 Sporting highlights

Estoril Praia: Joel Robles, Kévin Boma, Ferro, Felix Bacher, Ricard Sánchez (Pedro Carvalho, 34’), Jordan Holsgrove, Patrick de Paula (André Lacximicant, 64’), Pedro Amaral (Fabrício Garcia, 75’), Rafik Guitane (Yanis Begraoui, 75’), Alejandro Marqués (Nodar Lominadze, 64’), João Carvalho

Sporting: Rui Silva, Georgios Vagiannidis (Iván Fresneda, 73’), Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 46’), Morten Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda (Geny Catamo, 73’), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 83’), Luis Suárez (Fotis Ioannidis, 73’)