Sporting thrash Rio Ave as Lions star bags a hat-trick (Videos) | OneFootball

Sporting defeated Rio Ave 4-0 this Sunday, December 28, in a match for the 16th round of Liga Portugal Betclic. Luis Suárez was the standout player of the game, scoring a hat-trick. Maxi Araújo also shone and found the back of the net.

In a duel played at Estádio José Alvalade, the Lions dominated the game against a very defensive opponent who tried to close off all routes to their goal. The first goal of the match came in the 34th minute. Maxi Araújo took a corner towards the near post. João Simões flicked the ball to the far post, where Luis Suárez tapped it into the back of the net.

In the second half, at 53', after an assist from the Colombian forward, Maxi Araújo found himself one-on-one with Cezary Miszta, rounded the opposing goalkeeper, and made it 2-0. The third goal came at 59'. Francisco Trincão took a corner towards the far post. Luis Suárez rose highest and, with a header, scored his second. The 4-0 came right after. Francisco Trincão shot from the heart of the area, forcing a save from the Polish goalkeeper. On the rebound, Luis Suárez made no mistake and completed his hat-trick.

With this victory – their 20th in 27 matches this season – Rui Borges's men now have 41 points and remain in second place in the Liga Portugal Betclic standings. Porto (43) is in first place but has one game less. Benfica is third with 36 points.

The green and white emblem will be back on the pitch next Friday, January 2, against Gil Vicente. The match, valid for the 17th round of the National Championship, will be played at 18:45 in Barcelos, against the team led by César Peixoto.

Goal by Maxi Araújo (2-0):

Goal by Luis Suárez (3-0):

Goal by Luis Suárez (4-0):

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.