Sporting lift Cinco Violinos Trophy v Monaco; new signing scores beauty | OneFootball

Sporting won the Five Violins Trophy by beating Monaco 2-0 on a special night at Alvalade, marked by the team’s presentation to the fans and Pedro Gonçalves’s farewell. Rafael Nel opened the scoring in the 54th minute, and new signing Jesse Derry sealed the result in the 68th.

Rui Borges’s side started with determination and took control of the match from the opening whistle. Flávio Gonçalves was one of the standout players in the first half, while Sergi Altimira once again impressed in midfield. Before the break, the Lions created several dangerous chances, with Zalazar, Rafael Nel, Geny Catamo and Flávio Gonçalves all threatening the goal defended by Hradecky, but they were unable to break the deadlock.

Despite a slight Monaco response towards the end of the first half, the French side rarely managed to trouble João Virgínia. Eduardo Quaresma was solid in defence and stopped one of the Monegasque side’s best attacking moves.

In the second half, Rui Borges introduced fresh options. Pedro Gonçalves, who is on his way out, was involved in the move for the first goal, playing in Luís Guilherme, who then set up Rafael Nel to open the scoring in the 54th minute. Shortly after, in the 68th minute, Jesse Derry scored on his debut with a finish of great quality that came off the post before going into the opposition’s net.

The night was also marked by Pote’s farewell to the Sporting fans. The Portugal international was honoured by the stands when he was substituted, bringing a memorable chapter at Sporting to a close. The victory added even more shine to the green-and-white celebrations.

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