Sporting is in the final of the Portuguese League Cup. This Wednesday, the team beat Santa Clara 2-1, turning around, and got the hard-fought classification for the decision, where they will face Benfica. The game was played on neutral ground, in Leiria.
Favorite in the duel, Sporting came out behind on the scoreboard. In the 32nd minute, Lincoln hit a beautiful free kick and opened the scoring with a low shot, in the corner of Adán’s goal.
Still in the first half, the alviverde team was looking for a tie. With 40 minutes of ball rolling, defender Mikel Villanueva pushed against his own goal and scored an own goal, taking the game into the break tied at 1-1.
In the second stage, Sporting pressed hard, in search of a comeback. At 19 minutes, the pressure took effect. The Santa Clara striker, Rui Costa, committed a penalty and received a red card. In the charge, Sarabia converted and turned the game around.
With the advantage on the scoreboard, Sporting managed the game, kept the ball at its feet and took few risks. Thus, the game ended in a 2-1 victory and qualification for the tournament final.
Sporting should return to the field this Saturday, at 16:45 (GMT), for the decision of the Portuguese League Cup, against Benfica. Santa Clara will play only next Wednesday, at 17:15 (Brasília time), against Boavista, for the Portuguese Championship.
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