Sporting is the first finalist in the 2024/25 League Cup. The lions will argue for the title of winter champion next Saturday, after beating FC Porto (1-0) in the semi-finals of the final four of the competition, which takes place in Leiria. Viktor Gyökeres decided the match.
The demand of the challenge made the two coaches look at those who provide more guarantees and less at the possible idea of giving opportunities in a game that was worth being in a final. Still, Vítor Bruno changed a piece in the middle, in addition to changing the goal, while Rui Borges surprised with the bet on Iván Fresneda on the right flank.
Lots of respect, few ideas
The first part really comes down to this: respect, yes, on both sides. Ideas, few. Very few. The two teams fit together from a tactical point of view and did not force much pressure, which made the game often monotonous and played very far from the two goals.
FC Porto showed the first signs of danger due to a more aggressive stance in the transition moments, driven by the irreverence of young Rodrigo Mora, who served brilliantly for Nico's wasted shot (19') and also tried his luck. (29'). Without success.
On the other side of the field, Sporting were looking for a game of patience, even after the setback suffered in the 14th minute, when Matheus Reis had to leave due to injury, giving way to Quenda, who entered the attack and sent Maxi Araújo to the side. left. At intervals the lions explored Gyökeres' verticality, but the Porto defense showed no signs of opening.
It was necessary to wait until the last minutes of the first half for the first signs of danger from Rui Borges' team. First Gyökeres (41') was inches away from the goal and then it was Quenda's turn (45+1') to test Cláudio Ramos' reflexes, with the young lion's shot deflecting off Eustaquio and making the Porto goalkeeper's task difficult.
Champagne football
The break was a good advisor for Sporting. The Lisbon team emerged for the second half much more incisive in their actions and making the game much more complicated for the dragons. Maxi Araújo and Quenda took the lead and caused a lot of headaches for the blue and white defensive line.
This greater boldness, combined with the organization of Rui Borges' pieces on Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, resulted in the inevitable goal of Viktor Gyökeres, in the 56th minute, in a move that deserves to be seen and reviewed again and again, with particular emphasis on Quenda's sublime pass – completely surrounded by opponents – for the Swedish striker to finish.
Vítor Bruno tried to change the game's history with the various substitutions made over the last half hour of the game, but did not reap any results. The best he managed was a mid-range shot from Otávio that was safely saved by Franco Israel. All in all, Sporting wins and advances to the League Cup final, where they will face Benfica or SC Braga.
Melhor em campo Flash score: Morten Hjulmand (Sporting)
