3 October 2006, by Tom Kundert

Nani shines in sparkling Sporting display

Sporting 2-0 Leiria

Heavy rain did not prevent a large crowd from turning out at Alvalade last night, and the supporters were treated to an excellent game of football.

A vibrant Sporting beat a lively Leiria team 2-0 to move level on points with Porto at the top of the table.

Nani continued his magnificent form by opening the scoring in the first half before winning a penalty in the second half that Liedson converted. It was the Brazilian’s first goal of the season.

In a bright opening from both teams Sougou shot powerfully but wide of the post for Leiria, while Liedson twice threatened, shooting over the bar before bringing an excellent reaction save out of goalkeeper Fernando.

On 18 minutes N’Gal jinked his way past two defenders and fired a superb shot at goal that Ricardo matched with an equally fine save, tipping the ball onto the bar. Play switched immediately to the other end where Liedson, who seemed determined to end his goal drought, again forced Fernando into action.

In the 33rd minute Sporting took the lead with Nani, fast emerging as a new superstar of Portuguese football, hitting the net for the fifth time this season. Joao Moutinho fed Alecsandro on the wing and the Brazilian’s well measured cross was fired into the net by the 19-year-old.

Nani goals

Nani has now scored three times in five Liga matches, to add to goals in the Champions League and on his full Portugal debut.

The second half began with a torrential downpour which inevitably had a negative effect on what had been a high-quality match up to that point. Ten minutes into the second period Eder tripped Nani in the box and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Liedson coolly slotted home the penalty to open his account for the season. After a flurry of substitutions Sougou broke into the box but Polga timed his challenge to perfection to snuff out the danger.

On 73 minutes Eder blatantly fouled Nani to cut out a Sporting counter-attack and was shown his second yellow card and subsequent red.

One minute later Liedson brought another sharp save out of Fernando with a header and in the 80th minute the two resumed their personal battle with the goalkeeper again coming out on top as he kept out a shot from point-blank range.

The win sends Sporting into the international break in good heart, with Paulo Bento’s team looking strong in second place both in the Liga and in their Champions League group.

Sporting:
Ricardo, Abel, Polga, Tonel, Caneira, Miguel Veloso, Nani, Joao Moutinho (Joao Alves, 84), Tello (Carlos Paredes, 58), Alecsandro (Djalo, 58), Liedson
Yellow Cards: Caneira (26), Miguel Veloso (67)

Leiria:
Fernando, Eder, Marcos Antonio, Valdomiro, Tixier, Paulo Gomes (Paulo Machado, 58), Harison, Hugo Faria, Sougou, Paulo Cesar (Slusarski, 68), N’Gal (Ivanildo, 35)
Yellow Cards: Harison (16), Hugo Faria (24), Tixier (42), Eder (55, 73), Ivanildo (90)
Red Cards: Eder (73)

Goals:
[1-0] Nani, 33
[2-0] Liedson, 57 (pen)