Yannick Djalo fires Sporting towards Champions League

Pacos de Ferreria 0-1 Sporting

Sporting scored a crucial win at struggling Pacos de Ferreira yesterday to put themselves in an excellent position to qualify directly for next season’s Champions League.

Yannick Djalo’s well executed first-half goal proved the difference between the sides in a keenly contested match. The Lions need just a draw in their final match at home to Boavista to ensure second place. Pacos go into the last weekend of the season needing to beat Leiria away and hope that Leixoes lose at home to Maritimo in order to stay in the top flight.

Sporting started strongly, with Miguel Veloso continuing his fine recent form at the heart of midfield. Veloso released Djalo for an early chance, with the young striker hitting a fierce shot just past the post from a tight angle.

Romagnoli then cut in from the wing and released an excellent low shot that brought a fine diving stop out of Pecanha.

Pacos hit back and midway through the half came close to taking the lead when Edson beat Tonel and rounded goalkeeper Rui Patricio, but his low shot lacked power and Tonel was able to recover to hack the ball off the goal line.

Crossbar rattled

The hosts were now causing Sporting plenty of problems as they searched for the victory they so desperately needed. In the 28th minute the visitors had another let-off when Cristiano hit a rasping shot that shook the crossbar.

In a packed Mata Real the sun-drenched fans were being treated to some fine play from both teams, despite the tension in the air due to the fact so much was riding on the result. Sporting’s large travelling contingent exploded in joy in the 34th minute as the Lions took the lead.

Miguel Veloso swung in a free kick from the left and Vukcevic headed back to strike partner Djalo, who produced a fine overhead kick to fire the ball past Pecanha and into the net.

The goal signalled a change in the pattern of the game with Sporting clearly setting out their stall to defend their lead.

Pacos defended well and enjoyed long periods of possession but were unable to find a cutting edge in attack. Two headers in the second half from Kiko and Dede were the closest they came to an equaliser.

The result makes it likely that Sporting will be playing Champions League football for the third successive year, while Pacos seem destined for the drop. However, the fate of both teams will only be sealed on the final day of the season next Sunday.

Pacos de Ferreira:
Pecanha, Mangualde (Fernando Pilar, 61), Roversio, Kiko, Chico Silva, Filipe Anunciacao, Dede, Pedrinha, William, Cristiano, Edson (Fabio Paim, 72)
Yellow Cards: Mangualde, Chico Silva, Roversio, Fabio Paim

Sporting:
Rui Patricio, Abel, Tonel, Polga, Grimi, Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Izmailov (Farnerud, 91), Romagnoli (Pereirinha, 73), Vukcevic (Glastone, 83), Yannick
Yellow Cards: Polga, Vukcevic, Romagnoli, Tonel, Miguel Veloso

Goals:
[0-1] Yannick Djalo, 34