Algerians shine: Slimani hat-trick, Brahimi works his magic
After a busy week of European competition, and on the cusp of a two-week international break, this weekend’s Liga NOS fixtures were a chance for some clubs to tighten their hold on top spot, while others were looking to try and get clear of pending trouble at the other end of the table.
PortuGOAL rounds up the highlights from Round Seven.
Sporting 5-1 Vitória Guimarães
Sporting got back to winning ways at the Alvalade tonight with a comprehensive 5-1 thrashing of Sérgio Conceição’s Vitória de Guimarães.
Right from the off, Sporting attacked the strugglers and went ahead as early as the 12th minute through Algerian striker, Islam Slimani. A João Mário cross was met by Slimani’s head and gave Douglas no chance. Then, 12 minutes later, Teó Gutiérrez was gifted the ball in the box from a stray back pass. The Colombian then made no mistake as he rounded Vitória goalkeeper, Douglas, and slotted the ball home for number two.
After the break, Sporting picked up where they left off and Slimani got his second on 58 minutes. This time another header beat Douglas, this time across goal and from an inch-perfect Jefferson cross. Skipper, Adrien Silva, added a fourth goal on the hour, his free-kick taking a wicked deflection on its way past Douglas. Slimani then wrapped up proceedings on 78 minutes with Jefferson again the provider with a low cross.
Make no mistake, Sporting were superb in this game. However, Vitória and Conceição had a night to forget. They lost Bouba Saré on 55 minutes for a dangerous challenge on Sporting sub, Gelson Martins. The Cape Verde-born Portugal Under-21 player had replaced the injured Bryan Ruiz on 34 minutes and was lucky not to be seriously injured himself. However, Josué did net a consolation for the visitors on 82 minutes. As the corner was swung in towards the far post, the centre-half was completely unmarked and made no mistake from close range.
Sporting now join Porto on 17 points, but are second on goal difference.
Porto 4-0 Belenenses
Porto made another statement of intent in their quest for the title this season, thumping Belenenses at the Dragão thanks to goals from Corona, Brahimi, Osvaldo and Marcano.
The scoreline didn’t really tell the whole story as Porto began the game attacking aggresively, while missing plenty of chances. On the half hour, Brahimi curled a shot from the edge of the box that had Hugo Ventura beaten all ends up. Unfortunately for the Algerian and his fellow Portistas, the bar came to Belenenses’ rescue. However, on 36 minutes, Belenenses had a superb chance of their own when Kuca’s shot was deflected off of Layún and onto the post, with Casillas beaten.
With the scores tied a 0-0 at half time, Porto went on the attack again in the second half. On 58 minutes, Brahimi was again the creator as his cross found its way through to Corona. The Mexican’s shot was then deflected past Ventura to give the home side the lead. On 56 minutes, the Algerian deservedly got on the scoresheet himself with a powerful diving header from Maxi Pereira’s cross at the byeline.
80 minutes gone and Dani Osvaldo got his first goal for Porto with a simple tap in from close range past Ventura, from a Tello cross. Marcano then completed the rout on 87 minutes with a powerful header from a corner.
Porto now top the table and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season thus far.
União P-P Benfica
Thick fog and strong winds combined to make conditions at the Choupana (Nacional's stadium and the venue were União play their televised matches) in Funchal unplayable. With both sides warming up for the kick-off, the decision was taken to postpone the game.
Although league rules state the game should be replayed at a convenient date and time to both clubs within 30 hours, this is unlikely to happen owing to the international break. And Benfica's packed calendar, including Champions League commitments, means the game will likely take place later in the season. It means Benfica have lost some ground to Sporting and Porto, albeit with a game in hand.
Rio Ave 1-0 Boavista
A special mention must go to Rio Ave and their coach, Pedro Martins. The club from Vila do Conde went into 3rd spot after their last gasp win at home to Boavista on Saturday night.
In a game that saw both sides trade chances, Rio Ave saw their Cape Verdean striker, Héldon, stretchered off injured on 47 minutes. However, a last gasp effort in the 94th minute saw a cross by Dutch winger, Marvin Zeegelaar, fall to Bressan just inside the box. With time to pick his spot, the Brazilian-born Belarussian international hit a half volley into the top-right corner giving Mika no chance.
It was tough to take for Boavista’s 500 or so travelling fans and for coach, Petit, who looked visibly crestfallen after the goal. However, this can be taken as a vastly improved performance by the Porto side. Kudos must go to Pedro Martins and the job he has done at Rio Ave so far this season though. A thoroughly entertaining side to watch and many neutrals will watch with interest as to how they place at the end of this campaign.
Other Results:
Vitória Setúbal 1-0 Estoril
Tondela 1-1 Moreirense
Paços de Ferreira 3-1 Nacional
Académica 1-0 Marítimo
Braga 0-0 Arouca
by Paul Gellard
