After a soporific start, tonight’s Portuguese Cup semi-final first leg burst into life as Nacional scored two goals shortly before half time through Mario Rondon and Candeias to stun Sporting at the Alvalade. The hosts rallied in the second half, and after Nacional were reduced to ten men following Marcio Madeira’s red card, Elias reduced the deficit and incessant pressure finally paid off when Schaars’ free kick in the 95th minute found its way into the net.

Sporting advanced to the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal in an entertaining 3-0 win over Maritimo thanks to goals from Andre Carrillo (pictured), Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Emiliano Insua.