Sporting put in an improved display compared to last weekend’s scratchy win over Vitória to beat Alverca 3-1 in Lisbon tonight.
Rui Borges rang the changes after heavy criticism for recent displays. Zeno Debast and Ibrahima Ba formed a new centre-back partnership, the latter making his debut, as Gonçalo Inácio and Eduardo Quaresma were relegated to the bench. Striker Luis Suárez came in for the injured Fotis Ioannidis.
Sporting made the perfect start when captain Maxi Araújo steered a controlled finish into the corner of the net from 25 yards out in the second minute of the game.
Despite the boost of an early goal, the home team struggled to impose themselves on Alverca. Sporting are a side packed with new arrivals who are still getting to know the club, the coach and each other, and they remain far from a cohesive team. That said, the Lions looked far more solid defensively tonight, with 21-year-old Senegalese central defender Ba enjoying a promising debut.
Sporting were a more incisive attacking force in the second half, their efforts rewarded by two quickfire goals. Geny Catamo burst into the box in the 55th minute, his cross turned into his own net by Alverca goalkeeper Matheus Mendes. On the hour mark Geny turned provider, releasing Luis Suárez who ran clean through from the halfway line, coolly rounded Mendes and slotted into the empty net.
Alverca were without their star man Chiquinho, the winger suspended after getting sent off last weekend, and were inoffensive until the final minutes. They did score a consolation goal, however, when Lucas Figueiredo fired high into the roof of the net to finish off a well-worked move.
