Sporting CP surprised by Rio Ave with three first-half strikes

Jorge Jesus had issued the warning in his pre-match press conference: Rio Ave were going to close down the place more than Real Madrid. That is exactly what happened, with Rio Ave pressing high and putting in one of their finest performances to go in at the break with a staggering 3-0 lead.

The opening exchanges proved to be a reflection of the rest of the encounter, with the hosts pressing hard when Sporting took possession. A forced error from Rúben Semedo saw the defender scuff his clearance and Gil Dias broke away down the right wing and put the first chance of the evening across the face of goal. In response Alan Ruiz tied his luck from range down the other end, but Cássio was having a brilliant night in the Rio Ave goal and made one of a string of decent saves. It honestly only looked like a matter of time before Rio Ave's high-tempo play broke the Sporting backline and their goal came through Tarantini, after an excellent sprint forward by Roderick with the ball at his feet.

A reaction from Jesus' side was expected, but the midweek visit to the Spanish capital was still wearing hard on tired legs and wholes began to appear while clambering back to defend against Rio Ave's relentless counter attacking. Seven minutes later, Gil Dias beat the offside trap and set up Guedes for his side's second. With the team from Alvalade totally disorientated, Rio Ave made it three seven minutes later, again with Gil Gias turned playmaker and again with Guedes with the finish.

Attempting to salvage something from the evening, Jesus rang the changes at the break, bringing on Bryan Ruiz and Bas Dost for Campbell and Alan Ruiz. The substitutions did eventually make a difference and Sporting put together a chance a minute after the hour-mark, but Bryan Ruiz slashed his half volley to the wrong side of the post. The Costa Rican's shot triggered a better final half-hour from sporting and Bas Dost pulled a goal back, but it was too little too late after such a devastating first-half.