Patrício secures 400th apperance with fantastic performance

It was always going to be a magical night for Rui Patrício, celebrating his 400th senior appearance. However, the night is sure to be remembered for a string of absolutely brilliant saves by the Alvalade keeper in the first-half of the weekend's win against Rio Ave. At the final whistle, Patrício scooped an overwhelming 83% of the vote for Man of the Match.

Jorge Jesus had alerted of the dangers posed by this week's opposition, who proved extremely dangerous going forward. The first twenty minutes kept Patrício on his toes, which was finally relieved when Nélson Monte was introduced in place of the injured Lionn. A minute later, William Carvalho unlocked Rio Ave with a stroke of genius, releasing Gelson on the edge of the 18-yard box. The winger smashed a shot against the visiting keeper, but Alan Ruiz was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

The goal was the perfect remedy for Jorge Jesus' side and Sporting CP took control of proceedings, with Bas Dost proving particularly tricky for Rio Ave to secure. First Roderick denied the big Dutchman with a last ditch intervention (38'), before Dost latched on to a cross from Gelson and came close to capitalising (41'). Finally, another cross from Jefferson saw the Liga NOS top scorer again come close (42').

The second-half saw the introduction of Bryan Ruiz for Bruno César, in the first of three substitutions. Adrien was forced off with a knock and Alan Ruiz was eventually called to the bench. As the game died out Rio Ave struggled to find space going forward and the three points stayed in Alvalade.

At the final whistle Patrício was given a commemorative shirt by president Bruno de Carvalho.