A 0-2 victory away gives Sporting CP 45 points at the halfway mark of 2020/2021

Two goals for the prolific Pedro Gonçalves earned the team victory in the Azores, capping a week that had begun with a derby victory over SL Benfica.

João Mário and Nuno Mendes missed the game through injury, with Luís Neto suspended. Coach Rúben Amorim returned João Palhinha, Gonçalo Inácio and Antunes to the starting lineup, alongside new signing Paulinho.

Sporting CP had a point to prove at the Estádio dos Barreiros, where they had suffered their only domestic defeat of 2020/2021 -in the Taça de Portugal. They were the dominant force in the early going, and in the opening five minutes enjoyed an opportunity for Antunes that went wide.

Before ten minutes had been played, Gonçalves claimed the opener. After an incredible pass from Gonçalo Inácio, he broke a way and slickly rounded the goalkeeper, sliding the ball into the net.

Whilst CS Maritimo sent long balls forward, Sporting CP provided a more patient buildup, and Pedro Porro and Gonçalves both had chances before the halftime whistle.

It took just seconds after the restart for the team to resume their threat, and Paulinho forced the goalkeeper into action with what was his final contribution before making way for Tiago Tomás.

A deserved second goal followed, 57 minutes in, when Antunes found Gonçalves with a ball from the left. The league's top scorer put in his 14th goal of the season with a well taken finish to make it 0-2.

CS Marítimo tried to advance, but were clearly struggling with an organised Sporting CP defence. Second half substitute Bruno Tabata, Antunes and Gonçalves had the final opportunities of note.

Before the final whistle, João Pereira was subbed on, having just signed to return to the club for a third spell. The defender thus made his 150th appearance for the club.

With the 0-2 result, Sporting CP end the first half of the Liga NOS season unbeaten and with 45 points to their name. It is their best ever tally at this stage of a season under the current format. They also extend their lead at the top to six points over FC Porto, who were held to a 0-0 draw away to Belenenses SAD on Thursday night.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, Antunes (João Pereira, 87 '), João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 87'), Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos (Bruno Tabata, 77 ') and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás, 66')