Slimani and Paulinho earn the victory on Matchday 26

Sporting Clube de Portugal won their Monday night fixture against Moreirense FC 0-2 on the road, claiming the three points on Matchday 26 through goals from Islam Slimani and Paulinho.

The starting XI underwent three changes from that which faced Manchester City the previous week: Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Nunes and Marcus Edwards came in to replace Gonçalo Inácio, Bruno Tabata and Pablo Sarabia, respectively.

Pre-match rainfall stopped shortly before kickoff at the Parque Desportivo Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, improving conditions for the game. 

Sporting CP created the first dangerous opportunity, just four minutes in, when Feddal met Pedro Porro's corner with a header into the side netting.

Moreirense FC responded with two shots in a row: For the first, by André Luís, Antonio Adán made the save for a corner. For the second, Walterson's effort went wide. At the other end, a free kick by Porro found Luís Neto at the far post, with the central defender nudging the ball for goalkeeper Pasinato to keep out.

In the 28th minute, Sporting CP created a strong chance, as Matheus Nunes took a long shot with his left foot that forced Pasinato into another save.

Off the resulting corner kick, the deadlock was broken. From the second ball, Marcus Edwards crossed perfectly for Islam Slimani to head in from close range. It was the Algerian's fourth goal in the last three Liga Portugal games.

Sporting CP continued to push for a second. In the 33rd minute, Manuel Ugarte stole the ball in midfield and served it up for Marcus Edwards, who shot dangerously with a deflection coming off a defender for a corner. Soon after, Porro crossed to Paulinho, who was also not far off.

Before the break, the second goal arrived. Edwards played to Porro, the latter moved down the right, and the cross was perfect for Paulinho to finish off at the back post.
The pace slowed slightly in the second half, and the chances were also reduced. One of the exceptions was Porro's cross to Slimani, who connected poorly and shot wide.

Moreirense FC tried their luck with a few shots, but never managed to trouble Adán.

In the 64th minute, Rúben Amorim subbed on Pablo Sarabia, Pedro Gonçalves and João Palhinha to replace Paulinho, Marcus Edwards and Manuel Ugarte, respectively. Sarabia could have scored shortly after his introduction, but Pasinato saved and prevented the score from increasing in Sporting CP's favour.

Gonçalves had one of the final chances, intercepted by a defender, and the game ended 0-2 with another three points for Os Leões. On the next matchday, Sporting CP visit Vitória SC.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Luís Neto, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Nuno Santos, 71'), Pedro Porro, Matheus Nunes (Bruno Tabata, 89'), Manuel Ugarte (João Palhinha, 64') , Matheus Reis, Marcus Edwards (Pedro Gonçalves, 64'), Paulinho (Pablo Sarabia, 64') and Islam Slimani.