Sporting CP back on the European stage in style

After far too many years absent, Sporting CP returned to CERH European League hockey this weekend. Who better to start with than the current French leaders, Dinan Quévert? The team Alvalade looked like the last time they were in the competition was just yesterday, with a dominating 5-1 win in the Alverca Municipal Pavilion.

The tone of the afternoon was clear from the start, with Sporting CP bossing the action and creating chances on Justin Lochu's goal almost a will. The first opportunity came in the very first minute through captain João Pinto. Quevert responded with a shot that pulled a fine stop out of Ângelo Girão, before a largely opportunity free spell that was only broken in the 21st minute, when Pedro Gil drilled an effort into the post. Not to be put off, Sporting CP pushed again an Caio could have done better from a one-on-one chance against the French keeper. A goal looked like just a matter of time, but was proving exceptionally difficult to come by. Two minutes before half-time, Girão made another brilliant save from a stinging shot, before João Pinto finally broke the deadlock after linking up with André Centeno.

Sporting CP's superiority really came through after the break and a second goal came as little surprise, coming again through captain João "Mustang" Pinto. The Alverca Municipal Arena were looking it and Miras lit the place on fire with two shots against the woodwork. Sixteen minutes and 48 seconds from the final whitel, Sporting CP netted a third courtey of Pedro Gil, before Quevert pulled a goal back through Omar Nedder against the run of play.

Sporting CP wanted more and six minutes from time a deserved 4th came. Miras stepped up to slot home from the penalty spot at the death to seal the result.