A 3-1 win over CD Nacional moves the team into the Final Four

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat CD Nacional 3-1 and qualified for the Final Four in the Taça da Liga, as a rotated side scored a trio of goals in the second half. Morten Hjumland and Viktor Gyökeres -with a brace- got the strikes for Os Leões in their first game in the competition.

Coach Rúben Amorim made several changes from the side that had won in Liga Portugal the previous weekend, fielding  Vladan Kovačević, Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita, Iván Fresneda, Marcus Edwards, Conrad Harder and Maxi Araújo.

The most recent meeting between the two sides had taken place two months prior, with a resounding 1-6 win for Sporting CP in Madeira, and they were the favourites in this encounter. However, the visiting team tried a surprise with a shot on goal in the opening seconds, through Luís Esteves. Goalkeeper Kovačević was alert and saved in installments.

After that, for long spells, Sporting CP dominated possession and enjoyed frequent chances. CD Nacional goalkeeper Lucas França was called into action, as well as another effort from Iván Fresneda's being kept out by the post. Matheus Reis had sent an awkward ball towards goal that the stopper tipped out, and Geny Catamo had also shot wide.

CD Nacional were more concerned with defending and only reached the opposition area from quick attacks, usually after clearing the ball. They were the happier of the two sides going into the break, with the score still 0-0.

For the second half, it was necessary to be more daring and effective and, therefore, Amorim immediately made three changes at halftime, taking off Gonçalo Inácio, Iván Fresneda and Marcus Edwards and introducing Zeno Debast, Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyökeres.

Maxi Araújo retreated and Harder switched to the left, with Gyökeres soon assuming his usual position and focusing on the goal. The Swede's first opportunity, after receiving the ball from the Uruguayan winger, was headed over Lucas França's goal.

Sporting CP managed to score their opening goal shortly after. Hidemasa Morita crossed from the right and a defender cleared, but captain Morten Hjulmand was there inside the box to meet the loose ball with a well-aimed shot, making it 1-0 before the hour.

Soon after, Gyökeres had the chance to make it 2-0, receiving from Harder on the left. However, he didn't quite connect with only Lucas França in front of him.

Geovany Quenda replaced Geny Catamo for the last half hour and provided significant problems for the opposition defence.

Nevertheless, it was from a penalty that Sporting CP took the score to 2-0, as Gyökeres was fouled in the box. He belted in the spot kick to double the lead.

CD Nacional reduced the deficit minutes later, as a deflection off the back of a CD Nacional player tricked Kovačević.

Gyökeres responded within the space of five minutes. He smashed in a free kick from just outside the box, finding the top corner.

The score remained 3-1 until the end, with Sporting CP advancing in the competition. Their next opponents will come from the meeting between SC Braga and Vitória SC.

Next on the agenda is a Liga Portugal match on Friday, against CF Estrela Amadora on Matchday 10.