Sporting step up title challenge

By Hugo Pietra

Sporting Clube de Portugal joined rivals FC Porto and SL Benfica on 28 points at the top of the Portuguese SuperLiga as two Carlos Martins goals helped the Lisbon club to a 4-2 victory at Vitória SC on Monday night.

Early shock
Carlos Martins, Miguel Garcia and Rui Jorge returned to the Sporting squad, but it was a familiar face who gave the home side an early lead as Silva, who is on loan to Guimarães from Sporting, scored against his employers in the ninth minute. Nevertheless, Beto levelled on the half-hour before Brazilian striker Liedson's left-foot shot put Sporting ahead just before half-time.

Two for Carlos Martins
Carlos Martins gave the visitors a two-goal cushion in the 54th minute and, although Silva struck again with 21 minutes to go, Carlos Martins ensured Sporting would move up to second position with his second and his team's fourth goal nine minutes from time.