Sporting step up to second place

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to the winning ways on Saturday evening with a 2-0 win at CD Das Aves that took the Lisbon club second in the Portuguese Liga.

Alecsandro advantage
Sporting made a number of changes in personnel and the attacking triumvirate of Liedson, Yannick Djaló and Alecsandro made life hard for the home defence from the first whistle. The opening goal duly arrived in the 14th minutes, Alecsandro collecting João Moutinho's pass to score his first goal for the club. The Brazilian went close to a second shortly afterwards, although Das Aves threatened on the counterattack with Fredy striking the woodwork just past the half-hour.

Tonel clincher
The introduction of Tonel effectively settled the game however, the defender scoring Sporting's second of the night with his first touch nine minutes from time after goalkeeper Paulo Musse had failed to deal with a Nani cross. "We played very well in the first 30 minutes and could have scored more goals," said Sporting coach Paulo Bento, whose side trail leaders FC Porto by three points. "The second half was not as good, but it was a deserved victory; we put in a great performance."

Goalless games
Saturday's other matches, between CF Os Belenenses and A. Naval 1° Maio and CF Estrela da Amadora and SC Braga, both finished goalless. Braga therefore slip to third place on seven points, level with Naval 1° Maio who are in fifth position.