Sporting Lisbon secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal today, defeating Santa Clara 2-1 after extra time in the opening match of the Round of 16. After a goalless first half, the 'Lions', who recently suffered a setback against the Azorean side, losing 1-0 at home in the league, took the lead in the 74th minute through Danish striker Conrad Harder.
Sporting seemed to be cruising to victory until the dying moments of the match, where they allowed Santa Clara to equalize. Pedro Ferreira found the net with only seconds remaining, scoring the equalizer at 90+8 minutes. This dramatic moment sent the game to extra time, adding tension and uncertainty to the match.
During extra time, with penalty kicks looming as a possibility, the match took another twist. A defensive error from Santa Clara allowed Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres to slip through the defense and settle the game, as he restored Sporting's lead with a goal in the 113th minute.
Gyökeres, who played a pivotal role, noted after the game, "I didn't expect to face so many difficulties, but it's hard to play at the same rhythm all the time. We felt we weren't able to finish the game off earlier. It was a good challenge for us, nonetheless" (Reported by RTP). He also reflected on the team’s performance, stating, "We can't always win 5-0; there are matches where, when in the lead, we concede goals. This happened last season as well, and it’s tough. At this point, the most important thing is to win."
This victory is particularly significant for Sporting Lisbon, as they had just faced disappointment against the same opponents earlier this season, having lost 1-0. The resilience shown today could be the turning point needed to regain momentum.
The Round of 16 continues with more matches scheduled. On Saturday, two more matchups between lower-league teams are set: Tirsense vs. Rebordosa from the Campeonato de Portugal and Oliveira do Hospital vs. São João de Ver, ensuring representation from these divisions as they seek their chance at glory.
Looking forward, January 12, 2025, will see three additional matches take place: Elvas (CP) vs. Vitória de Guimarães (I) at 14:00, Casa Pia (I) vs. Rio Ave (I) at 16:45, and Gil Vicente (I) vs. Moreirense (I) at 19:45. The round will conclude with Farense hosting Benfica on January 14, followed by Sporting Braga facing Lusitano de Évora the next day.
Sporting Lisbon's victory not only showcases their determination but also sets the tone for their upcoming matches. With two consecutive wins now, the challenge will be to maintain this form and address the vulnerabilities highlighted during today’s match.
With eyes now turning to future encounters and the opportunity to secure more trophies, Sporting will undoubtedly bring the momentum gained from today's dramatic win. There is much to look forward to as they continue their campaign through the Taça de Portugal.
