Sporting secured a 2-0 victory over Rio Ave at Alvalade tonight in the first leg of their Portuguese Cup semi-final, with first-half goals from Geny Catamo and Viktor Gyökeres, the latter converting a penalty, giving the hosts a commanding lead in the tie.
While Sporting dominated the first half, they will likely be frustrated with their inability to extend their advantage in the second half. Gyökeres struck the post, Catamo had a goal ruled out for a tight offside call, and numerous other chances went begging, leaving them with only a two-goal cushion.
Rio Ave remain in the competition but will face a significant challenge in the second leg, scheduled for April 22 at Vila do Conde. To have any hope of overturning the deficit, they will need a vastly improved performance.
