The Placard League is back in Sporting’s home arena. Sporting kicked off their campaign for a fourth consecutive championship title and their pursuit of a fifth with a dominant 6-1 win over AD Fundão on Monday. The team now heads into the UEFA Futsal Champions League with this victory under their belt and full confidence.
One of the key absences for the home team was Zicky Té, who is still recovering from physical issues. The pivot role was shared between debutant Allan Guilherme and Anton Sokolov, though Sporting also employed a 4×0 formation at various points during the match.
Sporting dominated the game from the very beginning. In just 12 seconds, Tomás Paçó scored the opener with a quick first-time shot following a throw-in from Alex Merlim. Sporting immediately took control of the scoreboard.
The early stages of the match were characterized by Sporting’s high tempo and the visiting team’s struggles, particularly in defending set pieces. AD Fundão’s response, a bicycle kick by Samuel Freire that forced a save from Henrique Rafagnin, was impressive but ultimately a rare moment of threat.
Sporting continued to create scoring opportunities with ease, and their slim one-goal lead didn’t reflect their attacking dominance. They extended their lead in the 12th minute from another set piece, with Taynan finding Diogo Santos in the middle. Santos’ initial shot was blocked by Obina, but Paçó was on hand to score his second goal.
YOUNG TALENT DEBUTS
The second half followed a similar pattern, but AD Fundão managed to briefly revive the contest. In a quick counterattack, Taynan chose not to foul and risk a red card, allowing Caio Pedro to advance and score with a well-placed shot in the 26th minute.
Despite their narrow lead, Sporting remained in control and soon restored their cushion. In the 31st minute, Pauleta made a run down the right side and scored with a cross-shot to make it 3-1. Shortly after, Mário Freitas was sent off with a second yellow card, and Sporting capitalized on their numerical advantage with Tomás Paçó completing his hat trick with a powerful strike for 4-1.
Paçó’s third goal all but sealed the victory, and any remaining doubt was erased in the 36th minute. In the best play of the match, Sporting’s fluid teamwork dismantled the opposing defense, allowing Taynan to score with ease. Two minutes later, Allan Guilherme capped off the win with a solo effort, turning past his defender and racing towards goal to make it 6-1.
With the game wrapped up, attention shifted to the Sporting bench: 16-year-old Tiago Rodrigues was brought on by Nuno Dias, marking his first-team debut. He nearly provided an assist to Allan Guilherme during a promising offensive move.
Sporting starts the season with a job well done. Next, they will compete in the UEFA Futsal Champions League Main Round, where they’ll face Semey, Haladás, and Kairat.