Taca de Portugal | Semi-Finals | 1st Leg

Apr 3, 2025 at 8.15pm UK

Estadio Jose Alvalade

Sporting Lisbon vs Rio Ave

Match preview

Sporting are back in action in their cup campaign, displaying scintillating form. The victory against Gil Vicente was a turning point, bringing an end to a streak of five winless matches across all competitions and sparking a period of dominance for the team.

Under the guidance of Rui Borges, the players have gone on to achieve an impressive feat, winning four consecutive league matches. What's more, they have managed to score three goals in each of these games.

Their most recent success was a resounding 3-0 victory over Estoril Praia. This win has enabled them to maintain their position at the summit of the Primeira Liga table, amassing 65 points. They hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Benfica. It's worth noting that Benfica will play their gameweek 27 fixture on Wednesday.

This season, Sporting has faced its fair share of disappointments. In the Allianz Cup final, they were bested by the Reds in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Adding to their woes, they suffered a comprehensive 3-0 aggregate loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Sporting still finds itself in a favorable position to secure a domestic double, a remarkable achievement they last accomplished during the 2020-21 season when they clinched both the league championship and the Taca de Liga title.

The Lions, however, have had a drought in lifting the Taca de Portugal. Their last victory in this prestigious cup was back in the 2018-19 season. They came agonizingly close to reclaiming it last season but ultimately fell short, losing to Porto in the final.

Eager to make consecutive appearances in the tournament, the Lions are determined to take charge of this two-legged tie. Their strong record against Rio Ave further fuels their confidence, having emerged victorious in seven out of their last eight meetings across various competitions.

On the other hand, Rio Ave, known as the Vilacondenses, has had a dismal history against Sporting in the Taca de Portugal, suffering defeats in their last two encounters.

Despite their burning desire to turn the tables, their recent form is far from inspiring. With three consecutive losses, including a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Casa Pia, Petit's team currently languishes in 11th place in the Primeira Liga, amassing just 29 points.

That loss also marked Rio Ave's third consecutive away defeat, extending their winless streak on the road to four matches. However, in the Cup of Portugal, they managed to scrape past Casa Pia and then secured their spot in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sao Joao Ver.

The Vilacondenses will be hoping to pull off an upset on Thursday as they strive for only their second-ever appearance in the final. Their sole previous run to the showpiece event was during the 2013-14 season, where they were defeated by Benfica.

Recent Performance

Sporting Lisbon Taca de Portugal form:WWWW

Sporting Lisbon form (all competitions):DWWWWW

Rio Ave Taca de Portugal form:WWWW

Rio Ave form (all competitions):DLWLLL

Team News

Zeno Debast was the hero in the last round, scoring the decisive goal for Sporting, and the versatile Belgian, who has played in midfield and defence, could be in the engine room again.

Conrad Harder, the club's top scorer in this competition with four goals, is in contention to start, either as a lone striker in place of Viktor Gyokeres, or as an advanced midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Maxi Araujo, who missed the last game through suspension, is expected to return and reclaim his place at left-back.

Clayton's return would be a huge boost for Rio Ave, as the team's top scorer missed their last game through suspension after being sent off in the league defeat to Benfica.

Tiago Morais, who made his first start in five games last time out and scored his side's only goal, will be hoping for a recall.

Meanwhile, centre-back Francisco Petrasso and winger Tobias Medina remain doubts after missing several recent games.

Possible starting lineup

Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:

Silva; Esgaio, Inacio, Reis; Araujo, Brito, Debast, Fresneda; Quenda, Harder; Gyokeres

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Miszta; Richards, Abbey, Ntoi, Vrousai; Tiknaz, Bakoulas; Luiz, Pohlmann, Morais; Clayton