Sporting came closer to winning the national title on Tuesday night. The Lions went to Famalicão to catch up on the I League schedule, playing a postponed match from the 20th round, initially scheduled for February, and ended up getting three more points, thanks to a solitary goal by Pedro Gonçalves, in the 20th minute. 

Sporting's collective performance was several levels below what it has shown this season, but the main objective, to increase the advantage over second-placed Benfica, was achieved. Now, it must be said, there are seven points separating the two Lisbon rivals with only five rounds to go until the end of the championship. 

This means that Sporting has taken a giant step towards winning the title. Everything is still open, but the large advantage allows us to anticipate what should be Amorim and company's championship. For now, it should be recalled, the green and whites have already secured at least second place and the 3rd qualifying round for the Champions League. 

Let's go to the protagonists of yesterday's night in Vila Nova de Famalicão.

The figure

Those who saw Francisco Trincão in the first half of the season and who see him in this second half may even think that they are different players. But no. It's the same Trincão, but with confidence up there. After scoring two goals in Barcelos, the Portuguese international went to Vila Nova de Famalicão to assist Pedro Gonçalves for the only goal of the night.

In addition, he was always the most inspired player when it came to thinking about the plays, revealing intelligence in occupying and exploring spaces. In the midst of some lack of inspiration from his colleagues, namely Pote and Gyokeres, Sporting's number 17 managed to cause chills to the opponents whenever he got the ball. 

The disappointment

Diomande was not particularly happy last night, receiving a yellow card, which takes him out of the next game, against Vitória, for losing a ball carelessly. He left at halftime because Amorim did not want to risk a possible expulsion. 

The surprise 

Inspiration was also a notable presence in the Famalicão team, but Chiquinho was escaping the rule, managing to cause problems for Sporting's defenders, sometimes because of his speed, sometimes because of his technical quality. He was also directly responsible for the yellow cards given to Diomande, Daniel Bragança and Ricardo Esgaio. 

The coaches 

Armando Evangelista

After four games, Evangelista recorded the first defeat in the service of Famalicão. Facing the Lions, he saw the game plan being forcibly changed by the goal, somewhat early, by Pote. Even so, it was only from the 80th minute that the Famalicenses actually risked in search of a draw. The bet, however, was late. 

Rúben Amorim 

After a very competent performance in Barcelos, Amorim saw Sporting lower the level in Vila Nova de Famalicão, also due to the merit of the opponent. He wasted no time in taking Diomande out at halftime and promoted a triple change when the game seemed to be getting broken. He knew how to read the game, once again. 

The referee 

Fábio Veríssimo was able to apply a broader criterion, which allowed the game to roll at a good pace, but there is a very debatable move at 24 minutes, when Pote complained of a penalty committed by Topic. Still, it's fair to say that the move is difficult to analyze. The VAR also sent the game on. 

Leia Também: "Não há como esconder". Rúben Amorim assume que o título está mais perto (Portuguese version)