Sporting CP delivered a statement performance at the Estádio José Alvalade, sweeping aside Rio Ave 4-0 to stay firmly in touch with Primeira Liga leaders Porto.
The night belonged to Luis Suárez, whose clinical hat-trick underlined Sporting’s growing momentum as the season headed into its decisive phase.
The hosts controlled the tempo from the outset, with Maxi Araújo lively down the flank and Suárez constantly testing the visitors’ back line.
The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Araújo’s corner was flicked on by João Simões, allowing Suárez to ghost in at the far post and finish smartly.
Rio Ave showed brief attacking intent after the interval through substitute André Luiz, but Sporting quickly extinguished any hope.
In the 53rd minute, Suárez turned provider, lofting a superb pass for Araújo to round the goalkeeper and double the lead. The pressure intensified, and Suárez struck again on the hour, powering home a header from a Trincão corner.
Barely moments later, a disastrous Rio Ave restart gifted Sporting possession, and although Trincão’s effort was saved, Suárez was on hand to complete his hat-trick. Sporting then eased to full-time, confident and ruthless, keeping the title race very much alive.