The men from Lisbon denied the holders a fourth straight title to lift the trophy in Setubal.
Sporting CP ended SPG C Braga’s recent stranglehold on the Campeonato Nacional in Portugal this weekend with an enthralling 7-4 win in Setubal.
Braga had won the title three years running prior to this weekend’s competition on the west coast of Portugal while Sporting were looking to end a six-year wait by winning the tournament again.
Sporting were made to sweat in their semi-final against Casa Benfica Loures, as Pablo Perez and Juan Manuel made life difficult for the 2010 champions.
However, a brace from Datinha coupled with further goals from national captain Madjer and Duarte Vivo ensured their place in the final.
Braga then put themselves within one win of a fourth successive title by beating CF Os of Belenenses in a 15-goal thriller shortly after.
Leo proved the star of the show for the defending champions, registering seven of his side’s 10 goals as the holders warmed up for the final in ominous fashion.
However, Sporting were not to be fazed by the prospect, despite trailing 3-2 and 4-3 during Sunday’s final.
With the help of Datinha, who again stepped up to the mark with a four-goal haul, Sporting showed their strength to turn the game around and return to the capital with the trophy.
Final
SPG C Braga 4-7 Sporting CP
Semi-finals
Casa Benfica Loures 2- 4 Sporting CP
SPG C Braga 10-5 CF Os Belenenses
