The Destroyer has returned. After two games without a goal, Victor Guioqueres scored three goals in Sporting’s peaceful victory over Farense, all but guaranteeing the Lisbon Lions’ presence in the League Cup final four in Leiria at the start of 2024. Ruben Amorim changed several positions, but the main surprise was Gonzalo Inacio, who became a more defensive midfielder. Everything turned out perfect. Sporting were stifled against a Farense side who, unlike in the league, never threatened the home team’s victory. Before Ghiokeres’s first strike, Leonin’s team had already reached the Farense goal in danger two or three times. In the 24th minute, Trincao made a brilliant move before isolating Ghiokeres, who, as usual, had his composure to score. Soon the second one. The Swede, now on a penalty missed by Trincao (one of the best), did not forgive. Without a reaction, Farense never managed to trouble Israel, who once again left Adan on the bench. The second half resumed unexpectedly: Farense scored a goal, again thanks to Matthäus (he had already scored twice in the League match). However, instead of boosting Algarve’s morale, the 2-1 score spurred Sporting on. He pressed the accelerator pedal again. He brought back the two-goal difference, first from Nuno Santos and then the inevitable Giokeres in the goal for Guioqueres: running behind a defender, cutting inside and taking an unprotected shot. Until the very end, Farense still reduced the score with a strike from Vitor Goncalves. Now only a disaster against Tondela will prevent Sporting from taking part in the final stage of the competition.