Sporting Lisbon continued their superb recent run of form with a 6-1 mauling of Gil Vicente this evening.

After putting behind them a slow start to the season, Sporting came into the fixture on the back of an eight-match winning streak in all competitions and they needed just seven minutes to take the lead when Daniel Carrico netted.

The home side had to wait until the 58th minute to double their lead, Ricky van Wolfswinkel slotting home from the penalty spot, but they then put Gil Vicente to the sword with four more goals in the final 28 minutes, Diego Capel and substitute Valeri Bojinov both grabbing braces.

Gil had managed to get on the scoresheet through replacement Felix Roberto in the 75th minute but they were already 4-0 down at that point and out of the contest.

The victory sees Sporting, who had taken just two points from their opening three league games before starting their winning streak, move level with third-placed Braga on 17 points, three behind joint leaders Benfica and Porto.