Lisbon, March 23 (IANS): Sporting beat Guimaraes 4-1 on Sunday in the 26th round of the Portuguese league at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon.

Sporting midfielder Joao Mario opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a header following a cross by Peruvian forward Andre Carrillo from the right flank, Xinhua reported.

Adrien Silva scored in the 33rd with a penalty kick, which was sanctioned by referee Jorge Sousa after Guimaraes defender Josue touched the ball with his arm.

Slimani scored in the 44th minute with assistance by Miguel Lopes and Nani managed to convert another penalty shot in the 74th.

It was Brazilian defender Kanu who scored Guimaraes' sole goal in the 80th minutes with a header, after Sporting defender Paulo Oliveira was handed a red-card and sent off.

Sporting dominated almost the entire match, despite Guimaraes taking several corners in the opening minutes.

Sporting now stands third in the Portuguese league with 56 points, 6 points behind second-placed FC Porto and 9 points behind league leaders Benfica, while Guimaraes stands fifth with 40 points.

Moreirense and Maritimo drew 1-1, Boavista beat Belenenses 1-0, and Arouca beat Gil Vicente 3-1 on Sunday.