Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao shines with Sporting CP in Liga Portugal

Trincao scored a hat-trick to secure a 4-3 victory for his side.

Sporting CP, currently fourth in the league, are fighting for a spot in the Europa League next year. With only seven games to go, they are five points behind Braga, with only the top three teams qualifying for the Europa League.

Trincao opened the scoring in the first minute of the game, but Casa Pia levelled the score at 3-3, making it look like Sporting CP might drop valuable points. However, Trincao completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute, securing the victory for his side.

Barcelona are reportedly delighted with Trincao's performances, with the 23-year-old demonstrating his potential since joining Sporting CP on loan. The Blaugrana paid €3million for the loan deal and agreed to cover €1.2million in Trincao's salary. Barcelona will be obligated to buy 50% of his rights for €7million, with Sporting CP mathematically safe from relegation.

Barcelona will also retain 50% of any future sale of Trincao. Despite attracting interest from Premier League clubs, the Spanish giants are still some way off recouping the €31million they spent on him. Trincao struggled for opportunities at Camp Nou and is now a part of the legacy of poor transfer business under former President Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Trincao's return to form could not have come at a better time for Sporting CP as they continue their Europa League quarter-final campaign against Juventus.