Soccer-Sporting reach Cup final in eight-goal thriller

LISBON, April 16 (Reuters) - Holders Sporting booked their place in the Portuguese Cup final when they come from behind to beat Lisbon rivals Benfica 5-3 in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday.

Five goals in the second half secured Sporting's path into the May 18 final with Porto at the National Stadium near Lisbon.

Porto, who have already been crowned league champions, beat Vitoria Setubal 3-0 in the other semi-final on Tuesday.

Benfica went ahead after 19 minutes through playmaker Rui Costa, whose close range shot went through the legs of keeper Rui Patricio.

Benfica doubled the lead before halftime when striker Nuno Gomes headed home a cross from Brazilian defender Leo.

In a spectacular reaction in the second half, Sporting levelled the score with goals by winger Yannick Djalo after 67 minutes and Brazilian striker Liedson on 76.

Brazilian-born striker Derlei, who came off the bench after being sidelined for seven and a half months through injury, put Sporting in front, tapping in a cross in the 79th minute.

Benfica equalised again three minutes later with a long-range effort by Uruguayan midfielder Cristian Rodriguez.

Sporting made sure of their 25th appearance in the final with goals by Djalo in the 85th minute and Montenegrin Simon Vukcevic in stoppage time.

(Reporting by Carlos Pontes)