The coach reviews the win away to CD Santa Clara

Rui Borges gave a press conference room at the Estádio São Miguel Stadium after Sporting CP's 0-1 victory over CD Santa Clara.

Analysis of the game
"Sporting CP were the only team that tried to win. It was a difficult first half, against a team playing with a low block. I didn't feel like they were looking for the win, but rather waiting for our mistakes. We had to create depth and variations, and we could have shot more often. In the second half we started very well, after adjusting some of our behaviours. We started much more dynamic and active, looking for the goal, and we got there with merit and ease. We could have scored another goal, and I think we deserved to.

CD Santa Clara committed a lot of fouls, which disrupted the game, but in the second half we were more competitive in the duels and this was noticeable. I'm really happy with the team's talent; they're amazing."

Halftime changes
"We played with two midfielders: One converted and more defensive, and Morten [Hjulmand], who ended up being a number 6. Pedro Gonçalves and [Hidemasa] Morita are players who get into other areas and who we needed.

At halftime I asked Zeno [Debast], who is not an offensive player, to move into higher spaces, and that way we created more between the lines, we pushed Geny [Catamo] into the inner spaces and that's how we scored the goal. We made decisions earlier, were cleaner and with less pressure, and we were more effective."

The performance in the first half
"The performance was good, at a difficult ground and against a team having a great season. CD Santa Clara were the only team to win at the Estádio José Alvalade, and with the fewest shots conceded in Liga Portugal.

We knew that we would have few opportunities -and that the few we had, we had to take advantage of. Against low blocks we have to be competent, not make big displays of scoring. We were aware of what the game demands, we kept a clean sheet, we won 1-0 and the victory is more than deserved."

Maxi Araújo and Iván Fresneda's introductions into the starting lineup
"Maxi Araújo and Fresneda came on to force the verticality, but the wind really hindered our initial strategy. The idea was to try to use more width, get crosses in, and we tried on three or four occasions to make long passes that always came out too strong, despite the well-made movements.

In the second half we adjusted, with one more man closer to the finishing zone, and created more accelerations close to the opponent's area."

The return of Pedro Gonçalves
"I'm happy for him. He deserves it, as he has worked hard and waited a long time for this return. It's a very important comeback, because he's a different player, but also it's a big thing for the group because of the importance he has to his teammates."

In a young team it is important to have competitive players who demand the best from their teammates all the time. He is a player who wants more and more. I'm happy to see him back on the pitch and our football also deserves him back on the pitch," he added.