The coach reacts positively to the showing against Club Brugge KV

Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Club Brugge KV, coach Rui Borges held his post-match press conference.

Three home wins in the UEFA Champions League
"I'm happy for the group, who deserve this for everything they've been able to demonstrate, and for the ambition and quality they've shown throughout the season."

Analysis of the game
"We analysed Club Brugge KV and realised the quality they have. They have a lot of mobility, their midfielders move into spaces that are unexpected. We didn't fall into that trap and we were mature. We weren't able to press as much as we would have liked, but we needed to be more cohesive. At times, we waited for a mistake without giving them the opportunity to come forward.

The first half was evenly balanced and at times we controlled the game with the ball. We had good dynamics and we knew they were looking for references to play off. We looked for space behind them and created danger in that sense. We didn't start so well in the second half and the introduction of Hidemasa Morita was important to balance things. We deservedly made it 3-0 and allowed just the one dangerous situation in the second half. I want to praise the team's maturity."

Points needed for progress
"More than waiting to see if ten points are enough for qualification for the knockout stage, we have to give it our best in the remaining games. Dreaming of the Top 8 doesn't cost anything, but we have to demonstrate that on the pitch. We believe in ourselves a lot and only in this way can we have no limits in the pursuit of being better and better. We will play the difficult games and then we will see how things turn out."

The team's focus
"There is continuity. We have become two-time Liga Portugal champions, we won the Taça da Liga last season, and that shows how focused we were. The whole group are having a very good start to the campaign, and today we were a mature side. Only a great team could get the three points today."

VAR
"It changed the game by showing the truth. It's good that it exists, and long may it continue like this. We all want to make as few mistakes as possible."

The most important games
"Against CF Estrela da Amadora on Sunday is our biggest match. Before SL Benfica and FC Bayern Munich, we have this game -and we want to win it."

João Simões and Hidemasa Morita
"[João Simões] had another great game and went off exhausted. He contributed to the team. He gives us momentum and intensity. Morita came on later, he's growing and was very important. He brought stability, calm and tranquility."

Pedro Gonçalves
"I believe he will be available for the next game."

The quality of the performance
"It was a great, mature performance. Within the young team we have, we treated it like adults and understood the context and the competition. We had a lot of quality up against us, and the games are very difficult. The team knew they had to respect the opposition. The fans, once again, showed affection and gave energy to the team -and that was very important. It was a good performance and I'm happy to see that the team are improving day by day. I felt the team were confident and increasingly focused on what we have to do."

The final incident
"I want to say 'get well soon' to the Club Brugge KV goalkeeper. I hope it's nothing serious and that he be in good health soon. We dedicate this victory to Matheus Reis and his family for the birth of his daughter. I also wish the best of luck to the U-17s National Team tomorrow. We are all rooting for another victory. I believe they will honour our country, as they have done so far."