The coach reflects on the win over CD Santa Clara

Following the 2-3 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal away to CD Santa Clara to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal, coach Rui Borges spoke in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
"It was a very competitive game, as we had expected. It was a difficult game against a very competitive, well-organised side, away from home. We started the first half well, and we scored a goal early on. Then, we allowed CD Santa Clara to grow in their transitions, which is what they wanted. We should have been a little more patient. They scored the equaliser from a transition, in which they are aggressive. The first half was very competitive and evenly matched after the equaliser.

We started the second half playing better with the ball. We adjusted one or two details and quickly created two or three shots. However, CD Santa Clara, in their only dangerous move, made it 2-1. From there, we got the equaliser from a chance in the area. In extra time, our physicality came to the fore. We controlled the game, made it 2-3, and CD Santa Clara didn't create any problems at that point."

Refereeing
"Every game has incidents. I'm not going to discuss the refereeing. We converted our chance, got the equaliser, and then we were the better side in extra time."

Difficulties
"Difficulties will arise, as is logical. It was noticeable that we didn't have the same energy as in other games. It was difficult playing against a low block and a very aggressive and intense team in the duels. CD Santa Clara are very intense in closing down space. We knew that we had to keep possession. We started well, but then we went into a spell of excessive, unnecessary turnovers that gave the opposition opportunities to transition. We don't have much time for training and we have to adapt players to this. We may, here and there, not be so certain about this style and possession process, but we have other things to offer."