The coach looks back on the incredible 2-3 triumph against Athletic Club

Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Athletic Club, which secured their qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, coach Rui Borges analysed the match in his press conference.

His first reaction
"It's extraordinary to look at the standings and see Sporting CP's name among the big fish who qualified directly. It's a source of pride for the whole club and for our fans, including those at home who suffered a lot with us. The energy we feel from them is very important, and this one is dedicated to them. We achieved a historic and beautiful objective that will be remembered by Sporting CP and the entire country. There are no words to describe the pride we have in the group, the team, and the players."

Analysing the game
"Honestly, we were hindered in the way we expected. I don't agree that it was one of the worst first halves of the season. We had difficulties connecting, we made many mistakes in our passing and we didn't have the right energy. We were slow to make decisions, we lost the ball, and we didn't create many chances deep into their half. We can't concede that second goal like we did in this competition. We can't stop waiting for a foul to be called at this level. In the second half, the introductions of Eduardo Quaresma, Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita were very important. We corrected one or two things in the build-up and the team realised what they had to do. We improved and grew.

We had personality from beginning to end, but we lacked proactivity with the ball. Athletic were a very intense team and we knew that they would be. They are strong at pressing and we were slow to make decisions. We were somewhat stuck with our decision-making, even without the ball. I don't know if it was because we conceded a goal at the beginning amidst a great atmosphere -one of the best I've ever experienced. We improved simple things in the second half, within our game plan, and the substitutions worked well."

Morita
"He's important because he doesn't hide, he goes at the game and he came in very well. Pote is an extraordinary player and the team are different with him playing. Ousmane Diomande was having a great game and Edu responded in the same way. I'm happy to feel everyone is connected and willing to help the team. That's the great virtue of this team. They feel important, their teammates trust them. Alisson Santos came on and did very well, and he has given us that in these games. He's extraordinary in that sense. He has to grow in other ways, but in the UEFA Champions League he has been extraordinary."

The performance of Portuguese teams in the Champions League
"I'm happy because it helps our country's performance in European competitions. I hope that the teams in the UEFA Europa League also go through. It's important for everyone."

A possible contract renewal
"I'm not thinking about that. I have a contract here, so I'm not worried."

The financial benefit of direct qualification
"What guides me is doing my best for Sporting CP. It was never money that motivated me, but rather the passion I have for football."

Late winning goals
"It's down to the team's ambition, friendship and the respect they have for each other. It was the collective that brought us here and that won today's game. We're a family. Their ambition is enormous, almost infinite. They never tire of winning and they aren't happy when we win and haven't done so well in the game. They aren't satisfied just with winning."

Players who came off the bench
"Pote makes everyone grow, but it wasn't just him. Morita and Edu were important. The entry of those three was important. Morten Hjulmand, Luis Suárez and Francisco Trincão grew throughout the game, but it wasn't just thanks to Pote. The three [who came on] were important."