The coach speaks after the 0-1 loss to Arsenal

Following the defeat for Sporting Clube de Portugal to Arsenal, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference about the game.

The end of a run of 17 consecutive victories at Alvalade
"The players deserve recognition and merit. It's a fantastic group that deserve to make history for Sporting CP, and this was another way to do that. It's a record that will one day be broken by another group,and that makes us happy. Alvalade is, more and more, a fortress for us."

Analysis of the game
"It was an evenly balanced game. Apart from the corner kick that hit the post and a shot saved by Rui Silva, Arsenal only had one shot on goal. We had three clear opportunities that were well saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper. They had their strengths, we had ours, two great teams and a competitive game. We didn't deserve to suffer defeat, but that's football. We've won with goals after the 90 minutes were up, and today we lost through a goal in stoppage time. If there are big challenges, then this is the team to overcome them. We will seek to do something unprecedented in London, where I believe we will give a good response."

Viktor Gyökeres
"I asked if he and his family were well and said I was happy for him. He deserves the recognition of the Sporting CP fans. He helped me a lot to become a Liga Portugal champion, and he gave his all while he was at Sporting CP. He made history in the league and at Sporting CP, and will always be very welcome here. He deserves to be applauded."

Hopes of advancing in the competition
"Obviously we have hope. We know they are a great team when playing at home, but we like big challenges. I truly believe that we will have a good response in London."

The second leg
"We have several challenging matches ahead of us, but I'm very level-headed and my problem now is CF Estrela da Amadora. I have to win that game and I need to think about how I'm going to do it. There are still many days to go until the matches against Arsenal, SL Benfica and FC Porto. I like to think about the present -and the present is CF Estrela da Amadora."

The fans
"There are no words to describe the energy and support they gave us from beginning to end. Even after the game, feeling their affection is important for the players. We lost to a great team, but we competed against the best and that's what we want to do. A small detail cost us dearly, and the opposite has  happened before with us. It demonstrates the closeness of the tie and the fans saw attitude, courage and quality from the team."

Arsenal's set pieces
"At times, there are clear fouls. It's a very specific moment and a team with great athleticism. The duels with them are difficult. We are two good teams at set pieces; we are the best team in Portugal in that aspect, and the fourth best in Europe. The team demonstrated this ability, even though it was difficult."

Sporting CP's support in London
"In London, they will make the difference with their support, so that we can beat a great team that will be playing at home."