Coates on extending his stay in Alvalade

Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.

"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."

Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."

Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown

You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.

“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."

Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.

“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."

Statements after winning the Taça de Portugal

After the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Taça de Portugal final against SL Benfica, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference at Jamor.

Obstacles overcome during the season
"Difficulties exist, but I just don't get attached to them. It all depends on how we look at them and take advantage of them to seize opportunities. We worked hard and made the players believe they were league champions. They didn't lose their quality and they didn't stop being the best. When one player didn't play, another played. It's part of life and I look back at my life with great happiness and gratitude for what it gives me every day."

Analysis of the game
"It was a competitive game, like all the others we've had against these opponents. At times we were the better side, at others they were. We started well in the first half, then we let SL Benfica believe and Rui Silva made a great save. The game balanced out and, in the second half, we wanted to be stronger in the duels, where we were being a bit soft. SL Benfica had a different strategy than usual and overcame our initial formation. We didn't start so well in the second half and were a bit lost for five minutes after their goal. Naturally, SL Benfica tried to hold onto the result. It's natural, as it's the final."

The fairness of the result
"It was 1-3 and the result speaks for itself. It's very fair."

The masterclass by Viktor Gyökeres
"Those who are watching from the outside have to understand that Viktor won't always be at his best. He had to be more patient at times to have fewer chances -but better ones. At any moment he can solve the problem and he got the equaliser. Not all actions will be great ones, and he has to make a difference from the few that he has. He has given a lot to the team and he did it again today, but the team also give a lot to Viktor. Today Sporting CP won. Viktor won and others, like David Moreira, who deserves it a lot, did too."

Ivan Fresneda and Matheus Reis
"They have already been training in that position that they played in. It makes the game different because we were losing and instead of creating imbalances with just Maxi Araújo or Geovany Quenda, we could create them with more players. Matheus and Ivan went through the channel more, we took a few more risks and we tried to create that dynamic."

Francisco Trincão
"His performance made me very proud. After working with the players, we have different feelings about them. Trincão has always been a great player and he deserves it. I told him to decide the game, because he deserves recognition in big games and finals. Throughout all the problems we went through, he never told me he was tired. He broke his hand and still played. I never saw him sad, I always saw him switched on. He is a very intelligent player. He is one of the best players in terms of his tactical reading of the game. Technically, he is above your average player and he is managing to combine this with the competitive side. I have no doubt that he will have a fantastic future."

Next season and the spirit at Sporting CP
"It's the same intention now: Make them believe that they are two-time champions. A difficult season is coming, but we want to rest. These past few months have been difficult and we need to make the most of the rest. Next season will be very difficult, but we all know that we are at a great club. We have a great family spirit at Sporting CP and I would like to say a few words to our fans. They have been fantastic and have the same spirit and confidence as we do. Today, we saw that the fans really believed that we were going to win, and that was passed on to our players. It's an achievement for everyone. We are all part of the Sporting CP family. This spirit is increasingly cemented at the club and long may it continue to be so."

Reviewing the season
"I couldn't ask for more. Only if we won the Taça da Liga, but we competed in that final too. We really wanted to be in the finals. We have always been there and we can only be proud. More than the results, our work has always spoken for us and will continue to do so. Nothing was gifted to me; I never won anything at other clubs. I came to Sporting CP because they saw us as a competent coaching team, with good ideas, and good people. That is what makes me most proud. I am sure that I am a good person because I had a very good upbringing. I want to send a kiss to my parents, who were here today and I am very happy to dedicate the victory to them. Since we've been here, we've taken this path together. We had to take decisions, which is part of the job, and we have always stuck together for Sporting CP. I want to give recognition to the medical team, which is clearly the best around and who do not do anything randomly. They deserve recognition from me because they were bombarded with doubts from people. They were very important in our achievements."

Sporting CP beat SL Benfica 1-3 in extra time at Jamor

Sporting Clube de Portugal won the Taça de Portugal for the first time in six years at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor, defeating SL Benfica 1-3 after extra time in the final. It rounded off the first league and cup double for the team since 2001/02.

The goals came in stoppage time, with a penalty from Viktor Gyökeres, then in extra time by Conrad Harder (99’) and Francisco Trincão (120+1’).

In the final game of the season, at a packed Estádio Nacional split by the colours of two eternal rivals from Lisbon – something that had not been seen in the final since 1995/96-, Sporting CP presented a starting eleven with two changes: Jeremiah St. Juste took over the central role in the central defensive trio – in place of the injured Ousmane Diomande – and captain Morten Hjulmand returned from suspension to replace Hidemasa Morita.

SL Benfica had the first shot of the game, through Orkun Kökçü from outside the area, met with a safe save by Rui Silva. Sporting CP responded quickly and only two well-timed tackles inside the area prevented Geny Catamo and, subsequently, Gonçalo Inácio, from scoring.

After the first ten minutes, referee Luís Godinho  awarded a penalty in favor of SL Benfica, but the decision was reversed due to an offside at the beginning of the play.
 
Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Silva tipped a clear chance by Vangelis Pavlidis onto the post, and later, Inácio also made a decisive tackle to block a Bruma shot. From the subsequent  corner, the Greek striker headed the ball slightly over the bar.

Having overcome these moments of difficulty, both defensively and in finding ways to attack, Sporting CP showed a timid reaction to close the first half. Pedro Gonçalves headed the ball into the hands of Samuel Soares, SL Benfica’s starting goalkeeper, who then also saved a low shot from Viktor Gyökeres.

The game went into halftime with the score still 0-0.

The start of the second half turned into a nightmare for the Sporting CP. With Geny Catamo down on the ground, SL Benfica continued their attack, and a powerful, well-placed shot from Kökçü put his team ahead in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later, Bruma seemed to have made it 2-0, this time with Trincão down injured from the start of the play. However, this time, the referee checked VAR and considered that Álvaro Carreras had committed a foul. Thus, the second goal was disallowed.

The thousands of Sporting CP fans in the stands were galvanised, as were the players, who once again imposed themselves in duels, had more control of the ball and got into SL Benfica's area more frequently. Maxi Araújo, Gyökeres and Trincão had the main attacks during this spell.
 
Morita replaced Debast in the midfield in the first change by Sporting CP.

Entering the last 15 minutes, Rui Borges introduced Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder for Catamo and Gonçalves, then Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda were also added to the mix.

In the final stretch of regulation time, a good save by Rui Silva from debutant Andrea Belotti kept Sporting CP alive.

Attempts from Trincão's right foot and Harder's head were both weak, but still the team pushed for an equaliser.

Added time reached 90+10 minutes, and it was in the last gasp of injury time that a move between Trincão and Gyökeres turned the game on its head. After leaving a defender in his wake, the Swedish striker was brought down in the area by Renato Sanches and a penalty was awarded.

Gyökeres himself stepped up, and scored his final game of the season from the penalty spot, forcing extra time.

As the game broke down and exhaustion was beginning to show, Sporting CP went in search of more. Samuel Soares got down at the feet of Gyökeres to deny a certain goal.

Then, in the 99th inute, Harder rose highest in the area to meet an excellent cross from Trincão, and his lethal header made it 2-1.

SL Benfica tried to reverse the course of a final they had previously had in hand. David Moreira, making his debut for Sporting CP, replaced a very tired Maxi Araújo, whilst SL Benfica's veteran Ángel Di María – who came on in extra time – tried his luck from a distance with a shot over the bar.

Trincão killed the game off with a magical move, which featured a nutmeg and a classy finish to make it 3-1 at 120'+1'.
 
The joy following the goal only increased upon the final whistle, as Sporting CP celebrated the seventh double in the club’s history.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 75’), Eduardo Quaresma (Iván Fresneda, 83’), Jeremiah St. Juste (Matheus Reis, 83’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Hidemasa Morita, 58’), Francisco Trincao, Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 75’), Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach talks before the Taça de Portugal final against SL Benfica

After winning their second consecutive Liga Portugal title, Sporting Clube de Portugal have one more game remaining this season: They face SL Benfica at 5:15 pm this Sunday at the Estádio Nacional de Jamor, in the final of the Taça de Portugal.

Coach Rui Borges attended the press conference previewing the game, answering questions from journalists.

A dream come true to be at Jamor
"It's a dream come true. You have to enjoy it, because of everything it represents for me and for many people. It's a party, but we want to win the game. We approach each game wanting to win, as we always have, and tomorrow is no exception. We want to reach the end of the competition and fulfill the dream of winning the cup."

His experience
"I'm dealing with it with happiness, but above all, I'm keeping things in perspective. I'm happy to have won the biggest trophy in national football, and I feel that the path I've taken has been successful, but I know that everything goes by very quickly. I try to be very balanced. I try to enjoy the experience, but we really want to keep winning and making history for Sporting CP. This is a trophy that has been eluding us for some time, and we haven't won this 'double' for over 20 years. We want our 18th Taça de Portugal."

Memories of the cup as a player
"I didn't have the opportunity to play in Liga Portugal. I played in all the divisions except the Primeira Liga, which I only experienced when I became a coach. For those in the lower divisions, the only dream we have a chance of making happen is winning the Taça de Portugal. It was something that motivated us a lot and that I really liked. The cup was always on our minds, hence my happiness at being able to play in the final tomorrow."

SL Benfica
"More than any player, we will focus on what SL Benfica will do as a team. Sporting CP had the best attack and the best defence in the league, which dictates the motivation of the opponents for tomorrow's final. We will face a great team that will do everything to come away with the trophy. We have become league champions, and that always affects the opposing team."

The opponents' motivation
"They will be really motivated to win the cup. They won the Taça da Liga and we became Liga Portugal champions. We were the two best teams in the country and it will be a good game. They will be very motivated, as will we, as we want the 'double' and to continue this beautiful time at Sporting CP. The group really deserve to be happy again and win another trophy, in a season of overcoming adversity."

Ousmane Diomande
"He is in doubt until kickoff. He is working hard and is the only one who is in doubt. We will wait for tomorrow."

What has changed at Sporting CP since the arrival of Rui Borges
"We have been growing in some ways. We have been adapting. It's been a huge challenge for the coaching staff to understand some things and manage the players. We are very good at listening, because if you can't get the players on your side there is no point in being a good coach. It's been a huge challenge, but it was very easy because the group are incredible. They have a great friendship and family spirit, and no one has strayed from the path or purpose. They have had a fantastic ability to overcome obstacles, without losing the ambition to win. We really deserved to be league champions and, now, to win the Taça de Portugal."

Morten Hjulmand
"Morten's importance to the group is obvious and that's why, at 25 years of age, he is the captain of Sporting CP. You just have to look at him to see that everyone respects his presence. He is very calm and thoughtful, and he always connects the group. He has the right words, said at the right moments. To represent everything he represents for the club and the team at 25 years of age is something special. As a coach, I'm lucky to have a leader like him. He has a contract with the club and I am at peace in that sense. He really likes Sporting CP and is happy here."

Comparisons with last season's final
"Sporting CP were strong last season and are very strong this year. We have been champions both years and are very focused on this year. There is nothing that can be done about last season's final. These are different times and different opponents. I hope it is a great game and that we are able to play as we want, especially away from home."

The supporters
"I would like to say a few words to our fans, who have been incredible and will continue to be tomorrow, I'm sure. I would like to thank them because they were very important in winning the league. They will be very important in our ability to win the cup tomorrow. I would like to appeal for fair play, because my memories of the cup are always good. May it be the same tomorrow, on and off the pitch. I hope everybody knows how to behave, supports those they should support, respect each other, have fun, make the most of the cup celebration and may Sporting CP win in the end. I want the game to be remembered as a great game and a beautiful celebration."

Another decisive derby
"Like the others, it will be a very competitive game. All of these games have different characteristics, but they are all very competitive. Individual quality, for both sides, will come through at times and make the difference. These are two teams that know each other very well. It will be decided by details, as has happened in other games."

Viktor Gyökeres
"He is very happy at Sporting CP. He is very focused on tomorrow's game, he wants to score and he is obsessed with that. He is very focused on the final and he knows he has had a great season. He is the best striker in Europe, as the numbers show. He will be attractive prospect, but I believe that if he doesn't leave Sporting CP he will remain very attached to the club. He feels very happy here."

Controlling emotions after the celebrations of the league title
"The players had every right to celebrate and they did so very well. From the moment they started training again, they were focused. They are a highly motivated group, full of hunger to win, they never tire and always want to win. There can be no greater motivation than to once again enter the club's history books with the 'double' and the 18th Taça de Portugal."

Whether Sporting CP are favourites
"I don't think so. We are the two best teams in the league, and each of us gets motivated in our own way. It's 50-50. We are two great teams and it's a final, which causes different emotions. There are good players for both sides and it will be a balanced game."

The future of the squad
"I'm sure that a large part of the group will stay. This has been the club's policy in recent years and the achievements show this. It's difficult to guarantee because there are clauses and things that we don't control, but I believe that, if not all, then a large part of the squad will stay for next season."

Tactics
"If you watch my games at Vitória SC, the team often played with a three-man defensive line. The formation is very relative. I didn't stray from my idea of the game, I adapted to certain behaviours regardless of the initial system. I will have more time to work on some things in a specific and rigorous way. I didn't have much time for that and that's why I say it was a big challenge for the coaching staff."

The protagonists speak about Liga Portugal title number 25

After Sporting Clube de Portugal clinched their 25th Liga Portugal title, several players expressed their joy at the achievement.

Rui Silva
"I'm very happy to have returned to Portugal in style. It was a dream of mine to be able to represent a big club in Portugal, and it's been made even better with this achievement. This step was very important for my career and I'm very happy with the way I've been welcomed with such affection, both by the team and the fans. It's an indescribable feeling.

I dreamed a lot about winning trophies, and when I came here it was with the objective of us becoming champions. Being a two-time champion is very important for the history of the club.

I've had some incredible moments here. Playing at home with our fans and being able to celebrate winning the title here was really nice. Whoever is at this club has to aim for trophies. Now we need to celebrate with our fans and then prepare for the Taça de Portugal game.

It is a great source of pride for me to be able to become a league champion. It was a big career goal of mine. After a lot of work and sacrifice, we have deserved it a lot."

Geovany Quenda
"We're going to work hard to win the Taça de Portugal. That's how it is at a big club like Sporting CP. I'll keep doing what I've always done. I'm not thinking long term and I'll still be here next season."

João Simões
"It's a dream, there are no words to describe it. After a lot of work, a lot of suffering and all the difficulties, we were able to show, once again, the spirit we are made of. The title is a reflection of that work.

Watching the game from the sidelines is hard, because we always want to help, but we know that on the pitch they are also fighting for us. It's suffering, but with enormous confidence in the team.

There was never any doubt. We were always sure of what we had to do, game by game. We needed to play, get the three points and go back to work for the following week. Then the maths is done at the end of the season.

Less than a year ago I was at the Under-17s European Championship. I didn't expect to be here. I have to thank everyone who helped me, all the people at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo. It's my dream and that of everyone there who is working to get here."

Matheus Reis
"It's a unique feeling. I've always believed that it's during the most difficult moments in our lives that we become stronger. My career has always been like that. I joined Sporting CP after six months without playing, but I knew my potential. I always believed in myself, kept working and came here. I encountered hard-working people with character, and we won the first two titles. This year was very unusual, but we remained resilient and deserved to win the league title again.

Was it the most difficult of the titles? For sure. We had three different coaches, many injured players... It was the toughest title, which only makes the achievement more beautiful."

Morten Hjulmand
"It was very difficult to watch the games from the stands. It felt like when I'm not the one driving my car; not in control. However, we played in a mature way and I'm very proud.

I've been waiting a long time to lift this trophy. I've been thinking about it since preseason. For almost a year I've been thinking about winning the league, and now I've won it.

It's very special to win the league with so many difficulties off the pitch. It was hard, but the group demonstrated the quality we have. I didn't doubt it for a moment."

The coach talks after the Liga Portugal triumph

After the title win with victory over Vitória SC, and the celebration on the pitch at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges spoke to journalists and expressed his happiness at winning Liga Portugal.

Winning the title
“It’s special, because of everything the guys were able to do over this time, and how they believed. I also want to give infinite thanks to the fans for what they have done since our first day here. It was very important not only for the coach and the coaching staff to make the group believe that they are unique and incredible, but also for the fans to do that, and it made us almost invincible. They have a great family spirit, but I say this about everyone who works at the Academia every day, from the security guards to the guys who cut the grass to make training go better, to those who work in the food area in the canteen, etc. Only with a collective spirit of believing in ourselves, since day one, together with the fans, could we become two-time champions despite all the setbacks we had. My happiness is the players’ happiness."

His first thought after the final whistle
“I thought about my grandfather, Zé Pedro. All my grandparents have passed away and I believe that they are up there happy and proud of their grandson, but my grandfather Zé Pedro was very special to me and I believe that he is very happy for his grandson. I also thought about my family, my parents, sisters, my wife and my son. In the last 15 days they have suffered a little due to the day-to-day life that Sporting CP and Rui Borges were going through, but they know very well who Rui Borges is as a person and the greatest trophy I can have is the pride of my family and the people who love me. I saw many people in my city, who aren't even Sportinguistas, wanting Sporting CP to win. I'm very proud to be from Mirandela. I'm just a boy from Mirandela who believed in a dream. I wasn't a great player, I wasn't a great student, I was just somebody who believed in a dream and was able to make it come true with a lot of hard work."

The attitude in the squad
“I asked for attitude to never be lacking and it never was, and I also thank the fans who brought that approach to the team. In good times and bad times, the players never lacked attitude and we ended up with zero defeats in Liga Portugal under us, with the best attack and the best defence. I couldn’t be more proud of my team. Sometimes we played better than others, but football is getting more intense and it’s a game for those who are the most competitive. We were always very competitive. We didn’t always win, but no coach wins every game. I couldn’t ask for more from this group, and I’m not saying that because we were crowned champions. If we hadn't won it, I would say the same thing."

Viktor Gyökeres
“It’s easier to win with the whole group together. Viktor had the whole team behind him to help him. He’s extraordinary and will always be one of the best players in the history of Sporting CP and Portuguese football. He's given a lot to Sporting CP, just as the team gave a lot to him. They were all very important and so was he. (...) I believe he’s the best forward in Europe, maybe the world, and I’m happy and rooting for him to win the Golden Boot. He works hard every day and wants to contribute, despite physical difficulties. We'll see what happens in his future soon, but we still have a trophy to win and today is the day to enjoy our second title in a row.”

Ruben Amorim and João Pereira
“Ruben and João were important -each in their own way- and they are champions too. For me, that is a source of pride. João may have gone through a difficult time and things may have been unfair on him, but he certainly has a bright future. As for Ruben, I admire him a lot and he is an example for all of us coaches. I believe they would like to be here celebrating with us.”

The team win a deserved second title in two seasons

Sporting Clube de Portugal were crowned two-time Liga Portugal champions after beating Vitória SC 2-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade, winning the title on the 34th matchday of the season.

It is the first time that the club have retained a title in 71 years (1952/1953-1953/1954).

They topped the table in 31 of the 34 matchdays, closing the competition with 82 points, 25 wins, 7 draws and only 2 defeats. Sporting CP also stood out as the team with the most goals scored (88) and the fewest conceded (27).

Viktor Gyökeres was the top goalscorer in 2024/25 League with 39, and Francisco Trincão was the best assist provider, with 14.

Sporting CP’s League Titles:
1922/1923
1933/1934
1935/1936
1937/1938
1940/1941
1943/1944
1946/1947
1947/1948
1948/1949
1950/1951
1951/1952
1952/1953
1953/1954
1957/1958
1961/1962
1965/1966
1969/1970
1973/1974
1979/1980
1981/1982
1999/2000
2001/2002
2020/2021
2023/2024
2024/2025

The team beat Vitória SC 2-0 to retain the title

Sporting Clube de Portugal successfully defended their Liga Portugal title with a 2-0 win against Vitória SC, in the final game of the 2024/25 season. Goals from Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres earned the victory that took the team up to 82 points, two more than closest challengers SL Benfica.

There was a party atmosphere at Alvalade and on the streets after the game, but before came the vital work of taking the win against a Vitória SC who had the intention of spoiling the party.

Rui Borges had to make changes to his starting lineup, including covering for the absence of captain Morten Hjulmand, and he began the game with Rui Silva, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Hidemasa Morita, Zeno Debast, Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão, Viktor Gyökeres and Pedro Gonçalves.

Sporting CP controlled the game from the start, and in the 9th minute Inácio provided the first warning with a header just wide.

Shortly afterwards it was Gyökeres who enjoyed a chance, after receiving the ball from Catamo's hard work on the right, but his shot under pressure went off target.

There were some good moments, but the first half hour of the game was played at a languid pace. Several fouls, free kicks far from both areas and players going down broke up play.

Ousmane Diomande had to be taken off in the 23rd minute, with Jeremiah St. Juste coming on in his place.

Finally, after half an hour, Gyökeres had two occasions in which he came close to scoring, but first he was thwarted by Bruno Varela and then, after a mistake by Villanueva, shot out of play from a narrow angle.

At the other end, Rui Silva had a very calm first half, with the visiting team's most noteworthy opportunity coming close to the 40th minute, but the effort was weak and wide.

The danger was always in the Vitória area, with Sporting CP close to scoring, in the 41st minute, after a corner and Leonina insistence, but Hidemasa Morita was unable to finish in the confusion.

At the end of the first half, Gyökeres pulled out one of his trademark moves, breaking away on the left and getting into the box alone, but Bruno Varela came out to stifle him.

The second half started like the first, with Sporting CP looking to score. Gonçalves had a first-time shot blocked by Miguel Maga. Then, following a corner, Morita headed over at the far post.

Trincão lined up an attempt from the edge of the area, but shot wide, as Sporting CP kept up their constant attacks.

On 55 minutes, Sporting CP finally scored, eliciting the first explosion of joy in Alvalade: Zeno Debast received the ball in the central channel and prepared to shoot, but decided to pass to the left for Maxi Araújo -who cut it back for Gonçalves to finish first time.

Ten minutes later, Catamo almost made it 2-0, striking the ball off the woodwork, followed by another attempt by Gyökeres -who spun in the box but could not get the necessary power on his shot.

With 15 minutes to go, Rui Borges started to make changes to the team and took Morita off, bringing in Geovany Quenda. Shortly after, the youngster was set up by Gyökeres in the area, but Bruno Varela saved.

Two minutes later, the goalkeeper could do nothing to deny a Gyökeres hungry for goals: An excellent individual move by the Swedish striker saw him get past two opponents, round the Vítoria SCgoalkeeper and then finish into the back of the net.

His team 2-0 up and close to the title, Borges then made three substitutions in one go, removing Catamo, Goncalves and Trincão and introducing Matheus Reis, Iván Fresneda and Conrad Harder for the final minutes.

The final whistle came shortly afterwards, to the delight of the crowd. Sporting CP earned their latest league title and were able to enjoy a celebration that lasted long into the night.

The coach previews the season finale against Vitória SC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play Vitória SC this Saturday at 6pm, on the 34th and final matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

Ahead of the match, coach Rui Borges highlighted the importance of this game, reinforcing that nothing is won yet and that his side know that it will not be an easy fixture against his former team.

The final game
“I'm looking forward to the game -not the game itself, but just it finally coming around. I'd be lying if I didn't say that, but we have to be able to deal with this anxiety in the best way possible and transform it into good energy.”

A request to Sporting fans
“What we ask of them is to remain the same as they have been since we arrived. They have been incredible, fantastic, and there are no words to describe everything they have given us, what they have done and how they have helped us. They very much deserve to be two-time champions and that is the goal for all of us. Therefore, tomorrow they will be very important in achieving victory and our objective.”

Could the fans' euphoria rub off on the team?
“No, and I spoke about it after the last game. It’s natural for the fans to be happy, but the joy they showed when we arrived after the last game was more because we were going to play the title decider at our home ground. They feel that they are important and that they will be a great force in helping us to beat Vitória SC. That’s why the euphoria is understandable and has no influence on the players. They know that we have won absolutely nothing yet, that we have 90 minutes to play tomorrow and that this game will decide who becomes champions. The team are only focused on what they have to do, which is to win the game.”

Hidemasa Morita's availability
“Morita is ready to play and to respond, however many minutes he is given. If it is 90 minutes, great, if not, another player will play who will also give a very good response to help the team for the greater objective”.

Morten Hjulmand's absence and options to replace him
“He is an important player, who has a big role as our captain and leader on the pitch, but the team have been able to respond to his absence and that of others, because the collective spirit is very strong, the level of commitment and belief are huge and the courage and ambition are infinite in this group. Morita is ready to play, whether as a starter or not. He has had some injury problems, but that is not something that only he has had. This has also been our struggle as a team at times, but above all, I everyone is focused and they are ready to play and to help the team. Morita, Pote or someone else can play in the middle."

Dropped points and the merit of a possible title
“I have no regrets. Our journey speaks for everything we have achieved with this group. We believe that we deserve to be champions, because of the ability we have shown over time. That is our focus and that is what keeps us very focused on our sole objective. No one wins all the time, but we were able to overcome the various difficulties that arose and, therefore, the team believe that we deserve to be champions.”

Viktor Gyökeres's individual objective
“He is focused on the team and on us becoming champions. That is what he, and the whole group, want. I always praise the team and there is no ego here. No matter how much people talk about him, what he does and how much influence he has on the team, the group are all focused on the same thing. We will all be very happy if he wins the Golden Boot, but he is much more focused on us becoming champions and, for that reason, I am also sure that he will have another great game tomorrow.”

A message to the squad
“The message has been to maintain an emotional balance, to try to keep the team focused and calm at the same time. I believe that, individually, anxiety exists a little in everyone, it is part of the situation, but the important thing is how we deal with it. It's another game, but it's the last one and it has a huge importance, so we have to be able to deal with that. Our work as the coaching staff this week has also been to help them to stay calm and to put some things into perspective, not giving too much importance to just this game and making them see that it has the same importance as all the others. The reason we are here and it is down to us is because we focused on the other games. Therefore, it is about having the same energy, the same focus and rigour in this final game."