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."

The coach's press conference after the win over Vitória SC

After the 1-4 victory for Sporting CP against Vitória SC, coach Rui Borges gave a post-match analysis of the game in Guimaraes.

The victory being dedicated to Fresneda and the fans
“The victory is dedicated to Iván [Fresneda], for the misfortune he has suffered in recent days [the death of a family member]. He wanted to stay, help the team, and turn around this difficult moment. Regarding the game, it's not a gift, it's a victory, which we really wanted, and we also dedicate it to the fans, who have been fantastic in their support and belief in the team.”

His overall analysis of the game
“It was a tough game at a difficult stadium. It was a very good first half and we went into halftime winning deservedly. The second goal was extraordinary in terms of our collective play, and the team were very focused on what we had to do -both with and without the ball. In the second half, unfortunately for us, we allowed Vitória SC back into the game. After that, we know that this stadium takes the home team to another level, and that's what happened. After it became 1-2, we misplaced some passes, which created a bit of unease, but we improved, and with the score at 1-3 we settled down and turned the game around. Vitória SC created some problems for us with some low crosses, but the defensive line and the central defenders had a great game. It was a competitive game, as we expected, and a clear demonstration of the character and personality of this team.

The difficulties admitted by the opposing coach in dealing with Sporting CP's new dynamic
“We have to find solutions and work on them. I understand Luís [Pinto], but the dynamics are the same as always. They haven't changed much. The players bring us different things. In defensive terms, we adjusted to a different defensive dynamic. Happy, above all, because despite the absence of some important players, the team gave the response of an exceptional group, which has an enormous ambition to win and trusts in each other. They know that everyone is important here.”

Trincão and Ioannidis' movements on the right
“Trincão played in a different position than usual, but the team always have mobility, not just today. They know they can use each other's spaces as long as the team are balanced, with people in the right spots. Trincão's understanding with Fotis is natural and good. We used a lot of what our game plan is, just with different players. Maxi had a great game again. With this movement inside and the overloads, individual quality comes to the fore and at some point we will be able to hurt the opponent.”

Returning to Guimarães a year after his last game as Vitória SC coach
“It's been a special year. A year ago I didn't know I was going to be Sporting CP coach, and now I think I'm an even happier coach. I was very happy at Vitória SC; it's a special club and one for whom I will always have enormous affection. In terms of this year, it was a coach's dream that I fulfilled: To become league champion. I'm happy where I am and I want to continue fighting for my dreams to win more, get trophies and continue as part of the history of Sporting CP. May this next year be another one like it.”

The team take a third win in a row to continue their title challenge

Sporting CP defeated Vitória SC 1-4 in Guimarães in their last game before Christmas -the closing game of Matchday 15 in Liga Portugal. Goals from Francisco Trincão and Fotis Ioannidis in the first, plus an own goal and a strike from Maxi Araújo in the second, saw off their dangerous opposition.

Up against a Vitória SC side coached by Luís Pinto and on a run of four league games unbeaten without conceding a single goal, Sporting CP opted for a starting XI with three changes: Rui Silva returned to goal, Ricardo Mangas occupied the left wing, and Fotis Ioannidis joined Luis Suárez in attack. João Virgínia, Matheus Reis, and Alisson Santos returned to the bench.

A cold night in Guimarães began with Sporting CP coming very close to scoring on several occasions. After ten minutes, through an excellent collective move, Ricardo Mangas found himself in front of goal, but couldn't get a shot on target.

Shortly after, Suárez had a strike deflected at the near post. From the subsequent corner, captain Morten Hjulmand also threatened, but the most dangerous opportunity fell to Francisco Trincão, who forced Juan Castillo to make a save.

Rui Silva's first intervention arrived from an effort from distance by João Mendes.

Sporting CP maintained control and, in the 32nd minute, managed to break through Vitória SC's defensive fortress, handing them their first goal conceded in two months: Suárez initially tried his luck with a powerful shot, but it was a quick counter-attack that broke he deadlock, with Ioannidis returning the ball to Trincão in the box, a last-ditch clearance by João Mendes that sent the ball against the post, and Trincão turning it into the net.

Vitória SC improved and threatened in the following moments, but Sporting CP responded with total efficiency. Shortly before halftime, a precise cross from Mangas found Ioannidis' powerful header in the area, doubling the advantage.

After the 2-0 scoreline was established, Vitória attacked again, with attempts from Alioune Ndoye and Matija Mitrovic -whose free-kick forced Rui Silva into action- providing further glimpses of a chance to get back into contention.

At the start of the second half, the game changed dramatically for a moment. Drifting down the right, debutant Telmo Arcanjo aimed at goal, and Rui Silva couldn't reach the ball. That made it 1-2 on 50 minutes and the contest reignited at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

Through numerous crosses, mainly from the right side, Sporting CP were kept under pressure and struggled to get out of their own half. However, a counter-attack provided just what they needed: Maxi Araújo's free-kick was going wide, but Suárez, near the byline, managed to put the ball back into the danger zone and ended up benefiting from the unintentional help of goalkeeper Juan Castillo, who deflected the ball into his own net.

Iván Fresneda could have delivered a significant blow, but he struck wide with his weaker foot when unmarked in the area.

The game turned more erratic and disjointed, but a Maxi Araújo goal on the rebound from a Suárez shot sealed the victory. His fourth goal of the season made it 1-4 and put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute.  

Vitória SC were reduced to ten men due to a straight red card shown to Nélson Oliveira for a stamp, and in the ensuing scuffle between players from both teams, Hjulmand and Fresneda received yellow cards, meaning the Spanish full-back will miss the next league game.

The meeting marked the league debut of 18-year-old Flávio Gonçalves, coming on alongside Matheus Reis, after Hidemasa Morita, Salvador Blopa and Alisson Santos were also substituted by Rui Borges.

Sporting CP hadn't won in Guimarães since 2023, and the 1-4 win took their unbeaten run in the current Liga Portugal season to 11 games. With 38 points, they are in second place, three points ahead of SL Benfica and five behind FC Porto.

The next game will be played after Christmas and will see Sporting CP host Rio Ave FC on Sunday (8:30pm).

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Ricardo Mangas, Gonçalo Inácio, Eduardo Quaresma, Iván Fresneda (Matheus Reis, 90+2’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 76’), Maxi Araújo (Alisson Santos, 84’), Francisco Trincão (Flávio Gonçalves, 90+3’), Fotis Ioannidis (Salvador Blopa, 84’), Luis Suárez

The coach speaks before the match with his former club

Sporting Clube de Portugal visit Vitória SC on Tuesday in Liga Portugal action, and coach Rui Borges spoke ahead of the game to comment on several subjects.

Celebrating a year at Sporting CP
"It's special. Destiny is funny: One year on from the day I finally said goodbye to Vitória SC, I'll be coaching against them at their home. It's special for me. They are a club that mean a lot to me, and it's largely thanks to Vitória SC that I'm here today at Sporting CP.

It's a special game at a very difficult ground. The atmosphere is special, and only those who experience it understand. The crowd clearly make a difference, and that was noticeable last season when we had the game under control and suddenly it completely turned around. That energy and passion galvanises the team.

It's a different Vitória SC than last season; a younger squad. Luís [Pinto] is doing an excellent job as coach, he's getting better and better in terms of his ideas and consistency, and he deserves a lot of credit. Apart from the Taça de Portugal game against AVS, they were on a run of five wins and growing in confidence, with increasing maturity. At home, and with the exception of that game, they have only lost to SL Benfica. They are the only team to have won against FC Porto in domestic competition, and that clearly shows what we'll encounter tomorrow."

The game against CD Santa Clara
"Unfortunately, we live in a society in which there is a great lack of respect for Sporting CP and the club's coach. Fortunately, I had a good upbringing that comes from my parents, with many values. That's perhaps why today I am representing Sporting CP . It makes me sad because I am anything but a liar. I hadn't seen the penalty incident when I commented, I saw it later on the plane. I'm as sincere as possible and I'll gladly explain: at home we have two tablets: One with the Sport TV broadcast and the other on a free-to-air channel, with our image and at a wide angle. It's difficult to see from the images.

The image is there, but you can't see it because it's a wide angle and you can't analyse it. And since they wasted time looking for an image of the coach looking at the tablet, they could also have spent time watching the coach at some point talking to the players on the bench, because they were asking "coach, is it a penalty?" and I said "I don't know, because you can't see it". They could later see one of my assistants with a phone in his hand trying to open it. We couldn't even get videos, sent by the club's communications department, because of the internet connection. At no point did I look at the phone, and I couldn't see the images either.

If you paid attention, you saw that I sat there for 12 minutes waiting for a decision. The image you see of the Sporting CP coach looking at the tablet is all guesswork. They say 'he's looking at the footage,' but nobody saw it on the tablet. So, they say the coach is lying.

I'm sad. Unfortunately, we live in a society that feeds on hatred, and in football there are many people with short and selective memories. That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a move that has happened many times, it's happened in several games, and it's the referee's decision. My captain says there's a touch, you see the contact, and then it's the referee's decision. Regarding the game and the refereeing, I won't say anything more about it. Sometimes there's a lack of respect for the Sporting CP coach, and it's not a recent thing."

Frederico Varandas' Christmas Gift
"The only gift is victory tomorrow, but that's for the players. It's the only gift I want. We'll keep an eye on the transfer market, but we're not in that phase yet and I'm not worried. We'll have time to -within our possibilities and looking at what we deem important- adjust things."

The transfer market
"I believe and strongly hope - because this is what we've been working on and discussing -, that no one will leave. That already makes me happy as a coach, if I maintain the group, its cohesion, joy, energy and quality. It's important not to lose anyone, and I think that won't happen. I'm calm."

Return of Nuno Santos and Zeno Debast
"Regarding Nuno [Santos], I don't know where the information that he will return in January comes from. He is recovering, and I really wanted him to be back already, then I really wanted him to return in January. But I don't know if he will. He is an important player in the group, not only for his quality, but also for his personality and character. I hope to have him back as soon as possible. It's a recovery process that has been difficult, and for a player to be out for so long is mentally difficult. However, he is also a different kind of player and capable of overcoming this time away from the team.

Zeno [Debast] is in the final phase of his recovery. I believe that at the beginning of next month he will be available and at 100 percent."

Options available
"Daniel Bragança is in the process of regaining fitness and confidence, he's not ready to play yet, I believe he will be ready soon. He's another one who can help us, especially in a phase in which we have some absences.

Fotis Ioannidis is already doing better in terms of his injury. He was a true example in his trying to return quickly. It's just my choice. Of course, you can play. They are two strikers for us, and they offer different things. We have to adapt to the players we have available and the strategy in relation to the opposition, without straying from our game plan. Fotis can offer different things and both him and Georgios Vagiannidis can end up on the wing. He's a player who can play there, he's already trained there, and he can do it at any time."

Players at the Africa Cup of Nations
"Regarding Diomande's contract renewal: If it has really happened, it hasn't been announced by the club yet... Hopefully it happens, because Ousmane is a very important player, who has grown in the team and has a promising future ahead of him. I'll be happy about it -also for his future, because he would gain even more importance at Sporting CP. I'm happy about any renewal, of any player.

Regarding the presence of Geny [Catamo] and Diomande at the Africa Cup of Nations, I've already said that I always have alternatives, there's no problem. We always start with eleven. Of course, we have to adapt things, it gets a little difficult, but we have a team with a lot of individual quality and above all the will to help the team win and be better. I focus on that. We always have alternatives. I would never say in a team like Sporting CP that I didn't have alternatives."

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."

A fightback, extra time and determination earn a 2-3 win over CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal needed extra time to beat CD Santa Clara 2-3 in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal, advancing to the next stage of their defence of the cup. João Simões, Luís Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis were the Sporting CP players on the scoresheet in the tie.

Rui Borges' side featured seven changes to the starting XI from the game match against AFS: João Virgínia was brought in as goalkeeper, and Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos also got the nod.

The first sign of danger came from the home team: in the opening moments, Gabriel Silva tried his luck from the edge of the area, striking just wide. Lucas Soares then hit a more accurate, powerful drive, requiring a save from João Virgínia.

Sporting CP increased their possession, although without creating many clear chances, until they opened the scoring on 12 minutes. A combination on the right between Francisco Trincão and Iván Fresneda ended with the Spaniard crossing into the area, and João Simões connected on the turn for his first goal of the season.

CD Santa Clara responded well to the setback, as Gabriel Silva found space in the box in the 16th minute. Eduardo Quaresma intervened with a last-gasp tackle to prevent a shot.

The hosts scored an equaliser just before the half-hour, when Lucas Soares dribbled down the right, cut inside and fired into the net.

During a positive spell immediately thereafter, Alisson Santos shot from a long way out, with the ball going just wide of the post. Sporting CP passed the ball around amongst themselves in the opposition half, but without finding a way to open up the defence. CD Santa Clara mainly relied on speed down the flanks to look for transitions.

After the first half ended 1-1, Alisson Santos had another chance upon the restart: In the 47th minute, the Brazilian advanced down the left flank and crossed, but the ball deflected off a CD Santa Clara defender and spun around the post.

In the 52nd minute, Sporting CP threatened again. A Matheus Reis down the left ended with a chance falling to Maxi Araújo on the penalty spot, and his shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Neneca.

Rui Borges brought on Fotis Ioannidis in the 66th minute to play upfront alongside Luis Suárez, as it began to rain heavily at the Estádio de São Miguel. Sporting CP continued to press and circulate the ball in dangerous areas, and both Morten Hjulmand and Luis Suárez had efforts stifled. The latter was played through, but Neneca reached the ball first.

Fifteen minutes from the end of regulation time, Borges made another change, bringing on Salvador Blopa and Giorgi Kochorashvili. Sporting CP had another great opportunity to take the lead through them, as Blopa was found by the Georgian and the ball fell to Maxi Araújo, who came close to putting his side back in front.

However, on 85 minutes, and without having troubled João Virgínia throughout the second half, it was CD Santa Clara who made it 2-1: Luquinhas found Gabriel Silva, and the Brazilian's shot deflected in off Eduardo Quaresma.

With Sporting CP pushing forward and looking to reverse the result, Trincão shot powerfully in the 87th minute to draw a great save from Neneca, and seconds later CD Santa Clara's Paulo Victor received a red card for a reckless action on Iván Fresneda.

In a last gasp move, Sporting CP brought on Flávio Gonçalves and Ricardo Mangas.

In stoppage time, a lifeline was thrown out when Hjulmand fell in the area. The referee blew for a penalty, and Luis Suárez dispatched, making it 2-2.

With six minutes of added time still to play, Sporting CP went in search of a goal to avoid extra time, but to no avail.

With a numerical advantage for the additional half hour, the visitors controlled possession. Ricardo Mangas had a clear opportunity to score, but shot wide.

Finally, the eventual winning goal came from Fotis Ioannidis, as Morten Hjulmand's touch to cushion Francisco Trincão's cross left him able to smash the ball home.

Closing out the first half of extra time, Brenner Lucas shot from long range in a tame effort, and Trincão made a solo run that culminated in an effort dragged wide.

At the start of the second half of extra time, both teams spent more time in the midfield, but in the 109th minute Giorgi Kochorashvili found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper for a rare chance. The Sporting CP midfielder's header went over the crossbar.

At the end of an exhausting, exhilarating night, Sporting CP took a 2-3 victory that moves them into the next round of the competition that they won last season.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Matheus Reis (Salvador Blopa, 75’), Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 90’), Iván Fresneda (Flávio Gonçalves, 90’), Gonçalo Inácio, Alisson Santos (Fotis Ioannidis, 66’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 75’), Eduardo Quaresma and Luis Suárez.

The coach looks ahead to the meeting with CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Azores to face CD Santa Clara in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal, and coach Rui Borges gave a pre-match press conference in Alcochete this Wednesday.

Previewing the game
"It's a different competition, with different stimuli and energy. It's always a difficult ground to go to, facing a team that have conceded just six goals at home in Liga Portugal. They are one of the teams that allow the opposition the fewest chances to score. They are very intense, competitive and aggressive. I expect a similar level of difficulty to what we encountered in the league. They have a good coach, a motivated team, and we will face a quality side.

Emotional stability is always important in all games, not just this one. The melee at the end of the game [in the league] was just heat of the moment stuff. There's always a bit of needle here and there, but it cools down. It's happened in many games in which Sporting CP didn't play. It's not pretty, for sure, but it's a question of temperament. That game is in the past and tomorrow will be different. Both teams want to win and advance to the quarter-finals. It will be a heated game, but competitive and intense. We have to be prepared."

Frederico Varandas' re-election bid for the presidency announcement
"It's good news for Sporting CP. All the years the president has spent here speaks for itself. Otherwise, I'm focused on my work and I believe the Sporting CP universe are happy with the news."

Options for the game
"We will present the same image as always. We have demonstrated considerable quality in our play, as well as our intensity. The team are focused, aware of the difficulties we will face and the qualities of the opposition. We will not deviate from what we want for the game. The team have evolved and nothing worries me in that regard. It's natural to have one or two different options, even because of the absences we have."

Refereeing
"I'm not going to talk about refereeing. From what I've seen in recent years, our referees are some of the best around. They make mistakes like everyone else and sometimes it hurts us, but I still think they are amongst the best."

Opportunities for academy players
"The opportunities aren't about the Taça or Liga Portugal, but about what we want for each game. We are the holders of the Taça de Portugal and we really want to keep it, regardless of who plays. Those who train with us know what they have to do and know they could have an opportunity. They are waiting for their chance, like so many others."

Morten Hjulmand
"He's ready for the game. I think he's not 100% fit yet, but he's been training well and will be an option."

Fotis Ioannidis
"He's not at his best physically. He's improving, growing, and could be a solution for us tomorrow. He offers us many good things and I'm happy to see his fitness and confidence grow every day. He's available and is another solution for us. He will help a lot."

His future at Sporting CP
"There's a lot for us to conquer, fight for and win at Sporting CP. I want to continue to be part of Sporting CP's history. I hope that will be so for many years. I feel happy here, I'm doing well and am really motivated."

The coach talks up his side after the win against AFS

After the impressive 6-0 win at home to AFS, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the performance in his post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“The team were competent and gave the same response we have been giving as of late, even with some changes. Apart from the first 15 minutes, which were very tepid with AFS trying to slow the game down, and the last 15 minutes, where we made many errors with our passing, the team were competent and dynamic. We broke through with the first goal and then always went in search of more.”

Sporting CP being the best team playing in Portugal
“I'll leave that to you to decide; for me, my team are always the best. In my opinion, we are the best and we have shown that we are the best, but we are not in first place in the league, so maybe someone is better than us.”

The impressive result
“This comprehensive win only gives us only three points. We can't get too carried away in that aspect. It could be difficult to get the team to 'switch on' after two games of maximum pressure, when we are at home against the bottom placed team; mentally, that could be a difficult part, and perhaps the changes we made were important in that sense. The guys did very well and had high energy to keep focused.”

Diomande and Geny Catamo
“In principle, they won’t be available on Thursday. I'll field whoever I have available, and we will be competitive. I have to be like that. I want to win, very much. I'm calm about that. I wish I had everyone to choose from; I don't, but with whoever I have, I'll win.”

Several players' good form
“Luis [Suárez] is having a good start to the season, but he's also doing well because the team are doing well. Geny scored two goals. Maxi, who was playing in a different position, also scored twice. So above all, I value the collective -and then one or two players are standing out. It's a sign that everyone is on the same page and it shows the collective growth of the team.”

Possible renewal for Matheus Reis
“I don't put myself in that role much, it's more a job for the club -and they know what we want for the future of Sporting CP. Matheus has been a very important player and will continue to be so, not only for his experience, but also for his character and the energy he brings when he plays. He is a very important player in the group and someone we all like very much.”

Ioannidis and Suárez together in attack
“We're trying and training some different things, but whoever plays, I think they'll respond well. Maxi responded, Alisson too, as did Quenda when he played. Fotis, if he plays, will respond. Above all, the important thing is to feel that they want to help and understand what they have to do in each position. That makes me happy.”

The evolution during almost a year in charge
“Clearly, I am a better coach now, and clearly, Sporting CP are a better team, because the team has more of my mark and we’ve spent more time working together. The future will tell. I came here for a huge challenge, it made me grow and I feel that I have evolved a lot.”

Maxi Araújo playing further up the pitch
“He brings something different there. We know he really pushes the defensive line, makes diagonal runs, he's very aggressive, and we needed that. Maxi gives us that, he scored because of that, and it was important to have him getting into the box. With small details, we wanted to create overflows and make AFS's defensive line uncomfortable, and fortunately we managed to do that.”

Gonçalo Inácio's substitution at halftime
“It was to manage the game, because he wasn't one hundred percent fit, and besides, we're going to lose Diomande to the AFCON, and we didn't want to take that risk.”

The absence of Morten Hjulmand
“He was out because he was sick. Iván [Fresneda] too. Luis has already been out. Let me talk about Morten, because he gave another demonstration of what it is to be a leader. Maybe he could have played, but he told me: ‘coach, I’m not at one hundred percent, I have teammates who are better equipped than me and it’s better to have someone who is one hundred percent fit. It clearly demonstrates his respect for his teammates, for the team, and his ambition.”

The team win 6-0 against the league's basement side

Sporting CP had one of their best showings of the season to date on Liga Portugal Matchday 14, thrashing AFS 6-0 at home. Three goals in a devastating five-minute span from Luis Suárez, Maxi Araújo and Geny Catamo put them on track, and this was followed up by all three scoring their second goals of the game in the second half.

Bottom of the table AFS side had only three points and no wins to their name, and just one point earned away from home. Rui Borges made a total of six changes to the Sporting CP starting lineup to face them: Georgios Vagiannidis, Gonçalo Inácio, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, Ricardo Mangas – as a full-back with Maxi Araújo ahead of him – and Francisco Trincão, returning from injury, were starters in place of Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos -who had begun the game against Bayern Munich.

Before the opening whistle, there was a minute of silence and applause in memory of Ernesto Figueiredo, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of Sporting CP, a two-time Liga Portugal winner and also one of the heroes of the 1963/64 Taça das Taças.

Sporting CP began the game assertively and with great quality in their combinations, and only needed three minutes to threaten João Gonçalves' goal with an attempt by Luis Suárez that went straight at the goalkeeper. Moments later, they were initially awarded a penalty -which was overturned after VAR check.

From two mid-range shots, Trincão culminated a beautiful collective move with a strike that went just wide of the post, then drew a save from the opposing goalkeeper.

Geny Catamo appeared at the far post with a cross that forced João Gonçalves into a tight save, before a flood of goals arrived when the half-hour mark was reached.

After an AFS counterattack in which Óscar Perea was denied by Rui Silva, Sporting CP showed ruthless effectiveness.

It all started with a powerful shot from Suárez, from outside the area. It deflected off defender Devenish and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

In quick succession, Maxi Araújo appeared unmarked in the area to finish off Vagiannidis' run and subsequent cross.

Geny Catamo then took advantage of a loose ball from a corner to set up a shot on his right foot, drilling low to make it 3-0. All three goals came in a five minute spell.

At halftime, Sporting CP made a change, as Matheus Reis came on for Gonçalo Inácio.

Goal number four came two minutes after the restart, as Maxi Araújo got his first brace for the club. He surged down the left, passed inside to Suárez, who opened up play on the opposite side to Vagiannidis, and the Greek delivered a perfect pass for the Uruguayan to tap in.

Suárez then threatened twice more, before finally adding to his tally. A knock in at the back post off a corner took the scoreline to 5-0, and established him as the league's top scorer – 11 goals in the league, 14 in all competitions.

Immediately, Rui Borges made another change, bringing on Eduardo Quaresma and Fotis Ioannidis, and later João Simões and Alisson Santos were also introduced.

AFS, who were already decimated, had a tame attack, with Pedro Lima shooting and Rui Silva easily catching the ball.

Entering in the last 15 minutes, Kochorashvili also tried his luck with an effort from outside the area, which was met by João Gonçalves. Alisson had two shots go wide and another two be saved.

Aves' final chance of note was from Tomané, who found himself unmarked in the area and headed the ball towards goal -but Rui Silva made another safe save.

In the last move of the game. Geny Catamo slipped down the right and, in front of goal, took the opportunity to score his second goal.

With a resounding 6-0 victory, Sporting CP extended their unbeaten run to ten games in the competition.

Rui Borges’ men still have two more away games scheduled before Christmas, the next one coming on Thursday in the Azores. They will play a Taça de Portugal tie against CD Santa Clara.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio [C] (Matheus Reis, 46’), Ricardo Mangas (Eduardo Quaresma, 55’), Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita (João Simões, 72’), Maxi Araújo (Fotis Ioannidis, 55’), Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez (Alisson Santos, 72’)