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 reviews Sporting CP's progress to the Taça de Portugal final

After the final whistle at the Estádio do Dragão, Rui Borges spoke about Sporting qualification for a 32^nd Taça de Portugal final.

Rui Silva's save and the team's unity in a difficult week
"It's natural, but it's not just the celebration after the save that reflects the strength, friendship, and family atmosphere that this group have. This season we've had some misfortunes in terms of injuries, which has somewhat affected us in this final stretch, with the demanding games we've had. Even so, the team have given a fantastic response. It was a good first half, in which we were better than FC Porto, and a second half in which FC Porto were the better side. We had to suffer at times, were always very well organised, cohesive, competitive, with a lot of helping each other out and communication, and we defended well. In the first half, we controlled the game with the ball.

Injuries to Gonçalo Inácio and Morten Hjulmand
"They are very important players, two leaders on and off the pitch, important to the collective and who make their presence felt in their own way. But we've won with 'everyone' and without 'everyone,’ so to speak. We've played without Morten [Hjulmand], without [Gonçalo] Inácio, without Luis [Suárez], and won anyway, with greater or lesser difficulty along the way. You lose some things, you gain others, and that's football.

That's why I always say I never complain, because I always start with eleven players and, each in their own way, everyone will perform. They believe in each other a lot, there are no egos, everyone respects and recognises the value in everyone. That's the great strength of this group: the respect and friendship they have. The team have demonstrated this maturity throughout the season and that makes me happy."

The Taça de Portugal
"As I said yesterday, being in the final is not ‘salvaging the season’ at all. I am guided by the greatness of the club I represent, by the happiness I have in representing us, and I focus on my job. The primary objective of a great club is to be in the final stages of competitions. Winning the league is more difficult now, but mathematically it's still possible. I never give up, and within what's possible, we'll fight. We're in the final and we had a great performance in the UEFA Champions League.

This is not salvaging the season, but rather the achievement of an objective. For now, the trophy is still ours, and we very much want to keep it. We’ve achieved our first objective -reaching the final- and we still have a game ahead of us."

His preferred opponents in the final
"I don't know who it will be, but regardless, I have enormous respect for them because I've been on the other side of the equation. I know where I came from and how much I dreamed of playing in a final. I know well the difficulties we will face. I remember well that in the first game we had in this competition this year, we won in extra time against FC Paços de Ferreira, a team fighting for survival in Liga Portugal 2.

It's a final, with two teams that deserve to be there, and I have no doubt that it will be a hard-fought game, and a very well-fought one, by both sides."

Tension in the game and Rui Silva's stoppages
"Rui Silva ended the game with problems, simple as that. Otherwise, the tension is natural; these are two great teams competing for a place in the final. It's natural that there's intensity on both sides. These are natural things in the game, as long as it doesn't exceed reasonable limits."

Not taking Suárez off
"I wanted to win and the first half demonstrated that. It’s natural that we dropped off in the second half. We were hampered by the two forced stoppages due to injuries. There was only one more stoppage for three substitutions, many of the players were exhausted, and I could only bring on three players. I spoke with Luis [Suárez] and he said he could go to the end, he fought hard for the group and he did very well, giving everything on the pitch."

Difficulties in the final stretch of the season
"The difficulties will be there for everyone. Games against teams fighting for survival, others for European qualification, others for the title. The closer we get to the end, the greater the demands. The price of points is inflated for everyone, the games are difficult, and there will be times when we play well, and others not so much. It's part of the game. There are many setbacks happening to everyone in this final stretch, but we have to be able to fight against them and always give our best."

Geovany Quenda’s starting role
"Honestly, his performance was even surprising for us. He had a beautiful game with and without the ball, and it was expected that he would play less time, but his energy was good and we kept him on for a few more minutes. Strategically, FC Porto press and rotate on the right, and the idea was to maintain width. We managed to block the press there most of the time, and he's a player who gives us more speed, regardless of not yet having that much energy. He was important, and he has different characteristics from Pedro Gonçalves, who is the one who has played more in that position.

The outcome of the tie influencing both teams in Liga Portugal
"I don't know how to answer that. I speak for my team and my only concern is to get them recovered. This month was out of the ordinary, not only because of the quantity of games, but because of the demands of the games we had, the opponents we faced, and the injuries that we couldn't control. These are traumatic things that have happened quite a lot this season. It leaves us frustrated, because we can't manage or control a large part of the injuries we've had. It affected us at times, but I repeat, the team spirit is fantastic. I am immensely proud to be the coach of these players. They deserve this recognition."

Sporting CP giving FC Porto space to link up their play
"It's noticeable what FC Porto do, although it's difficult to neutralise, but I think in the first half we always hindered them, we won the ball and didn't let them create any danger, except for one move in stoppage time. That was FC Porto's only real chance. It's a difficult job for the line of two, but we were competent at that moment. More than just preventing them from getting through, it was important to affect Pablo Rosario's decision-making, and we managed to do that. It was fantastic work from Luis [Suárez] and Francisco [Trincão]."

Sporting CP go through against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal reached the final of the Taça de Portugal with a 0-0 draw away to FC Porto, as a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the semi-finals took the team through.

The Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão marked the return of Geovany Quenda to Rui Borges' starting lineup, in the only change made by the coach.

Seeking to overturn the aggregate score, it was FC Porto that took the initiative in the opening minutes of the match, although without creating dangerous opportunities.

On 5 minutes, with Sporting CP struggling to get into the opposing half, Borges was forced to make a change: Gonçalo Inácio cleared an attack down the right, but was injured in a collision with William Gomes and ended up being replaced by Zeno Debast.

Despite the setback, Sporting CP managed to progressively balance out possession. On 23 minutes, alone in a central area, FC Porto’s Deniz Gül tried to trouble Rui Silva, but the ball flew over.

Looking to break through the lines on the counterattack, Sporting CP also threatened shortly after, in the 26th minute, but Quenda arrived a little late to the cross and couldn't finish the attack spearheaded by Catamo on the opposite flank.

FC Porto had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring in the 43rd minute. Debast's spectacular clearance from the ground deflected a shot from Gabri Veiga that looked destined for goal.

Seconds before halftime, and following a persistent attack that began with a through ball, the home team again put Sporting CP to the test. Latching onto the second ball, Pablo Rosario unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area that went over.

Upon returning to the field for the second half, Rui Borges immediately faced another challenge. In the 50th minute, captain Morten Hjulmand requested a change due to discomfort, and made way for Daniel Bragança in midfield.

FC Porto, who continued to dominate the game, tried unsuccessfully to break through the defence: In the 55th minute, William Gomes drove in from the right and shot wide; in the 59th minute, debutant Alan Varela also tried his luck from distance, but without success. Then, in the 65th minute, with the hosts growing stronger, Ousmane Diomande put his body on the line for another great clearance.

Sporting CP responded in the 67th minute with a good move by Francisco Trincão that went off target, and three minutes later it was FC Porto who shook things up: Oskar Pietuszewski made a run and passed to Victor Froholdt at the far post, but he couldn't reach the ball.

In the 79th minute, Borges made a triple substitution to refresh the team and counter the changes made moments earlier on the Porto bench: Pedro Gonçalves, Ricardo Mangas and the returning Luís Guilherme replaced the exhausted Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Maxi Araújo.

Sporting CP entered the final minutes of the game aware of the need to defend well, only allowing danger in the 82nd minute when Terem Moffi rose high and headed wide of goal.

With one minute remaining in regulation time, and after a VAR review, Alan Varela was sent off for tripping Luis Suárez.

In the second of nine minutes of added time, Guilherme had the opportunity to kill off the game. Alone in front of Diogo Costa, the winger was thwarted by the goalkeeper, and the uncertainty continued until the final whistle. Sporting CP managed to hold onto the advantage they had from Alvalade and secured their place in the final of the competition.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio (Zeno Debast, 10’), Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 79’), Morten Hjulmand [C] (Daniel Bragança, 50’), Hidemasa Morita, Francisco Trincão (Luís Guilherme, 79’), Geny Catamo, Luis Suárez e Geovany Quenda (Pedro Gonçalves, 79’). Treinador: Rui Borges. Disciplina: cartão amarelo para Morten Hjulmand (34’), Rui Silva (83’), Ricardo Mangas (90+6’).

The coach looks at the Taça de Portugal semifinal second leg against FC Porto

Sporting CP head to the Estádio do Dragão to play FC Porto on Wednesday, in the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semifinals. The team hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Alvalade.

Coach Rui Borges held a pre-match press conference to preview the game.
 
The strategic approach to the game
“We can expect a very competitive game, above all. FC Porto will be true to their style, intense in the initial moments of their press -especially with them being at home. They lost the first leg of the tie, and it's natural that they will intensify that pressure even more. They are a team that press very high and are also well organised as a unit when they can't do that. I think they won't stray too far from FC Porto's normal image, as a team strong physically and tough in duels. It will be a competitive game, and Sporting CP will also be true to our style. Both teams will want to win and get to the final.”

His possible contract renewal
“I'm only afraid of death, because I really enjoy living. I'm focused on the game. I've spoken many times about the renewal. I'm happy, I have a contract until 2027, there is everyday confidence shown in me, and therefore I'm very calm about my future.”

Opportunities remaining in 2025/26
“I won’t dwell on ‘ifs’, because we are focused on what we are still competing for. In Liga Portugal there is still no champion crowned, in the Taça de Portugal we are fighting for a place in the final and, therefore, that is what we are focused on. We know very well how our journey has been. We are in the fight for trophies, which is the first objective for a great club, and we have done that very well. 

This has been a typical week for a big club. Even though we went out of the Champions League, it’s a sign that people look at us with that greatness. It’s good, and it shows the value of our work. I think we have dignified Sporting CP in the best way and the players have had a fabulous season. In the league we are further off the top, but there is still no champion crowned and, therefore, it’s about always believing. The first-placed team have had a great season -better than ours, unfortunately. We are very motivated and calm, because we know what we have to do and what the game means.”

The penalty missed by Luis Suárez 
“The penalty takers are well defined and will not change. The game against SL Benfica is in the past and we are focused on FC Porto.”

Visiting the Estádio do Dragão
“Whether or not we will be received well, you have to ask the opponents. What I know is that FC Porto have always been very well received at Alvalade, and we expect to be received that way too.”

Squad depth 
“I’m not going to compare us with our rivals. Logically, I would like to have the entire squad available, with Quenda, Luís Guilherme and Fotis [Ioannidis] at one hundred percent, because it would give us other solutions and depth to manage some of the workload in these surreal two months in terms of the number of games we will play. We haven’t been able to manage the squad as well as we wanted, but that’s part of the game. Whether there is greater or lesser difficulty, we have to do our best; that’s what we’ve been doing and tomorrow will be another game in that sense. There has to be a fantastic level of commitment, with or without us suffering fatigue, and we have to give everything on the pitch.”

Injuries
“João Simões, unfortunately, is out until the end of the season. Iván [Fresneda] remains a doubt, as his is very much a day-to-day issue, but he may be out of the game. Nuno [Santos] is out. Regarding the injured players, I believe they will be available before the end of the season, because they are already working on the pitch.”

The mental impact of the derby
“Sometimes physical fatigue is compounded by mental fatigue. At the moment it's quite noticeable, both for the fans and for us, but we have to be balanced. A while back, people were asking about how we won four games past the 90th minute, and now we've lost two important games in stoppage time. That's football, and we have to be balanced and deal with it, understanding how it happened. The team gave everything, both against Arsenal and against SL Benfica, where suddenly we went from almost going 2-1 up to losing 1-2.”

"A big club want to be in the final stages of competitions, and tomorrow's game gives us that possibility. We really want it, and I feel the players are very focused and calm.”

Luis Suárez's current form
“We have to make a cold assessment of things. He's a player who has given everything for the team. His commitment has been incredible; he's lacking some things, but he's still an important player. He'll have fewer opportunities in some games due to the demands and fatigue, perhaps, so he has to focus on making the most of them. That's what he's focused on, and he knows the confidence he has from all of us.”

Preparing the starting XI
“A coach has to consider many scenarios, so it's difficult to make decisions. It has a lot to do with the moment and understanding how the players are, with a lot of dialogue and communication, in terms of their physical and mental condition. We don't think about extra time, because we really want to reach the end of the 90 minutes and advance to the final.”

The Taça de Portugal ‘saving’ the season
“I don't look at things that way. Sporting CP have to compete for trophies until the end, and we have done that. We’ll analyse the season when it’s over, to understand where we failed and what we can improve. Now, it's not about saving anything, but about being in the final of a trophy that, fortunately, we won last season. We want to have the opportunity to defend it; it depends on us.”

The coach reviews the loss to SL Benfica

After the derby defeat against SL Benfica, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse how the match unfolded and its impact on the Liga Portugal table.

Positive conclusions despite the result
“I take as a positive the team's commitment and ambition from the beginning to the end of the game. I think we paid the price for our ambition to win from the first minute to the last. We started very well, SL Benfica were reasonably intense, but then the issue of penalties -our misses, and them scoring and taking the lead- affected the team's morale. We became somewhat anxious, made mistakes in our passing, and gave SL Benfica what they wanted: The chance to counterattack. The only dangerous chance they had in the first half was a good save by Rui from a corner, and Otamendi's header. In the second half, we came out more calmly, looking for a goal, and SL Benfica counterattacked, where they had two dangerous chances.

Belief for the remainder of the season
“It gets more difficult, but we really want to keep fighting and doing our job. We will strive to be happy and fight for what we can still win. If it's still mathematically possible, we'll do what we can. The group have shown that. Despite all the fatigue along the way, nothing erases that. We have to lift our heads up and move on. We have another crucial game on Wednesday to compete for another trophy.”

The impact of UEFA Champions League 
“It was immediately shown that the Champions League didn't affect the team; on the contrary, it motivated us, because of everything we were able to do against a great Arsenal side. Regarding today, our sadness is natural, we have to deal with it, but from tomorrow we have to think about the next game, which determines the possibility of playing in another final. We have to get the team 'switched on' and capable of giving a great response. I have no doubt that we will respond well.”

Results in the 'big' games
“That's football. We have to understand how we lost these games and why. One year we win them, another year we don't win as much against the 'big' clubs, and it's part of the game. If we had won both games against SC Braga, we could be fighting for the title, and SL Benfica would be behind us because they weren't winning against mid-table teams. It's very subjective, so we have to understand why we couldn't win.”

The importance of Suárez's missed penalty in the outcome
“He knows the confidence we have in him and he has given a lot to Sporting CP. It's not a single chance that defines Luis, because the shots that hit the woodwork could also have gone in. Since SL Benfica ended up scoring from a penalty, it affected the team mentally a bit. Luis remained committed to the team and the confidence we have in him is total. That's the cruelty of the game, but he has given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so.”

The decisive details in the final minutes
“Today we weren't happy with the draw, the team really wanted to win and that was demonstrated on the pitch. In terms of energy, I noticed that SL Benfica became fresher by changing their three forwards, but I don't think it was really that. We wanted to win. Perhaps we were too exposed at times and we paid for it. That's the cruelty of the game. I said that exhaustion wouldn't be an excuse, and it isn't, because the team gave a fantastic response. I repeat, I'm proud of everything the players were capable of today. They had a good game, we didn't deserve the defeat, but that's football.

A late goal denies the team a point against SL Benfica

Sporting CP lost 1-2 to SL Benfica on Matchday 30 of the Liga Portugal season, conceding in stoppage time when on course for a share of the points. Hidemasa Morita scored the goal for Os Leões.

Up against an SL Benfica still unbeaten in the league, coach Rui Borges opted for exactly the same starting XI he had fielded in midweek against Arsenal in the Champions League: Rui Silva started in goal; Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio and Maxi Araújo in defence, Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita in midfield; and with Geny Catamo, Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincão and Luis Suárez occupying the final third.

Trincão and Daniel Bragança were both honoured on the pitch before the game for reaching milestones of 200 and 150 games, respectively, for Sporting CP.

The contest began with Sporting CP dominating possession, and in the first five minutes they already had three opportunities to score: Two shots from Geny Catamo, including one saved by Anatoliy Trubin that bounced off the post twice, and Pedro Gonçalves striking into the side netting on the rebound.

SL Benfica’s response was also quick and came from a corner, but Rui Silva flew across to keep out Nicolás Otamendi’s header. From another corner, after a poorly distributed clearance by Trubin, 'Pote' came close to taking advantage, but hit his effort wide.

A great chance to take the lead went Sporting CP’s way on the quarter-hour, when Trincão was fouled in the area and a penalty was awarded. However, Luis Suárez's spot kick was saved by Trubin.

SL Benfica were the more effective from 12 yards, as when they were given a penalty of their own in the 27th minute  for a handball by Morita, Andreas Schjelderup shot hard down the middle to make it 0-1.

Sporting CP tried to react immediately, but repeatedly ran into Benfica's numerous defensive players, and had their play broken up by the numerous stoppages that the derby experienced until halftime.

Just before the interval, Benfica had a counterattack through a solo run by Franjo Ivanović, which Inácio dealt with masterfully.

Right at the start of the second half, Gonçalves cut inside from the left and hit the post with a low shot. Later, Catamo shot wide and 'Pote', once again in a good position, also put an effort off target.

However, with Sporting CP chasing an equaliser with more risk-taking, the game became more dangerous for SL Benfica's transitions, and two of them, both finished by Schjelderup, sent serious warnings. Rui Silva made a save from the first, while the second went just wide.

At the other end, a cross-shot from Morita saw Sporting CP come close.

Georgios Vagiannidis and Zeno Debast came on for Quaresma and Diomande, followed by the introduction of Geovany Quenda.

Rushing down the right, minutes later, Debast crossed perfectly for Morita to head into the back of the net, with Trubin rooted to the spot. Sporting CP were back level at 1-1.

The goal was followed immediately by a similar attack, but this time the Ukrainian goalkeeper blocked a long-range shot from Geny.

SL Benfica freshened things up with four substitutions at once, and managed to curb Sporting CP's momentum and possession more. Furthermore, Leandro Barreiro had a chance that he put over when unmarked at the far post.

Rui Borges responded by bringing on Bragança and Rafael Nel, replacing Morita and Geny for a final push in the derby and the title race.

Unfortunately, Sporting CP experienced two twists in the tale late on. Bragança tried his luck from outside the area and the ball whistled wide, then Rafael Nel broke free, feinted past Trubin and found the net, but was slightly offside. After the disallowed goal, Rafa entered the Sporting CP area and finished past Rui Silva, closing the score out at 1-2.

Sporting CP tried everything in search of an equaliser, but Inácio had his promising chance blocked and Trincão's final curling effort missed the target.

With the 1-2 defeat, Sporting CP drop to third in the Liga Portugal table, overtaken by SL Benfica.

Now the team shift their focus to the Taça de Portugal semi-final. Holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Alvalade (1-0), Sporting CP go to the Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday for the rematch against FC Porto.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma (Georgios Vagiannidis, 60’), Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 60’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 88’), Geny Catamo (Rafael Nel, 88’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 68’), Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez.

The coach previews the derby against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal host SL Benfica on Sunday on Liga Portugal Matchday 30, and before the game at the Estádio José Alvalade coach Rui Borges previewed the contest.
 
What he expects from SL Benfica
"I believe SL Benfica will be strong, with them wanting and needing to win, whether because they want to be champions or take second place. SL Benfica have had a good season and they have a good dynamic. They are a very intense team, the side that recover the most balls high up the pitch. They have the ability to press and win duels, and they are very competitive. They have a lot of dynamic movement on the wings, a lot of one-on-ones, many crosses and headed goals. All this defines the quality of SL Benfica and we expect a difficult game against them. It’s a derby between two great teams and I hope, above all, it’s a good game."

The importance of the game
"It's important for our objective. SL Benfica are a great side who are still fighting for the same goal as us. They will present us with difficulties, but we are only focused on winning. At times we won't be able to be the Sporting CP we like to be, but I believe we will be a strong Sporting CP side with great ambition and courage. The strength provided by the fans will be extremely important, even to prevent fatigue from affecting the players' minds. The team are motivated, really want to win and are focused on the objective and what we have to do for it. We have to win. We will do everything we can to achieve it."

Refereeing
"I expect a good game from a great referee who will be working at the World Cup, which demonstrates his quality. I hope he is up to the task of the derby, and of the other teams."

Morten Hjulmand's statements
"He spoke in English and everyone in England understood what he meant. In Portugal, we have to try to translate better. He only referred to Arsenal."

Objectives
"Our aim is to win, and that's all we're thinking about, especially in the fight for our goals. We understand that we're not in first place; we're second. We need and really want the three points to stay in the title race until the end, because I think it's possible."

Points being lost after leading games
"We need to be more objective and understand how we drew those games. In the two games against SC Braga, for example, we conceded penalties after the 90 minutes were up. There are things we can't control. We play against good teams and we're subject to that, but none of that detracts from the great season we're having. Whoever is in first place is having an extraordinary campaign and we have to give credit to whoever is ahead of us, but whoever is chasing will do everything to get to the top."

Belief in winning the title
"The players believe a lot and have demonstrated that. We won't always win games 3-0 or 4-1; we'll win some 1-0 and it's better to win like that than not to win. The team showed enormous character in Amadora, where we achieved a difficult victory that further validates our work. Everything we were able to do against Arsenal has to motivate us to be at the same level in domestic competitions. If we managed to do it in Europe, we have to handle it in the league, and we have been doing that, even though there are games where we haven’t always had the same freshness or intensity. In the final stretch, everything becomes a big weight on our shoulders, but as long as the ambition and energy are there, as they have been in all the games, for me things are closer to going well."

Players in doubt for the game
"Iván Fresneda and João Simões are doubts for tomorrow. (...) Nuno Santos is still out, as are Fotis Ioannidis and Luís Guilherme. I don't know if they will be available for the next game, but they are already working on the pitch already."

A possible contract renewal
"I don't focus too much on that. I don't need any vote of confidence, and what motivates me is the day-to-day work at the training ground. From day one, the confidence and energy there has been very important and define our work well. I'm very calm in that sense, and things will happen when they're meant to happen."

The strategy for the game
"I believe that whoever plays against Sporting CP will take into account that we have the best attack and that we have been strong offensively. I hope the team will be at that level tomorrow because it's something that defines us, but we're playing against a good team. Defensively, we have to have the same will and intensity to defend and continue being one of the best defences. We are a very balanced team, and I don't just look at the attack, but at all aspects of the game."

The attacker reflects on the Champions League bow

After the game against Arsenal FC, Francisco Trincão reacted to the UEFA Champions League elimination in the mixed zone at the Emirates Stadium.

Feelings after the tie
“I feel proud of the group, the team, and the fans. We wanted more, we believed we could do more, but we are proud.”

Assessment of the two legs
“There's a little frustration, because throughout the two games we realised what we could be capable of doing. We managed to create our opportunities and even the game out. It could have gone either way, but above all we are proud of what we did and now we have to think about what's to come.”

The impact of the elimination
“My mother always says that football is like this, with both the good and the bad, and in three days we have another game. We have to be focused on the next one and prepare for it in the best way.”

His 200th game for Sporting CP
“I'm happy about it, it's a huge source of pride to play 200 games for Sporting CP, my club.”

Belief in third successive Liga Portugal title
“That’s why we’re here. We’re going to fight until the end. As long as it’s possible, we’ll believe and do our job.”

The coach assesses the Champions League exit

After the 0-0 draw against Arsenal that ended Sporting CP's journey in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his press conference.

Overall analysis of the tie
"The word 'pride' is the right one to describe the team. Based on everything we did in these two games, I think we deserved more, and to at least take the tie into extra time today. In both games, the best opportunities belonged to Sporting CP. The character and personality we showed in fighting against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic. The word 'pride' is the right one to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength and quality they have shown throughout the season. Of course, today it has more impact because it's the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best."

The possible penalty on Maxi Araújo
"I'm not going to talk about that because it would devalue what we did throughout the game, our ability and our quality."

Strategy fulfilled
“Strategically, the team were fantastic. We had the best opportunities to score, and Arsenal didn't create as many -both today and at Alvalade. With the ball, the aim was to prevent the game from flowing, to get into Arsenal's midfield and have organised attacks to wear them down. We are a team that like to have the ball, with an offensive style of play, and we didn't shy away from that. We showed our ideas, character, and personality, and that makes me very proud.”

The ambition shown
“We were very ambitious in both games; the best chances belonged to Sporting CP. This shows the collective and individual ambition and quality we have. We were courageous and committed; we are playing in the Champions League.”

The derby against SL Benfica
“Now we're thinking about the next game. It's about recovering, catching our breathe and thinking about it calmly. SL Benfica are fresher because they play once a week, but we'll go into the game with our spirit, ambition, and with our fans. Their energy will be very important, and I'm appealing to them now, so that on Sunday they are as they have been: At the team's level.”

Feelings after the outcome
“There can be no frustration, but rather pride in the two great games we managed to play against one of the best teams in Europe. If we want to be among the best in Europe, we have to be able to respond to this demand every three days. It has to propel us forward for the coming games. We can't lower our level. It has to serve as motivation, and never as frustration.”

Difficulties in scoring and the keys to defensive consistency
“Arsenal have one of the best defensive lines in Europe, with very strong and fast defenders. Physically, we are not a strong team in duels; we like a possession-based game and some transitions. It was important to be able to settle in and keep possession, with long attacks, without letting the game get away from us. In defensive terms, we didn't let Arsenal create chances. We were very compact, focused, and rigorous. The team were fantastic.”

The European campaign
“It's been very positive. We made history for Sporting CP and we can look back with pride. We have to look at it positively and think that it's the beginning of a dream, of the club's growth, so that more and more people look at Sporting CP differently. The feeling is one of pride, but we still have a long way to go and should always be growing.”

Pedro Gonçalves' form
“He had a good game and the team even dropped off when he went off. He's looking for his best form still, but he's important for us and his numbers speak for themselves.”

A lack of luck
“Whether it be luck or bad luck, I don't care much about that. Luck takes a lot of work. I say we could have been more effective. Luck is about work and competence, and we always try to have a lot of that.”