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 striker is determined to help his team progress against Arsenal
Sporting CP visit Arsenal this Wednesday in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Striker Luis Suárez spoke on behalf of the group to discuss the decisive duel with the current Premier League leaders.
Ambitions for the game
“Personal ambition takes a back seat, because getting the victory is paramount to continue making history at a group level. It's a very beautiful game and a great opportunity that we want to enjoy.”
His remarkable debut season for Sporting CP
“I think it's been a very beautiful season for me and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. Physically, I'm doing very well, I believe I'm in the best moment of my career in every sense. I work to make the season even better, without looking at any ceiling or records. I'm enjoying it and I think I can still give goals and more help to the team.”
A week with three important games (SL Benfica in Liga Portugal and FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal)
“We are here because we are professionals and because we know how to handle emotions all the time. It's a beautiful week and we'll take it game by game, so tomorrow is the most important game right now.”
The challenge ahead
“Since the first leg ended, we've been thinking about this challenge. Whatever happens, all Sporting CP fans imagine ourselves advancing to the next round. If there's any team that can do that, it's us.”
The feeling of shining in the UEFA Champions League
“It means everything. This season in the Champions League has a much sweeter taste than the first one for me, at Olympique Marseille. That one, without many minutes for me, made me reflect a lot, and I constantly sought to get back to that level. Therefore, I'm enjoying it so much. For that child who played barefoot at Santa Marta, this is a dream come true.”
Sporting CP's approach to the match
“We have no fear. Tomorrow we have an opportunity to show what we are made of. Many players work to enjoy these games and I think our talent will shine through once again in the Champions League.”
Memories of his time in England, at Watford FC
“I only had one pre-season while my future was being decided there. It was a transitional period and it served as a learning experience.”
The coach is confident of a turnaround against Arsenal
Following their 0-1 defeat in the first leg, Sporting CP face Arsenal this Wednesday away from home in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Having just arrived in England, coach Rui Borges gave his usual pre-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium.
The mission ahead
“I’ll be very cold about things: The team have to be true to ourselves. Just as we have been so far, regardless of the opponent and the competition. I don’t need to talk about ‘hunger’, because this team demonstrate the ambition, courage and pleasure we have in every game. We also have to enjoy the game, with the responsibility of going after something unprecedented for the club. We are aware of the difficulties we'll have against a great Arsenal side, and of doing what no one has done yet: Beating this team in the Champions League. We know this, but we believe very much.
The importance of the Champions League
“I'm calm and our driving force is ambition. We are among the eight best teams in the competition, when perhaps no one thought Sporting CP would be, and it is the result of the individual and collective quality of this team. There will be two great teams on the pitch and it will be an important week for us. We are at the end of the season, the games are becoming increasingly decisive, but we are still involved in every competition and want to win them. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, nothing erases this team's great season.”
Exclusively focusing on Arsenal
“We are fighting for a place in the semi-finals, so it's the most important game right now and we're going all out for it. We do so with enormous ambition and courage, thinking solely about this game and wanting to win. That's what we want, to continue making history for the club. Our focus tomorrow is only on the game against Arsenal.”
The message given to the group regarding this week's challenges
“My message is clear and if there's one week I don't need to talk to them, it's this one. For tomorrow, they are worried about knowing the starting XI, because everyone wants to play. They already know the responsibility of representing Sporting CP and, therefore, I don't need to wear myself out too much in that sense, but rather on the idea for the team and resting them so they are fresh throughout this week. I look into their eyes and feel the desire to play the game and believe in going through. Both football and life give opportunities to those who believe strongly, and if there's a team that believe strongly, it's this one.”
Recent negative results for Arsenal
“We're talking about a great team. It's natural that a great team don't always win, but I think it will motivate them even more. They'll be very 'switched on' and with high intensity to advance to the semi-finals. I believe that one or two less successful games don't define the season they're having and the great team they are.”
Iván Fresneda as a confirmed absence
“He has been an important player for us and he has had a great season, but he is not one hundred percent fit and, therefore, we opted to leave him in Lisbon. Tomorrow's game demands one hundred percent from everyone. Edu gives us some things there and is a competent full-back, Vagiannidis is a natural, offensive full-back, and Blopa gives us speed, intensity and competitiveness. There are three different players we believe in and who can play."
Possible absences for the opposing side
"It doesn't make things difficult. We're talking about a team that have three great players in some positions. Of course, the characteristics change their behaviour in strategic terms, but it doesn't change their identity. Coaches and players have to have the ability to read the game to neutralise that."
The reasons for believing
"It's what brought me here: My work. If there's a team that believe, that is ambitious and committed, it's this one. It's a sign that we have the capacity to do it. Things happen for a reason, I'm very positive and this team, when put to the test, have the quality to overcome the challenge. In the last 20 games at home, Arsenal have two defeats. We know the difficulties, but we have this hope and we believe it can happen."
The importance of the game in the coach's career
"It's another important game for me." We are in the competition that everyone dreams of playing in. First and foremost, it would go down in the history of Sporting CP, and that's what we want. This team deserve to make history for Sporting CP. That's what I feel, because it's a great group. It's about believing.
The value of the two squads
"It's subjective. A Mercedes goes 200 km/h, but a Peugeot does too, and the Mercedes is worth twice as much. We have to know the shortcuts, the road, and know how to maybe get ahead of them."
The opponent's strength on set pieces
"They are a great team from set pieces, but they haven't scored goals like that in a long time. They earned that reputation through their competence. They have players who, in ten free kicks, put ten in the area the coach asks for, and then there are always six or seven players who are very athletically strong in duels. They are a very strong team on set pieces, but we have also been strong, and I am very confident in the team's ability."
The role of counter-attacks in the match
"Sporting CP are not only strong on the counter-attack, and the first game showed that, especially since possession was balanced. We like to have the ball, that's what we will try to do, but we know that in these games there may be more moments of quick attacks, where we have to be deadly. We know there may not be many opportunities, just like in the first leg, where we had more and still ended up losing. Above all, we have to be very balanced at all times during the game.”
The coach previews the fixture against CF Estrela da Amadora
Sporting Clube de Portugal will travel to the Estádio José Gomes at 8:30pm this Saturday, to face CF Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal. Coach Rui Borges gave his preview of the match ahead of the fixture.
Fotis Ioannidis and Luís Guilherme
"We hope very much and believe that they will return this season, both of them. I can't say their recovery time, but we believe they will return before the end of the season."
The match against CF Estrela da Amadora
"We expect a difficult type of game, given what this month has been like. After the demanding game we had against Arsenal, we're playing at a historically difficult ground for us, and against a team experiencing a tough end to the season and fighting for points. I have no doubt that it will be a hard game, but we have a lot to gain. We know we will have to fight hard to get the victory and it will be a very competitive game.
CF Estrela da Amadora are very strong on the counterattack, and they have fast, skillful players in the final third. Coach João Nuno, since he arrived, has been trying to get the team to have possession, a good dynamic and good ideas in the offensive process. They want to have the ball and play, but they are also a team that make many long passes to look for the attacking players who can decide games in one-on-one situations. They are very strong and tall, on a pitch that makes this aspect important. Within all this, we have to be committed, because if we are not, we will have even more difficulties. We want to win to continue fighting for our main objective."
A change of mindset after playing in the UEFA Champions League
"We need to focus the players as much as possible to get them ready for a different kind o game, but the difficulty of the game against CF Estrela da Amadora is huge. We have to make them realise that we are continuing on our own path and that the title is our main objective."
Objectives
"We really want to be champions and that is the main objective. In the UEFA Champions League, we know the greatness of the teams that are among the top eight -and the difficulty is even greater. We are not giving up on the UEFA Champions League, far from it, but the main objective is Liga Portugal."
Geovany Quenda
"He is in the squad."
Morten Hjulmand
"He's a great player, he's having a good season and he did well last season. He's important for Sporting CP and, given what the club are doing at a European level, it's natural that people talk about him and other players. It makes us happy because it's a sign of individual and collective recognition and that our work is being done well. Everyone is valued highly and I see it as natural; it's part of football. I'll be happy if he stays, but if not, someone valuable to Sporting CP will come in."
The title race
"FC Porto are in first place and, so far, they are the best team, but we are doing well and are confident. Everyone will face difficulties and tomorrow we have a tough away game, especially considering CF Estrela da Amadora's recent form, as they desperately need points and will give their all. We will do everything to get the three points."
Risk of suspensions in the defensive line
"Within our strategic management, we will try to field the best players to win without worrying about cards. It doesn't make sense to look further ahead and not win tomorrow. We'll see who we pick after that."
Squad management
"The players have accumulated many games, some with their national teams as well. We have to look at that aspect, as much as it is possible to understand their atigue. We have to understand how the players are and how they feel, because we are in a phase where we have to have everyone's energy at a maximum. Sometimes it's better to give your all for 30 minutes than to not be in top gear for 60 or 70 minutes. We will certainly look at that, and we have to be attentive to that."
The fans
"We are all on the same path, with energy, will, focus, objective and purpose. It's natural that they get excited about the UEFA Champions League games, just like us, because they are different games and between the best in Europe. Being among those teams makes us very happy and we will give our all in those games"
Souleymane Faye
"He arrived in January, at a time when the team were already consolidated, and there hasn't been much time to train him up. He's come in from a completely different context, and he will have his adaptation and growth to make. We have to be patient and give him time."
Rafael Nel
"He's responding well. He's been giving us a lot and growing every day."
Unavailable players
"Fotis Ioannidis, Luís Guilherme and Nuno Santos will not be playing. João Simões is a doubt."
The coach reviews the win over CF Estrela da Amadora
After the hard-fought victory in Amadora, Rui Borges spoke to the media about Sporting CP's performance in the game.
Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult, competitive game. We knew that games after the UEFA Champions League are always very difficult for us, and that was the main point that came up in our team talk. We are well aware of it. We had to compete. We controlled the game with possession, but we lacked some inspiration in the final third. In the first half, CF Estrela da Amadora defended their area with eleven men, and we could have made better decisions. We didn't let them believe in themselves or get into transitions; in that aspect, we did well. We knew it was important to have that strictness as well. The game was a bit like that: We had a lot of the ball, but lacked inspiration in the final third.
Changes to the starting XI
"It was about managing our energy. Gonçalo Inácio has a lot of playing time under his belt. He was also on his fourth yellow card, but the decision was mostly due to physical issues: he came back from international duty, we began a month with many games, and to avoid a setback and losing him, we opted for this strategy. Edu [Quaresma] and Zeno [Debast] deserved this confidence; they had a very good game at home against CD Santa Clara. They demonstrate the character and willingness of everyone to take advantage of the opportunities the coach gives them.
We ended up refreshing the central area a bit, the two centre backs and two midfielders coming in. Morten [Hjulmand] didn't play against Arsenal FC, [Hidemasa] Morita played 90 minutes, Dani [Bragança] has been doing very well... it was important to have some mentally fresh players there too. There weren't so many changes that we could say it was all with the upcoming games in mind. It was another small physical and mental refreshment in a central area."
A decisive week-and-a-half
"It's natural that it's a decisive week, as we are getting closer and closer to the end of the season. The games become more decisive, but I only care about looking at the next one. And the next one is against Arsenal."
Geovany Quenda's return
"I'm very happy to see Quenda back. He's an important player who gives a lot to the team. He had a long break, unfortunately, but his teammates and the coaching staff are happy to have him back. He's a different kind of player and can help us in this final stretch of the season in the competitions we are involved in."
Wind
"The wind affected everyone, not just Sporting CP. In terms of the wind, or the cold... the adaptation is difficult for everyone and affected the quality of the game."
Iván Fresneda's substitution
"Iván was complaining about a knock and we opted to take him off at halftime."
Daniel Bragança's performances post-injury
"Dani has grown. He's an even more mature player and, of course, that is combined with his technical quality and reading of the game. I read a few days ago that, in the future, he could be a coach. I have no doubt about that. He has excellent game reading and decision-making skills; he needed time but he's in good form, he's added a lot to the team, and his teammates see that quality in him to help and make a difference."
Difficulties in speeding up the game
"In the first half, possession was very slow. We had to make the ball move around more, and that's why I say that the wind ended up greatly affecting the game. The players ended up being a little afraid to make some passes and realise that the wind makes things different. We had to move around a lot. The ball had to travel a lot down the wings, and even then we needed to make simpler decisions to 'crush' the opposition. We reached the final third and were very slow, as we weren't gaining numerical superiority. We improved at halftime, but in the first half we weren't managing it well; there was always numerical equality and time for CF Estrela da Amadora to reorganise the threat and defend their goal.
They opted to play with a five-man defensive block, which ended up being more difficult to break down. They are competitive and intense players in terms of physical and athletic ability; it's natural that we also lacked some energy, but despite everything, we knew it was a game where we had to compete, more than just wanting to play very well."
The midfielder's fifth goal of the season downs CF Estrela da Amadora
Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated CF Estrela da Amadora 0-1 in Liga Portugal, thanks to the continued purple patch in front of goal from Daniel Bragança.
For the short trip to Reboleira, coach Rui Borges made four changes from the starting lineup that had faced Arsenal during the week. A modified central defensive pairing saw Zeno Debast and Eduardo Quaresma alongside one another, and in midfield Morten Hjulmand joined Bragança.
On a very windy and cold night, with the wind chill factor nearing 0ºC, the first few minutes at the Estádio José Gomes passed without significant moments. Sporting CP had plenty of possession but little space, circling the goal manned by former Sporting player Renan Ribeiro.
The first shot of the match, in the eighth minute, came from the home team. On a fast break down the left, Ianis Stoica left several opposing players behind and crossed into the penalty area, where Eddy Doué was alone to shoot well over the target.
Sporting CP remained on top, despite the scare, but lacked precision in the final pass. They only managed to overcome the tight opposition defence in the 19th minute, when Iván Fresneda, on the right, headed the ball down into the box and Francisco Trincão shot over the crossbar.
Playing into the wind and up against a blockade in the central channel, Sporting CP tried to rely mainly on short transitions and speed down the flanks to progress up the pitch. However, it was through a set piece that, in the 29th minute, they came very close to opening the scoring: Trincão took a corner from the right and Stefan Leković, attempting to clear, only miraculously avoided putting the ball into his own net.
Down the left flank, in the 34th minute Maxi Araújo combined well with Hjulmand, but a timely interception by Robinho cleared the danger once more as the Uruguayan prepared to shoot.
With the visitors setting up in the opposition half, CF Estrela da Amadora sought to catch them on the counter-attack and benefited from the momentary 'help' of an unusual 12th player: A cat that invaded the pitch and forced the interruption of the match.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Sporting CP returned for the second half with Georgios Vagiannidis on the pitch.
However, history repeated itself, and in the first few minutes of the second half, Sporting CP continued to struggle to overcome the well-organised Tricolor defence.
A change of pace was needed, and Bragança delivered it with his left foot: In the 59th minute, Trincão surged down the right flank, set up the number 23 on the edge of the area, and Bragança fired a low shot into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.
In the 66th minute, Rui Borges made another substitution and, to the applause of the hundreds of Sporting fans present in the stadium, Geovany Quenda – alongside Hidemasa Morita – returned to action after approximately four months out due to injury. The 18-year-old could even have made an instant impact with a goal two minutes later, but although teed up by Luis Suárez in space, he couldn't bring the ball under control.
With the game becoming more open, in the 70th minute CF Estrela da Amadora won a corner and, in the ensuing play, Max Scholze had a powerful shot that forced Rui Silva into a save.
In the 79th minute, Sporting CP tried to seal the win with a powerful shot from outside the area: Geny Catamo drifted from the wing into the middle and, still far out from goal, unleashed a piledriver that hit the post.
In the final minutes, the opposition pushed forward, seeking the equaliser. Sporting CP showed maturity and defensive prowess to secure three more valuable points in Liga Portugal.
Now, attention turns to the trip to London, where they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the UEFA Champions League quarter final tie with Arsenal.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Zeno Debast, Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 67’), Geny Catamo (Rafael Nel, 90+4’), Francisco Trincão (Ousmane Diomande, 90+2’), Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 46’), Daniel Bragança (Hidemasa Morita, 67’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Eduardo Quaresma and Luis Suárez.
Iván Fresneda and Rafael Nel talks after the loss to Arsenal
Following the match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal, players Iván Fresneda and Rafael Nel spoke to the media and analysed the Champions League game.
Iván Fresneda (Sporting TV interview)
"It leaves a very bitter taste in our mouths, but it's only the first leg. We have a second game in London next week and we're going to go all-out to win it.
The least we should have taken away was a draw. We deserved much more; we had opportunities to score. We suffered in the final minutes, but that's football. We've won games in the last minute before, and it happens. We have to improve for the second leg and the tie is still open.
We are a great team. We've already demonstrated that in the league phase of this competition and in the previous tie. Obviously, this tie is very difficult -and a little more so after this defeat-, but it's still open. We have to win the next game, and we will fight to do that.
We still believe and the fans will too, for sure. Together we will try to turn this tie around."
Rafael Nel (mixed zone)
"The 0-1 scoreline leaves everything open for the game in London. It was a competent showing from us. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal at the end, but I think the tie is open and we'll play the second leg there with everything we have.
When I came on, I was thinking of trying to help the team with a goal. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to do so, but I gave everything out there and I'll keep doing that.
Did I exchange a few words with Viktor Gyökeres? Yes. He told me he was happy for me and I'm always happy for him too. He's an idol for me and I'll see him again next week.
The tie is open and we have nothing to fear. The team are confident and we'll play well in London.
As for Liga Portugal, we have to focus on ourselves. The team's focus is on the game against CF Estrela da Amadora. We'll understand their dynamics and approach the game like any other match."
Following the defeat for Sporting Clube de Portugal to Arsenal, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference about the game.
The end of a run of 17 consecutive victories at Alvalade
"The players deserve recognition and merit. It's a fantastic group that deserve to make history for Sporting CP, and this was another way to do that. It's a record that will one day be broken by another group,and that makes us happy. Alvalade is, more and more, a fortress for us."
Analysis of the game
"It was an evenly balanced game. Apart from the corner kick that hit the post and a shot saved by Rui Silva, Arsenal only had one shot on goal. We had three clear opportunities that were well saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper. They had their strengths, we had ours, two great teams and a competitive game. We didn't deserve to suffer defeat, but that's football. We've won with goals after the 90 minutes were up, and today we lost through a goal in stoppage time. If there are big challenges, then this is the team to overcome them. We will seek to do something unprecedented in London, where I believe we will give a good response."
Viktor Gyökeres
"I asked if he and his family were well and said I was happy for him. He deserves the recognition of the Sporting CP fans. He helped me a lot to become a Liga Portugal champion, and he gave his all while he was at Sporting CP. He made history in the league and at Sporting CP, and will always be very welcome here. He deserves to be applauded."
Hopes of advancing in the competition
"Obviously we have hope. We know they are a great team when playing at home, but we like big challenges. I truly believe that we will have a good response in London."
The second leg
"We have several challenging matches ahead of us, but I'm very level-headed and my problem now is CF Estrela da Amadora. I have to win that game and I need to think about how I'm going to do it. There are still many days to go until the matches against Arsenal, SL Benfica and FC Porto. I like to think about the present -and the present is CF Estrela da Amadora."
The fans
"There are no words to describe the energy and support they gave us from beginning to end. Even after the game, feeling their affection is important for the players. We lost to a great team, but we competed against the best and that's what we want to do. A small detail cost us dearly, and the opposite has happened before with us. It demonstrates the closeness of the tie and the fans saw attitude, courage and quality from the team."
Arsenal's set pieces
"At times, there are clear fouls. It's a very specific moment and a team with great athleticism. The duels with them are difficult. We are two good teams at set pieces; we are the best team in Portugal in that aspect, and the fourth best in Europe. The team demonstrated this ability, even though it was difficult."
Sporting CP's support in London
"In London, they will make the difference with their support, so that we can beat a great team that will be playing at home."
The team lose 0-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final
Sporting Clube de Portugal lost 0-1 to Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final, conceding in stoppage time to a goal by Kai Havertz for the Premier League leaders.
The team took to the pitch with six changes to their starting XI, as Georgios Vagiannidis, Zeno Debast, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, Daniel Bragança and Rafael Nel made way for the incoming Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, João Simões and Luis Suárez.
Sporting CP made an almost perfect start to the game. From their first real attack, just 6 minutes in, Ousmane Diomande found Maxi Araújo with a wonderful trivela pass, and the Uruguayan's shot hit the crossbar after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya managed to get a touch on it.
Rui Borges' team took advantage of the momentum to continue to attack. After a free-kick by Francisco Trincão that hit the wall, Maxi Araújo shot wide. A good effort from Geny Catamo on the right followed, but Raya also managed to save it.
Known for their quality from set pieces, Arsenal threatened with a free kick from Martin Ødegaard, but Diomande cleared it. From the resulting corner, Noni Madueke's shot hit the crossbar and Ødegaard shot wide on the rebound.
The game began to calm down, and until halftime there were only two shots taken with real intent: One by Diomande from distance, which went wide, and another from Ødegaard which was safely saved by Rui Silva.
Following a goalless first half, Arsenal continued to have more possession after the break, and tried to create danger through Leandro Trossard and Ødegaard, who both had strikes.
For Sporting CP, a clever move ended with Araújo setting up Francisco Trincão, who shot across goal and slightly wide.
In the 62nd minute, Borges replaced João Simões with Daniel Bragança.
Arsenal had the ball in the net through Martin Zubimendi, but referee Daniel Siebert disallowed the goal due to an offside by Viktor Gyökeres, the returning former Sporting CP player. The Swede himself tested Rui Silva in the 67th minute, but the goalkeeper made the save.
Sporting CP improved throughout the second half. In the 78th minute, Catamo narrowly missed the target. Then an exceptional run by Luis Suárez on the right produced a cross for Geny Catamo to head the ball towards goal, forcing a great save from Raya.
Catamo again caused panic among the Gunners' defence in the 87th minute, when he finished off a counterattack with a shot that was blocked by Raya. Luis Suárez tried to follow up, but was also thwarted by the visiting goalkeeper.
The twist in the tale came late on, when in the 90+2 minute, Kai Havertz found himself one-on-one with Rui Silva and stroked the ball into the net, giving Arsenal a harsh advantage on the night and in the tie.
Before the second leg in London on April 15th, Sporting CP play CF Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal on Sunday night.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio [C], Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita, João Simões (Daniel Bragança, 62'), Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Rafael Nel, 79') and Luis Suárez.
