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 talks after the win against Rio Ave FC

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-3 victory at Rio Ave FC, coach Rui Borges reviewed the game for the media.

"We could have scored more goals, with the quality we had from start to finish. We were always switched on and could have scored more from transitions. We could have been calmer in that regard, but we controlled things from start to finish with a lot of quality. We had a huge spirit and a great ability to understand the game in strategic terms. The game against Vitória SC served as an example," he explained.

On Rui Silva, who debuted in goal, he said "he had a good game, with the little he had to do. He always gave peace of mind to the team. I want to mention Franco Israel, who has played some wonderful games. I'm happy about Rui's debut and I hope that, in the future, when he has work to do, he shows that he is present."

In relation to Zeno Debast, who occupied a midfield position, Borges considered that the Belgian "had a great game and only went off due to fatigue. I work with him every day and I know what he is capable of. He is very intelligent in reading the game and has above-average decision making. He has a fantastic personality and he wants to learn. We talked and found out if he was comfortable and available to take risks to help the team. He was always willing and responded brilliantly."

He also commented on the returns of Gonçalo Inácio and Daniel Bragança.

"I'm happy to be able to have Daniel Bragança with us again, and Gonçalo Inácio had a great game. Above all, I'm happy with the response that everyone gave," he said.

Asked about Conrad Harder, Borges reiterated that the Danish striker "worked hard and had a great game, even though he didn't score. He did everything we asked, even at a tactical level. He will grow and gain maturity and we all believe in him a lot, because he has a lot of potential."

Finally, Borges talked about Iván Fresneda, who "has had opportunities and has responded. The group like him and he likes the group and the club. I'm very happy with what has happened there, and I believe he can have a very good second half of the season, at the level of what people expected from him."

Sporting CP win 0-3 against Rio Ave FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal took an emphatic 0-3 away win at Rio Ave FC 0-3 in Liga Portugal, having been by far the better side throughout on a cold night in Vila do Conde. An own goal by Aderlan Santos put them ahead, followed by a penalty by Morten Hjulmand and a late strike from Viktor Gyökeres.

Coach Rui Borges made several changes to his starting XI, including handing a debut to new signing Rui Silva. Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast and Conrad Harder came in for Edwards, Quaresma, St. Juste, Simões and Gyökeres.

It took just three minutes for Sporting CP to get out in front, as Geovany Quenda's cross was met by Iván Fresneda. The hit was blocked by a defender, before Aderllan Santos' attempt to clear sent the ball into his own net.

Sporting CP continued to be the better side exerting a high press that made it impossible for Rio Ave FC to build from the back. The opportunities kept coming, in the form of shots from Conrad Harder and Morten Hjulmand that were saved by goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.

In the 15th minute, Miszta made another stop from Francisco Trincão, but the second goal came soon after. A handball in the box led to a penalty, which Hjulmand dispatched to double the lead.

Geny Catamo then threatened with an arcing shot that went slightly over and, in the 38th minute, Quenda was set up by Conrad Harder, struck hard and hit the crossbar.

Soon after, the Portuguese tried to feed the Dane, who was denied by Miszta, and just before the break Catamo went down the right and teed up Harder, who narrowly missed the target.

Shortly after the second half got underway, Sporting CP continued to create a large number of chances. Quenda sent an effort wide and Harder was inches away from a deflection that would have made it 0-3. The striker then had a large number of dangerous moments, which included another Miszta stop and a rebound slashed wide. Hjulmand was also denied twice by the home goalkeeper.

Quenda and Conrad Harder had more efforts kept out by Miszta, before the pace of the game slowed down. With ten minutes to go, Catamo and Harder made way for Daniel Bragança - back after more than a month out due to injury - and Viktor Gyökeres. The Swede's impact was immediate, as he could have scored almost instantly.

When he did get his goal, it was in the 88th minute, as Bragança led the counterattack and Gyökeres cut in from the left to the middle and shot with precision for his 33rd goal in 31 games in 2024/25.

Gyökeres also hit the post before the end, as the score remained 0-3 at the final whistle.  Sporting CP will now travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast (João Simões, 68'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 80'), Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão (Ricardo Esgaio, 89') and Conrad Harder (Viktor Gyökeres, 80').

The coach previews Liga Portugal Matchday 18

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to Vila do Conde this Saturday to face Rio Ave FC, on Matchday 18 of the Liga Portugal season. Coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his press conference.

"The team are tired, the same players have been playing almost always due to the injuries we have had. There is some overload and we have to be careful. I could work on one or two more details, but I won't do that with just two days."

Revealing that "Daniel Bragança could feature, although having been out of action for some time it is necessary to take precautions with him," Borges also confirmed the absence of Eduardo Quaresma and the doubt regarding Viktor Gyökeres.

Asked about the possibility of seeking solutions for absences in the transfer market, the coach explained that if he did this for each injured player, he would end the season "with 50 footballers."

"We have to adapt to injuries. We Portuguese coaches have been valued because we are capable of adapting to all contexts. Of course, Viktor is an important player and I believe we can use him the game and in the next games, but If it's not possible, we have to find some way to be competitive and win. That's what football is about: It's about being able to adapt and focusing on the problem."

After confirming that Marcus Edwards is out of the squad and that Hidemasa Morita is in doubt, Borges spoke about newly signed goalkeeper Rui Silva.
"Rui has arrived and is training, so he is an option for the game and is available. I have him in mind, just like any other goalkeeper".

Regarding this Saturday's game, he said that he expects a tricky contest.

"I'm focused on Rio Ave FC, which will be a difficult game. They are a team that haven't lost at home in 20 games. We want to go there and have a good game against a very competitive team, like their coach is, with a lot of quality. We're going to have some problems, but we want to emerge victorious regardless of everything," he assured.

"It's part of our job to understand what Rio Ave FC may or may not be able to do, given what we present. The coach, in strategic terms, always tries to adjust one thing or another within his idea for the game, to try to nullify the opposition. It's a difficult game at a difficult ground."

The group prepare for their next Liga Portugal match

On Thursday, Sporting Clube de Portugal held a training session ahead of their visit to Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal.

Once again, youngsters Alexandre Brito, Bruno Ramos, Denilson Tavares, Samuel Justo, Rafael Nel, Mauro Couto and Nilton Cardoso were integrated into the session, under the orders of the coaching staff led by Rui Borges. Daniel Bragança also trained with the team.

On Friday, another training session is planned in the morning, behind closed doors, at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, where the pre-match press conference will also be held at 12:30.

Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC face each other on Saturday, at 6pm, in Vila do Conde.

The coach reflects philosophically on the Taça da Liga defeat

Rui Borges reflected on the Taça da Liga final that Sporting CP lost on penalties to SL Benfica, and considered that his side were the better team.

“It was an evenly balanced game, with a more dynamic first half in terms of goals and in the second half more play in midfield. In the first half, where there were more opportunities, the best chances were ours. Therefore, despite the final result, I'm satisfied with what the team did and I leave here calm, with the certainty that we will be very strong over the next few months. The fact that we haven't won the Taça da Liga is because there is something better saved for us. I think that overall we were the better side, and they were happier with it going to penalties," he explained.

“Would it be different without so many players out? I wanted to have everyone, but I'm not complaining and the team were able to put on a good performance and be intense. They only lost on penalties, where SL Benfica's goalkeeper ended up being more adept. As I said, I couldn’t be more satisfied and at ease with what the team are producing,” he said.

Rui Borges reiterated that this result cannot affect his side.

“The impact of this game has to be just one night. Now we have to rest and think that we have a game next weekend, which will be difficult, but if we have the same attitude as we have been showing, the future will be bright”.

“I'm very positive about my path forward. I really believe that things happen for a reason and, as I said, if we don't win it's because something better awaits us. If we behave as we have, with this competitive side, this dedication and ambition, the future will be bright. The players really want to be champions and today they demonstrated all the ambition they have.”

Borges also spoke about Francisco Trincão, praising the Portuguese international and saying that he doesn't have to feel down about his missed penalty.

“It was him today, and it could have been someone else. He has already given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so. You have to lift your head up again and follow the path.”

A 1-1 draw with SL Benfica means the competition is decided with a shootout

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost out in the final of the Taça da Liga on penalties to SL Benfica at the Estádio Municipal de Leiria, after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Viktor Gyökeres scored the goal for Sporting CP.

For the game -a rematch of the 2021/22 final-, coach Rui Borges chose Franco Israel, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Jeremiah St. Juste, Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo, João Simões, Morten Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyökeres as his starting lineup.

SL Benfica began with more of the ball, but Sporting CP responded with a series of quick moves and opportunities. Quenda had the first chance, with Otamendi cutting it out in time, then two corners in a row piled on the pressure. The danger only passed after  Hjulmand missed his shot from the edge of the area.

In response, Di María also tried to score from outside the area with a low shot, but Franco Israel had no trouble holding it. Gyökeres made a fast move from the right, ending with his shot taking a deflection and going wide. From the resulting corner, Maxi Araújo forced goalkeeper Trubin to make another save.

A very intense opening spell continued with Sporting CP coming very close to a goal in the 15th minute: Set up by João Simões, Quenda had his effort kept out by Trubin. At the other end, Franco Israel made a save from a low cross from Tomás Araújo. The follow-up from Di María was blocked by Morten Hjulmand.

The match then lost some of its initial pace, but opportunities continued steadily. SL Benfica opened the scoring after half an hour of play, with a goal from Schjelderup.

It didn't take long for Sporting CP to try to equalise, with Quenda fed by Viktor Gyökeres and firing a shot wide. Eduardo Quaresma also threatened with a hit from inside the area, but it also went off-target.

Sporting CP finally pulled back level from a penalty: Maxi Araújo was brought down in the area by Florentino, before Gyökeres converted the spot kick.

In the second period, the first chance of note was a deflected strike from João Simões at the edge of the area, after a delivery from Gyökeres. Franco Israel had more work to do in the Sporting CP area, thwarting consecutive moves by Di María and then by Kökçü. In response, after insistence from Sporting CP, Catamo pulled the trigger from the edge of the area, but António Silva managed to deflect it with his shoulder. 

Close to the 70th minute, Rui Borges then started to make changes, bringing on Iván Fresneda for Eduardo Quaresma. Ten minutes later, he made another two substitutions, withdrawing Geny Catamo and João Simões and bringing on Zeno Debast and Conrad Harder.

Despite the insistence of both teams, the scoreline remained deadlocked and the game went straight to penalties. Trubin saved Francisco Trincão's spot kick, and it was SL Benfica who lifted the Taça da Liga.

Sporting CP will play again on Friday, away to Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal.

The Sporting CP captain previews the Taça da Liga final

Morten Hjulmand previewed the Taça da Liga final against SL Benfica in a press conference before Saturday's game, and recalled the last two finals played by Sporting CP.

“They were balanced finals, but there were some circumstances that made the difference. In the first game against FC Porto [Taça de Portugal] a red card changed things and in the second game [Supertaça] we lost some concentration during the second half. Tomorrow will be different and it will be easy for us to be focused and concentrated during the entire 90 minutes.”

“It is always very important to play and beat a rival. Furthermore, we know that it is a final and that finals are there to be won. For all of us, the club and the team, it is very important to win. We are always dissatisfied when this does not happen," he stated.

The captain said of the opposition: “Honestly, we analyse SL Benfica as a whole and the way they play. We have prepared for the game in the best possible way and just focused on that. Remembering the second half by SL Benfica at Alvalade, they made some tactical changes, mainly in their pressing, and that created some difficulties for us in getting the ball out. Tomorrow I don't know if they will do the same thing, but we have prepared ourselves for everything."

Hjulmand also spoke about the absence of Hidemasa Morita – the latest player to suffer an injury–, saying “that the team will miss him because he is a very important player.”

“We have many games and players who play all 90 minutes after 90 minutes. The same thing happens at other clubs. As players we have to be responsible to be in top shape, because if we are not prepared for this, injuries appear, as the fixture list is so tight. We are seeing a lot of injuries in the rest of Europe and that is not good news.”

The coach looks ahead to the Taça da Liga final

This Saturday, Sporting Clube de Portugal play SL Benfica in the Taça da Liga, and coach Rui Borges spoke about the challenge ahead in a pre-match press conference.

“I'm happy to be in the final, no matter who the opponents are, and very focused on ourselves. As for the changes at SL Benfica, the main principles do not change. There will be changes to individual characteristics, which will add some details to the team, but the idea does not change. We are prepared for whatever SL Benfica may or may not implement in the game, offensively and defensively," he stated.

"I believe there may be one or two changes in relation to their last game, despite their having enjoyed a beautiful game against SC Braga, but, more than that, it is important to prepare our team for the demands of the match. We have had a few days to work, a few days to recover and a lot of players were fatigued, so we will have to be careful, but the team are in good form and will give a good response."

“I don’t believe 100% that they play with the same team as in the semifinal, but we will be prepared for what SL Benfica may want from the game, which is to come in strong, just like they did against SC Braga. We have to be prepared for this and much more focused on what we can control as a team.”

With Hidemasa Morita out due to injury, the coach did not reveal who will play in midfield, saying that this will not change anything.

“We play with eleven players and I never dwell on difficulties, but rather I look for solutions. We will be competitive, we will be a good team, we will maintain the courage we have had and we will have a good game, regardless of whether we play Simões, Brito or others who have already played there. It’s up to me to find solutions, especially because we have other players, and I know that we will be competitive -regardless of who plays," he explained, before saying that Gonçalo Inácio "is one of the possibilities."

Sporting CP have several players out injured or fatigued, but Borges commented that “I don't focus on that. The team is tired, and that's part of football, especially because some players are carrying injuries, and we run the risk of losing even more of them, but we can't get attached to that. We are in a final, we are at a big club and the demand must always be to give our best. If we always do our best, whether tired or not, there are no advantages. The game is 11 against 11 and we have to do our best. If we do our best we will be competitive and we will win.”

“Because it’s a final, you can’t be tired. The desire to win and add trophies to the club's history must overcome any physical or mental fatigue. When the game starts, I believe the team will be prepared and will give a good response”, he added.