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 looks at the game against FC Famalicão

In a press conference held on Friday, Rui Borges previewed Sporting Clube de Portugal's away trip to take on FC Famalicão. The Liga Portugal Matchday 5 game takes place on Saturday at 8:30pm.

Previewing the game
"It will undoubtedly be a great game, against a good team who have started the season very well. They’ve yet to concede a goal and are very competitive and aggressive in duels for the ball. As a unit, they resort to fouls a lot at times, and in 2025 they have yet to lose at home. This clearly demonstrates their quality. A team that is always very difficult to face at home awaits for us, and that is especially so when they are so motivated. It's a very difficult fixture against good opponents, but we want to give a good response based on what we've achieved so far. We want to get back to winning ways, continue on our path, and demonstrate the quality we've had in order to move forward and, most importantly, get the three points."

The transfer market and the option of Jota Silva
"The best thing about the transfer market was that we managed to maintain the core of our squad. We only lost one key player, and kept Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand, Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast... They were all very important players for our second consecutive title. Our biggest desire was to maintain this core, and we deserve credit for that.

Regarding Jota: From the end of last season, we had clearly identified what we wanted, and our objectives regarding Jota and the way we wanted to bring him in were very clear. The structure did the best they could, and I would have loved to have had him here -but within a framework we had identified. There were other names we could have considered as a solution, but they were more difficult to sign. However, there are two parties involved, in Sporting CP and Nottingham Forest FC, and unfortunately, we couldn't get it done. I was sad, especially for the player, whom I really like.”

Jeremiah St. Juste
"The president [Frederico Varandas] has said all that needs to be said. We had identified early on that he would be fifth choice in the position. With the gravity of the situation, the solution involved his departure. We were all on the same page, and that was made clear in the president's words.

Decisions at Sporting CP involve everyone; everyone has an opinion. We always do what we think is best for the group and for Sporting CP. The atmosphere is good."

Geovany Quenda and Georgios Vagiannidis
"They brought more quality to the group [when they came off the bench]. They're ready to play, and I've already said that it's my fault -because I can only field 11 players. I can't play with 12 or 13. Sometimes it's very difficult, and I have to make decisions. I'm here to do that, and I'll take responsibility for the decisions I make. They're two great players who have been waiting for their chance to play since the beginning. I don't know if that will be tomorrow or not, but they'll get the opportunity. I hope they perform at their best when they do."

Ousmane Diomande, Hidemasa Morita, and Maxi Araújo
"Ousmane Diomande and Hidemasa Morita are out of the game. Maxi Araújo is a doubt. He trained today, and we'll make a decision tomorrow."

Portuguese clubs’ transfer activity
"Everyone improved as a team. Our greatest achievement was maintaining the foundation of a team who have been champions in consecutive seasons, which speaks volumes about our quality. That was our greatest desire, and we achieved it. Even outside the big leagues, teams have become more competitive with player acquisitions. FC Famalicão are a good example of this, as are Gil Vicente FC and Moreirense FC. The teams have added more quality and been more rigorous in their selection."

Fotis Ioannidis
"He was a great acquisition for us. He's a player who will provide us with many solutions, whether as an alternative to Luis Suárez or playing alongside him. I'm happy to have him on our books and I believe he'll add a lot of quality."

The possible need for a winger
"I have so many. Maxi Araújo, Ricardo Mangas... Last year, we had no solutions and we were league champions with the youngsters from the B team playing. They're ready to respond and are waiting for an opportunity. I'm happy with the squad I have. I would have liked to have had Jota Silva too, but it wasn't something we had 100% control over. We have no regrets, and I'll say it again: The biggest merit of our transfer market work was being able to keep a large part of the squad."

Nuno Santos
"It's a big pity that I can’t use him Although he's a bit of a nuisance, he's a positive nuisance. I'd really like to have him as a winger and a full back. His injury is a more chronic one, more confusing. Nuno Santos has been a true warrior, and it takes a lot of resilience to overcome this. He's a great example and inspiration for us."

Young players from the B Team
"We have a lot of faith in the B team, who have had a very good start to the season. There’s José Silva, Bruno Ramos, Eduardo Felicíssimo, Rayan Lucas, Flávio Gonçalves, Lucas Anjos, Mauro Couto, Salvador Blopa... Rodrigo Ribeiro, who trains with us daily, has grown in a short time. Expectations were too high in the early stages of his career, and he's now experiencing gradual growth. We have great faith in the B team's ability and in our individual quality."

Willingness to respond
"The performances have been good. Against FC Porto, that wasn't as good as in previous games, but it wasn't a bad performance. We want to respond, we want to play well and win, regardless of the opponents. We respect the opponents, who have quality. I see the team as very focused, rigorous, and ambitious; it's a fantastic group. When they come to the game, they are very connected. They have a daily camaraderie that is evident in the game; the collective connection is very good. The ambition to be champions again is infinite."

The squad work with FC Famalicão in mind

Sporting Clube de Portugal held another training session this Thursday, ahead of their trip to FC Famalicão on Liga Portugal Matchday 5.

In a typically intense morning session, Rui Borges was able to work with players who had been away on international duty during the recent break in domestic competition.

The squad will train again on Friday morning behind closed doors, followed by a pre-match press conference with the coach, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo.

The group work on Tuesday

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training this Tuesday, with a session at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete.

Due to the absence of many first team players still away on international duty, coach Rui Borges once again called on many young players from the youth system to participate. Lucas Anjos, Rodrigo Dias, Samuel Justo, Rafael Nel, Rafael Besugo, Bruno Ramos, and José Silva were included in the workout.

Another training session is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

The club recruit the Greek international striker

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed Fotis Ioannidis from Panathinaikos FC. The 25-year-old Greek striker joins on a contract through to 2030, with a €100 million release clause.

Presented at the Estádio José Alvalade, Ioannidis expressed his satisfaction with the move.

"I want to thank everyone for welcoming me here so warmly. I really like what I’ve seen of the club and its ideas. I'm going to be playing at a very high level against very tough opponents, with very good teammates," he told Sporting CP media.

“Sporting CP are a great club with a massive culture, so the goals are always big here. We always have to be fighting for the top spot. I'm ready for it, and I know I can do it," he added.

When asked to discuss his characteristics, Ioannidis asserted that he is "a versatile striker.”

"I can do a lot of things on the pitch, as well as helping my teammates a lot and contributing to our strategy. Of course, I can score goals and provide assists."

"I love being in Lisbon. It’s a very good city, with very warm people who are very welcoming. I'm happy to challenge myself in this league and at this club. Playing in the UEFA Champions League wearing the Sporting CP shirt will be an honour," he stated, before talking about one of the main influences on his making the move.

"I spoke with Georgios Vagiannidis, with whom I exchange many messages because we're very close friends. He's an excellent person and a great player. He told me all the best things I could hear about Sporting CP, and I'm very happy. I'm going to speak more with the rest of the team now. I know they're very good and humble people, and we'll definitely have a good connection," he said.

Curiously, Ioannidis will represent the Greek national team alongside Vagiannidis in the coming days, and one of the matches they will play will be against Denmark -featuring Sporting CP skipper Morten Hjulmand.

"I’m looking forward to meeting him, especially because I've heard very good things about him. I'm very happy for him to be my captain from now on,” said the striker.

“I have the same goals as the rest of the team. I want to be a champion with Sporting CP and contribute to a great European campaign by helping with as many goals as possible."

He has already experienced the Estádio José Alvalade, having attended the game against FC Porto.

"I was amazed by the atmosphere, which was perfect. The result wasn't what we wanted, but I'm sure we'll respond and achieve what we want in the next games," he stated.

"I can't wait to play for the fans here, and score lots of goals so that we can celebrate together.”

Having begun his career at Levadiakos FC, Ioannidis moved to Panathinaikos FC in 2020 establishing himself as a key player for the team by scoring 51 goals in 190 matches. In 2025/26, he has already played five games, all in European competitions.

The coach reflects on the 1-2 loss to FC Porto

After Sporting Clube de Portugal’s 1-2 loss against FC Porto, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to review the performance.

The game
"It was an evenly matched, intense game, well-played by both sides, and it was competitive. We started the first half well. FC Porto brought the ball out and they were strong in the duels, but we managed to be the better side in the opening minutes. As time went on, the game evened out, and the first half was quite well balanced. We started the second half well, and just when we were in the best position, a five minute spell proved costly. We were pushing FC Porto hard, and nothing indicated what would happen in those five minutes. Above all, the team were capable of more. Conceding the second goal could have seriously sunk us, but the team fought back, made it 1-2, and could have made it 2-2.

FC Porto didn't deviate from what we had expected of them. They engage in a lot of duels, and play man-to-man. At times, we were able to connect inside, and at others, we connected on the outside. We had to look for space, and when we did that with quality, we created danger. The team understood when they needed to look for the long ball, and I'm happy with what we did."

The quality of Liga Portugal
"The big teams have strengthened with more quality. They are more capable collectively. They have more solutions to be capable of responding to setbacks, which makes the game more competitive."

The transfer market
"Nothing has changed. I'll talk after the transfer window closes. I'm happy with the squad I have and the conditions we have."

Clássicos at the beginning of the season
"This doesn't change our ambition at all. I'm proud and happy with the squad I have at my disposal."

The substitutes he used
"Those who came on, played well. They have responded and are waiting for the coach to give them opportunities. I'm happy with what they did."

Starting a new streak at Alvalade
"I can promise a lot of hard work and ambition to win every game. This team have already shown that they are very capable. I have no doubt that we will be very happy."

Sporting CP fall 1-2 to FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a 1-2 defeat against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 4, as two goals against the run of play in the second half saw their rivals snatch victory.

For the game, played in front of 50,000 fans at the Estádio José Alvalade, Rui Borges made only one change to his starting lineup, with Giorgi Kochorashvili replacing Hidemasa Morita. Matheus Reis returned on the bench.

After Morten Hjulmand was honoured for reaching 100 appearances with Sporting CP, receiving a commemorative jersey from president Frederico Varandas, O Clássico got underway.

Almost immediately, FC Porto had a goalscoring opportunity, as Borja Sainz hit the post. A subsequent William Gomes' long-range shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Rui Silva, and Sporting CP responded in the ninth minute with an effort of their own: Luis Suárez received a throw-in from Ricardo Mangas and curled a shot just wide of goal. Shortly after, Ricardo Mangas fired over the crossbar off a scramble.

In the 14th minute, Suárez stole the ball from an opposition defender in the FC Porto box and passed to Francisco Trincão, whose strike was blocked. At the other end, Luuk de Jong's shot was held by Rui Silva, and Victor Froholdt sent the ball out off Morten Hjulmand.

Sporting CP managed to mount a very dangerous counterattack in the 21st minute, as Suárez set up Pedro Gonçalves and a defender intervened. FC Porto's William Gomes tried his luck again on the half-hour mark, with Rui Silva saving.

Both Victor Froholdt and Rodrigo Mora shot off-target in the following moves, while Alan Varela tried his luck from distance.

Geny Catamo, played through at pace by Iván Fresneda, advanced into the Porto box and was brought down by Francisco Moura, but referee João Gonçalves waved play on, no penalty was given, and the first half ended 0-0.

The second half opened with Sporting CP dominating again, pushing FC Porto back. High pressing forced a mistake in the opposition's build-up play in the 48th minute, allowing Kochorashvili an opportunity that he put wide.

Suárez also failed to keep a shot between the posts, as his hit was deflected out.

Hjulmand had a header and Trincão forced Diogo Costa into a save, as the chances continued to mount. However, against the tide, FC Porto scored a goal from out of nowhere, through Luuk de Jong.

Rui Borges responded by bringing on Georgios Vagiannidis and Geovany Quenda, replacing Iván Fresneda and Geny Catamo.

FC Porto immediately scored again, this time through William Gomes. In the blink of an eye, Sporting CP rather unfairly trailed 0-2.

Conrad Harder replaced Kochorashvili in the 67th minute, and Sporting CP began to put pressure on their opponents again. In the 70th minute, Quenda worked his way excellently down the right and sent the ball into the middle of the box, requiring Diogo Costa to step in.

Sporting CP finally got a goal in the 74th minute: Gonçalo Inácio found Ricardo Mangas, who tried to set up Harder, and the FC Porto defence sent the ball into their own net.

Spurred on by the goal, they continued to attack. A venomous cross from Geovany Quenda nearly led to another own goal in the 77th minute. Then, in the 84th minute, Suárez's shot was saved by Diogo Costa.

The Colombian threatened further two minutes later, when he smashed a shot that needed a great save from the opposition goalkeeper. Ricardo Mangas then headed wide.

Hjulmand's shot over the bar and a few attacks near the FC Porto box rounded off the game, which concluded in a harsh loss for Sporting CP.

After the international break, the team travel to take on FC Famalicão.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 63'), Ivan Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 63'), Zeno Debast, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas, Morten Hjulmand [C], Giorgi Kochorashvili (Conrad Harder 67'), Francisco Trincao, Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 89') and Luis Suárez.

The coach looks ahead to the Clássico against FC Porto

This Saturday at 8:30 pm, the Estádio José Alvalade hosts the first Clássico of the season. In his pre-match press conference before the game against FC Porto, coach Rui Borges highlighted the new dynamics of the opposition that Sporting CP face.

The UEFA Champions League Draw
"I'm happy, above all, that we can enjoy this competition, which is the best in the world at club level. We want to honour Sporting CP in the best way possible, do our best, and continue on our path, always taking each game at a time, with great passion and a desire to achieve great things."

FC Porto
"We've had some time to understand FC Porto's dynamic under their new coach. They're a side that's true to their style, very strong in terms of acceleration, very dynamic and aggressive with the ball, and very hard pressing, competitive, and strong in defensive duels.

Physically, they’re stronger now, with taller players, and they win many duels with their first press. We have to be prepared to balance this momentum and then impose our style against strong opponents. We are two confident teams that play good football. Above all, let it be a great game, at home, in front of our fans."

Differences between Sporting CP and FC Porto
"We don't have many players whose primary individual strength is winning duels, but we have the technical quality to overcome that.

We're used to teams using man-to-man marking with us, so I believe the team are prepared for the physical demands of the game. These are two teams that like to press and have the ball, and that display good quality in their play."

FC Porto's attacking options
"FC Porto, as their president has said, had the biggest spending transfer window in their history. They have many options, a lot of quality, are a big club, and have great players capable of delivering a good response.

Luuk de Jong brings some solutions, Samu others, but I look more at the collective than the individuals. I believe Samu will play, but we'll be prepared for either solution."

Changes in FC Porto's approach
Strategically, there may be different behaviours from them, depending on the opposition. But I believe that FC Porto -based on our knowledge of [Francesco] Farioli-, will not compromise much in their approach, whether offensively or defensively. FC Porto will try to be a pressing team, and it's up to us to be able to counter that pressure.

Who the favourites are
I can say that we could be slight favourites because we're playing at home. Our fans can tip the scales in our favour. That's what led us to become champions last season.

Set pieces
Regarding set pieces: We've conceded three goals from them. CD Nacional were stronger than us in that aspect, always creating danger from set pieces, but we were very competent throughout the game. It's natural that at some point we would have conceded a goal from a set piece by now. We know FC Porto are strong in this aspect of the game, but we have to be competitive and outplay that. Our focus and momentum haven't changed at all because we conceded from a set piece.

Responding to FC Porto
It's important to respond in every game, because tomorrow's game won't decide who will be champion. We're on Matchday 4. It's an important game on our journey, a big game against a great team, but these are the games that stress me out the least. We want to be strong, in front of our fans, and keep winning.

Conrad Harder
Conrad [Harder] is prepared for the demands of the FC Porto game. It's that simple. He and Luis Suárez are in our plans. They're different attackers, who offer different things. I'm happy with both of them, but the choice of who plays depends a lot on the opposition’s profile and the strategy for each game.

The transfer market
I'm not thinking about it quite honestly. I'm thinking about tomorrow's game, which will be very difficult, and I want to make the most of it. We want to go into the international break with a win, but the game will demand a lot from us. That's my focus.

Sporting CP start their European campaign away to Bayern Munich

Sporting CP's opponents in the league stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League were announced on Thursday, in a draw that took place in Monaco.

Giorgio Marchetti, secretary general of UEFA, plus former players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kaká, oversaw the draw.

In the single-leg league stage, teams from the same country do not face one another. The first game of the stage will be held on September 16-17th, with the last on January 28th, 2026.

The UEFA Champions League final is set for May 30th, 2026, at the Puskas Arena.

Sporting CP's League Stage opponents:

- FC Bayern (Allianz Arena)
- Paris St. Germain (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Juventus FC (Allianz Stadium)
- Club Brugge KV (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Olympique Marseille (Estádio José Alvalade)
- SSC Napoli (Diego Armando Maradona Stadium)
- Kairat FC (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Athletic Club (San Mamés Stadium)