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 Taça de Portugal game against FC Porto
Sporting CP face FC Porto in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals on Tuesday night. On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges previewed the encounter in his press conference.
The approach to the first leg
“It’s another Clássico, against a good side who are top of the league. These are always very competitive games, and sometimes they are more strategic -that’s part of the fixture. It’s two legs and this is the first ‘half’, in which we want to win. That will always be our objective. We’re up against a good team that will certainly come with that ambition as well. We are playing at home, we really want to win and take a step ahead in the tie. We will have to do a lot for that.”
Fotis Ioannidis' situation
“He is a doubt for the game. It’s still very much a day-to-day thing and we have to see how he feels.”
The penalty awarded for FC Porto near the end of the match against FC Arouca:
“For me, it might not have been a penalty, but the referee decided that it was. I'm not going to talk about refereeing decisions here, nor about incidents from other games.”
The strategic side of 'big' games
“Sometimes it’s not about fear, but about respect. The teams know that each team have their own way of playing, their strengths, and whilst using your own strategy to win, you have to protect yourself from the opposition’s strength. It’s natural that in some moments the game becomes more strategic. Football is changing, becoming more dynamic and increasingly thoughtful. I believe it will be a good game, with two competitive teams who want to win -using their strengths and at other times wanting to neutralise the other side. I think it’s natural, and 'big' games end up having some extra element of strategy. It’s not about not wanting to lose, but about what the game requires and the respect that exists on both sides.”
The cup
“We are focused on what we can do against FC Porto to be in the final, which is our objective. We want to defend the cup we won last season.”
Upcoming important games in other competitions
“I'm not looking at the SC Braga game, I'm looking at tomorrow's game, which is an important fixture. We want to take a solid step on the road to the final. I'm only focused on the game against FC Porto. I believe there might be one or two changes, both for us and for the opposition, but I don't believe there will be many.”
João Virgínia playing in goal
“I never said who is the starting goalkeeper in this competition. They are all prepared to play, whether that’s Virgínia, Calai or Rui. For me, there are no goalkeepers for a specific competition; they are Sporting CP goalkeepers. The moment, the strategy, the opponents, everything counts towards the coach's decision-making on this.”
Pedro Gonçalves and Zeno Debast
“Pedro is [fit] and Debast is too. Debast started training a few days ago, having been out for a long time, and his condition will still not be the best to help the team to the fullest.”
Needing to be clinical in attack
“We never deviate from our game plan, regardless of the opponent. In some Champions League games where we don't have as much possession, we might play in lower blocks than usual, but we never deviate from our main idea of what to do with the ball, and tomorrow will be no different. We will face the team that have the best defence, who defend in a compact, competitive way, and are very strong in duels and transitions. Offensively, they also have well-developed specific movements and can quickly get into the final third. We have to be prepared for that, and very balanced, like the game at Dragão, where we allowed them little or no chances to be created. The goal is to try to be ourselves, making better decisions to overcome a team that defend very well. We will also have to be very committed and rigorous in defence.”
The favourites in the game
“In these games it’s always 50/50, whether we’re playing at home or away. Of course, I ask our fans to once again make the difference, with their energy and strength, for us to win the game. Regarding what happened in the last derby, that’s not what will motivate us to have a great game. What motivates us is defending a cup that we won last year. For me, the cup final is very special, as I said last season.”
Increased mutual knowledge of each other
“It’s natural that as time goes by, the teams know each other better and are increasingly better prepared. Even so, they are still special games. These two teams want to win this trophy; in the league we are in the top two places, and therefore, the passion of the game can cause a loss of concentration. This can be costly because there is a lot of quality on both sides, and some individual inspiration can decide these games. They are always very competitive meetings, and tomorrow will be no different.”
The planned change for cup semi-finals to return to single-leg fixtures
“I’ll say it’s positive, because I come from a background at lower-level teams. It means they can have the opportunity to play at home and take advantage of that against stronger opponents. They have the opportunity to dream, and I also dreamed of achieving special things in that situation.”
Differences compared to the first Clássico at Alvalade
“Very honestly, I think the teams aren’t going to be very different, but the game will be. The moment is different, the individual form of each player makes the team different, and it’s a different phase of the season, with more fatigue, and that can also be a factor. As for the team’s identity and strategy, I don’t think it’s different. Given the way things are now, it could go either way.”
The players missing for the game
"Giorgi Kochorashvili and Ricardo Mangas are both unavailable."
The coach talks after the victory over GD Estoril Praia
Following his team’s 3-0 win over GD Estoril Praia, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the game in a press conference at the Estadio José Alvalade.
The impressive performance
“It’s a credit to the work of the team, the coaching staff, and the structure. It was a game of two halves. We started very well, because it was important to create discomfort for GD Estoril Praia, who have quality in their attack. We were proactive in reacting to losing possession, and with the ball we were very dynamic, with a lot of positional variability. We got into the final third with quality and scored the first two goals by attacking behind the opposition’s defensive line. We had a great first half. In the second, we made many mistakes in our passing and allowed GD Estoril Praia to gain confidence, giving them more possession in our midfield. Nevertheless, we remained very focused. The central defence pairing had a great game, and I think Gonçalo Inácio had one of his best games of the season. We managed to stay focused and were also able to get out of our own half, creating real danger.
Pedro Gonçalves staying on the bench
“He didn’t come on because he didn’t feel one hundred percent fit. We opted not to expose him to any risks and, in some way, conserve him."
Being drawn against FK Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League
"They are a great team and have beaten big teams in Europe. Anyone who thinks the draw was good for us is mistaken. They are a very competitive, intense team that will create many problems for us. They are in the Round of 16 because they have a lot of quality and have beaten great teams. Until then, we still have to play FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal and SC Braga in Liga Portugal, two games that will demand a lot from us. We will have to be prepared for them."
João Simões’ place
"Simões came on before Daniel Bragança today. It has a lot to do with moments in the game, strategies, the opposition and more. Morita had both a fantastic first half and start to the second. João has also had great games. It’s about the moment and the strategy; he hasn't lost his place. On the contrary, this makes the team stronger, with everyone at a very high level. Today he came on and played very well. Dani came on next. I'm happy, above all, to have all three of them available. Dani is growing in terms of confidence and is improving physically, because his technical quality and vision are out of this world.”
The third goal coming from Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança
“I wish they hadn't gone through the injuries. Nuno's decision making is phenomenal. Dani did an exceptional job, but Nuno's pass, which seems simple, is only simple for him. It makes me want to laugh because I'd like to have him at one hundred percent fitness. He's aware that the break was long and he needs time to be the best Nuno. I’m very happy to have both of them back, because they are always necessary players on the pitch.”
Luis Suárez making fans forget about Gyökeres
“I’ve already said that I only think about the players I have. He’s had a great season and scored two goals, but he lost possession more often than usual. Not everything is perfect with him, but he had a good game. He’s been important to the team, but he reflects the good things the collective are doing.”
Luis Guilherme’s response
“There are no undisputed starters, but his adaptation has been very good. He has met expectations, adapted to the ideas, and increasingly identifies with Sporting CP. It seems to me that he’s a kid with a fantastic future ahead of him, but he’ll have to continue working hard because he’s in a team full of great players.”
FC Porto’s victory against FC Arouca
“I’m focused on what we control, and only on our game. We did our job, we won, and that’s how we have to keep going. I won’t talk about refereeing decisions, I didn’t even see the [penalty] incident.”
Sporting CP’s form ahead of the game against FC Porto
“The games are difficult for everyone. It's not about a phase in the season, but about the opponents and what is at stake. The pressure is on. We'll see maximum effort in every game, and against FC Porto it won't be any different. It's going to be a great game between the two teams at the top of the league table. It's the first of two games against them, but we really want to continue in the competition and defend the cup. We're facing the team that's in first place in the league, which means they're the strongest team."
Sporting CP defeated GD Estoril Praia 3-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade on Friday night, on the 24th matchday of the Liga Portugal season. Luis Suárez scored twice, with the goals capped off by Daniel Bragança. The team remain second in the table, four points off the top spot.
Up against the side seventh in the division and in strong form, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges repeated the same starting XI he had used against Moreirense FC. Pedro Gonçalves, returning from suspension, was on the bench, but unavailable were Ricardo Mangas, Fotis Ioannidis, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Zeno Debast.
There was an immediate opener for the home team, coming in only the sixth minute when Francisco Trincão delivered a perfect ball to set up Luis Suárez. He burst into the box and, with one touch, converted to make it 1-0.
Soon after, Trincão again set up Suárez, who this time was denied by Joel Robles with an instinctive save. Luís Guilherme, on the rebound, shot high over the bar.
However, it didn't take long for the celebrations to continue, and Suárez was again involved: A masterful chipped pass from Morten Hjulmand set him up and after controlling the ball, he struck again for his 22nd league goal of the season.
In response, GD Estoril Praia's Ricard Sánchez managed a timid shot that Rui Silva saved.
Back at the other end, Geny Catamo almost increased the lead, but after dribbling past his opponent, he mishit poorly from inside the area. Trincão also tried his luck, but his shot went straight to Robles.
The pace of the game slowed down until halftime, and the visiting team took advantage to increase their possession. Rui Silva made a save to keep out João Carvalho's shot in the best chance for GD Estoril Praia.
In the opening moments of the second half, Suárez issued another warning, this time from outside the area, which Joel Robles found tricky to deal with.
With Sporting faltering in their link-up play, the team from Linha, who arrived at Alvalade with the fourth-best attack in the league (ahead of FC Porto), stole the ball more frequently and quickly launched attacks -as evidenced by a wayward shot from Pedro Carvalho.
Borges made a change in the 70th minute, bringing on João Simões and Souleymane Faye, The latter made an initial run almost immediately, but his shot was too tame to cause problems. Shortly after, Maxi Araújo had a defender clear his effort off the line for a corner.
The substitutions did Sporting CP good, as they regained their composure. Georgios Vagiannidis, Daniel Bragança, and Nuno Santos – making his league debut for the season – came on. Vagiannidis collected a ball in the area and shot straight at Joel Robles, in one of the better chances of the half.
A duo returning after long struggles with injury combined to kill the game off: Nuno Santos, on the left, launched a through ball into the area for Bragança, and he turned to shake off his marker before finishing underneath the Estoril goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
It was a tenth consecutive game without defeat (9 wins, 1 draw), and increased Sporting CP's number of consecutive wins at Alvalade under Rui Borges to 14. The team now host FC Porto on Tuesday (8:45 pm) in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals.
The Sporting CP coach looks at Friday night's contest
Sporting Clube de Portugal host GD Estoril-Praia on Friday in Liga Portugal, and coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his pre-match press conference.
The fixture against GD Estoril Praia
"I think it's going to be one of the most difficult games we'll have this season. We're playing against a good team, a side who are very dynamic in their offensive processes. They have some things that are similar to us in terms of its idea, with a lot of positional variability. They like to have the ball, to be very dynamic, with good players in terms of decision-making, especially in their offensive actions.
At times they have some imbalances, but I believe this will expose us to different problems than the ones we have faced before, because they have very specific dynamics and are difficult to stop at times."
Possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16
"Quite honestly, I don't look at the two teams thinking which would be the best for us to play. Above all, I'm happy that we went directly into the Round of 16, which took away some of the burden on our fixture list. We’re able to enjoy this competition to the fullest, regardless of the opposition. We will be motivated and ambitious to be able to continue the fantastic journey that this season's Champions League has been."
A possible contract renewal
"I have a contract until 2027. I am focused solely on my work this season, on the fight for the title and on continuing to contribute to the history of Sporting CP in the competitions in which we are involved."
A demanding schedule and squad management
"It's important to have all the players available so that we can rotate at times, even during the game, and maintain our high level. I don't know if it's the most important phase of the season. It's natural to say or think that, because we have league games, we have games in the Taça de Portugal, and we have games in the Champions League. In the cup, it defines whether we go to the final or not; in the Champions League, it defines whether we get to the quarter-finals or not.
Therefore, it is an important phase for the competitions in which we are involved. There will be very competitive games, very demanding, very close, but they are also games that, in terms of motivation, the team will be super switched on and motivated to face. It’s important to have everyone available to make the team stronger."
FC Porto
"I'm focused on GD Estoril Praia. I haven't even talked about the game against FC Porto with anyone, much less with the players. I think this game is one of the most difficult, due to the quality of the team and the competence of the opposing coach, who has done a great job leading GD Estoril Praia in these two seasons.
We have to see it as the most difficult game we will have now. There's not even a chance to think about the next game. Our focus is the league. We know we are playing catch-up, because we are in second place. We want to be first and, to be first, we have to do our part. That means winning, against a good side who will create many difficulties for us in the game."
What to expect from GD Estoril Praia
"I expect GD Estoril Praia to be ambitious and press, which is what they’ve done not only with Sporting CP, but with all the opponents they have come up against. From the first meeting to the second they have changed their initial system a little, maintaining some dynamics in their positioning.
Now they have a lot of positional variability and rotation during the game. They will force us to think and even focus in different ways, especially in our defensive organisation. Their players, from midfield to further forward, have a lot of quality in their decision-making.."
Zeno Debast
"Debast is back training. He's not going to be in the squad, because he only returned a few days ago to training at 100% with the team, but he's ready to help from now on. Simply put, when he returned, he wasn't 100% and we will make decisions based on when he feels comfortable or not. He still felt some discomfort and we chose to slow down."
Player availability and offensive options
" Giorgi [Kochorashvili] is out and [Ricardo] Mangas is too. He felt a little discomfort in the last few days and is out of the game. Fotis [Ioannidis] is a doubt. His return is identical to Zeno’s in the sense that it's a very specific injury and, sometimes, there are small discomforts there that cause him to take a step back in terms of getting back to 100%.
Nuno Santos is fine. The only problem with Nuno is he has been out for so long, is that it will naturally take him some time to be at his best. The decision making is there, the quality is there, but then the physical and fitness part is missing. Time and training will give him that and, fortunately, he is feeling better and better, he is training well, so he is available to play.
In terms of Pedro Gonçalves, we have already played great games with Pote and now we had a good game without Pote. Above all, there are different players who have played in that position. More recently Luís Guilherme played, and Trincão has also played there. They are players who give us different things, but they are all important in the team's dynamics, either playing from the start or coming off the bench.
Luís Guilherme has an over 70% completion rate passing and dribbling. Pote is the player who shoots the most and second for creating the most chances. Therefore, they are different players, but I have no doubt that they are important in the team's dynamics, regardless of whether they are starters or not. Most of all, I'm happy to have more solutions available."
Luís Guilherme
"It's difficult to say whether Luís Guilherme performs better on the left or on the right. He has been playing more on the left and it is natural that he performs better on the left. Above all, he is a player who gives us quality on both sides. It was something that we had already identified and knew it could give to us. He is growing up, he is very focused and is understanding more and more quickly the dynamics of Sporting CP. He is a player who I have no doubt will be very important in the future at Sporting CP and will have a bright future, due to his quality and, above all, his intellectual capacity.”
Weeks without European games
"This time was important for us, allowing us to train a little more. Normally we don't train as such, we just rest and recover. When we have a lot of games it's “play, recover, play, recover.” These weeks gave us a little more training stimulus, intensifying some dynamics, because I really believe that repetition and day-to-day life help to internalise individual and collective behaviours. We took the opportunity to work on some defensive and offensive aspects that we haven't had the opportunity to work when there is an abundance of games. It helped stimulate some things within our idea of the game, without straying from who we are."
Racism in football
"Racism is a problem in society, not just in football. We all have to be aware of this and do better. Fortunately, I am a father, and within what is possible in terms of education, in the growth of our children and grandchildren, we have to make the world and society evolve in this direction. I think it was Pep Guardiola who spoke about teachers too, and nowadays teenagers and children are taught at school, but I think we parents have this obligation to demonstrate that we are all equal and, little by little, evolve over time and with the growth of generations -so that there is less and less racism."
The coach thanks the fans for their presence in Moreira de Cónegos
In a press conference after the 0-3 win over Moreirense FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the victory in Moreira de Cónegos (0-3).
Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult playing surface, a bit soft, but the team didn't back down from the beginning to the end of the game. We wanted to show quality against a good team – a team that, if given space and time, would gain confidence playing at home – and we didn't stray from our game plan.
The support of our fans was very important: they made us feel as if we were at home, I only saw Sporting CP fans everywhere in the stands, and it was very important for the team to feel this ambition from the fans, which carries over to the team. We've had this ambition regardless of the scoreline. We could have done more, as Moreirense FC only had two chances after we made it 0-2, but the story from beginning to end of the game was that Sporting CP, thanks to our own merit and the winning mentality that the players showed today, dominated."
The trickiness of the game
"It was a difficult game; it was 0-0 at halftime. We controlled the contesr, we didn't let Moreirense FC get close to our goal, and they only had one free kick of any danger near the end of the first half. We controlled possession, but increasingly all of the teams defend well; they want points. In the second half we came back out strong, looking for goal more, and were more dynamic. The game unfolded as it did, but we earned the win. The victory is beyond dispute; the team didn't hide and the energy was always high. We never let up, against great opponents, at a difficult ground for us to visit in recent years.
We made the game easy because of our ambition and quality. Above all, I'm happy to see the team, even while we are winning, not giving up, focused defensively and going on the offensive. This speaks of the family spirit and unity of this team."
A special game for Rui Borges
"For me, it's clearly very special. I will be grateful to Moreirense FC and the people in the club's structure for the rest of my life. They gave me the opportunity to reach the top flight, and we had a great season there.
I felt at home there, and because of the friendship I have with everyone that gratitude will always be present."
Pedro Gonçalves' place
"Pote is another solution and has to be prepared to play or not play, like anyone else. Within each strategy and against each opponent, we will think about what makes the most sense. Pote is a difference maker. Above all, he is a player who can decide the game at any moment. Having everyone back makes the team stronger, more alive, more demanding, because they know that anyone can play at any moment."
Fotis Ioannidis' return
"I'm very happy to see Fotis back. Very happy indeed. He, too, is special and different. In terms of character and personality, he's fantastic. He deserves to be with the group and helps the team."
His family being at the game
"I went to celebrate with my goddaughter, who brings me good luck; we always win when she's there. I went to give her a kiss. I also went to give a kiss to all my family. My father wasn't there, but I send out a kiss for him too. I think it was the first time my nephew came to a football ground to see his uncle, and it makes me happy to have my family around."
His message at halftime
"The only difference in the pressing is that Geny [Catamo] was dropping back. We had Luís Guilherme high up the pitch, and Moreirense FC were gaining superiority. We were trying to adjust, but even so, Moreirense FC couldn't link up.
We were strong and, with a medium-high block, we recovered more balls, but if we adjusted, we would be even closer to being aggressive in closing down the defence. Geny didn't need to drop back so much, because that could create a 3-on-2 advantage in an intermediate area for them, and we didn't want that to happen. Even with that small advantage, they did very little to connect, due to the team's intensity."
Speed in the channels
"We were expecting it, because it happened at Alvalade: We improved in the second half because we were more dynamic and didn't stop with the ball as much. If we gain superiority on one side, we have to insist on it. Moreirense FC were hesitant in their marking, which gave us space to make decisions, whether it was with Maxi Araújo or Luís Guilherme. Whoever wasn't on the wing had to cut inside.
We needed more players getting into the box, and [Francisco] Trincão ended up in the penalty area. They gave us space for crosses, we had to exploit that and get more players forward. At halftime I said we had to insist on that, but be quicker, because we were giving Moreirense FC time to adjust."
Sporting Clube de Portugal bested Moreirense FC 0-3 in their 23rd Liga Portugal game of the season, overcoming one of the breakout sides in division.
The team were missing Pedro Gonçalves for the game at the Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, and coach Rui Borges made two changes to the starting XI that faced FC Famalicão last time out: Luis Suárez, returning from suspension, joined the attack alongside Geny Catamo, with the Mozambican positioned on the right side.
Sporting CP quickly took control, comfortably establishing themselves in the home team's defensive midfield aeres. Using attacking play from the wings, Luís Guilherme and Geny Catamo created problems, but it was Francisco Trincão who had the first clear goalscoring opportunity. In the 8th minute, he found himself one-on-one with André Ferreira, forcing the Moreirense goalkeeper to make the first big save of the match.
Shortly after, Luís Guilherme broke down the left and tried his luck with a shot straight at the goalkeeper. In the 15th minute, Maxi Araújo found Trincão in the middle of the box. The Portuguese international's header was well-placed but lacked power.
Under considerable pressure, Moreirense FC only managed to create their first attacking move in the 22nd minute. Rui Silva, a mere spectator up until then, easily caught Rodrigo Alonso's shot.
With the clock approaching the half-hour mark, and a thin fog descending on the pitch, Sporting CP's difficulty in finding passing lanes persisted: in the 31st minute, Araújo broke through on the left and crossed for Catamo, but the home defence deflected it for a corner.
Just before halftime, Guilherme shot only slightly over the crossbar, then set up Suárez for a low strike inches wide of the post.
Following the interval, Sporting CP stepped up the pace again at the start of the second half and, in the 49th minute, came very close to opening the scoring: Hidemasa Morita found Guilherme on the left, the Brazilian combined with Trincão, and the Portuguese crossed into the six-yard box. André Ferreira couldn't meet the ball, but nor could any of the Sporting CP forwards, and it went out of play.
Finally, after a move down the left flank, following a recovery by Morten Hjulmand, the Luís Guilherme-Maxi Araújo combination broke through, and a delivery into the box was finished off by Trincão to make it 0-1.
The second goal was a work of art by Geny Catamo, four minutes later. The Mozambican received the ball on the line, cut inside and shot into the back of the net for one of the most beautiful goals of his career to date.
In the 64th minute, Borges brought on Daniel Bragança to replace Morita.
Moreirense FC's best opportunity of the match saw the debuting Nile John shot low and seemingly off target; however, it deflected capriciously off Morten Hjulmand, gained height and crashed against the woodwork.
Sporting CP would get their third goal in the 75th minute. After a corner kick, the ball fell to Luis Suárez, and with a first-time shot on the half-volley, he added his name to the list of goalscorers.
The Colombian made way for Fotis Ioannidis, returning to action approximately a month and a half after the injury he sustained in the Taça da Liga semifinal. The Greek came in along with Souleymane Faye and Giorgios Vagiannidis, and could even have scored in the 84th minute, after a quick counter-attack. André Ferreira made the save.
Sporting CP, who hadn't won by such a large margin since January, took the three points from their away trip. They now turn their attention to a home game against GD Estoril-Praia in Liga Portugal next Friday.
At the end of the game against FC Famalicão, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his analysis of the 1-0 victory.
A 13th consecutive home win
“I don't care much about that, but I'm happy because I'm pleased to be at Sporting CP and enjoying every day with a great group.”
Analysis of the game
“In the first half, FC Famalicão had two dangerous moves, off two transitions. They are a competitive team, they contested duels and forced us to make more mistakes than usual in terms of our passing. We kept trying, but it was noticeable that we lacked a reference point in the area when it came to making better decisions in the final third. In the second half it was all Sporting CP and FC Famalicão didn't create anything. We had possession, created some chances, had 15 corner kicks and ended up scoring from one, but we could have scored earlier from a set piece. The story of the game was this: One team always looking for a goal and the other defending well, who were organised and competent, and waiting for transitions."
Using Pedro Gonçalves at centre forward
“He was one of the players available for the position. We had [Rafael] Nel as well, and Fotis was an option until the last minute to be a solution and if possible, we would maybe have started with Nel to have a reference point. Without Fotis and using Nel in the initial phase of the game, if we had this difficulty later in the game, we wouldn't have had anyone else to bring on. At times we lacked that target to link up and finish better, and even in our crossing there were hesitations because we lacked that reference point.”
The ideal composition for a mobile attack
“‘Pote’ and Trincão are players who link up and finish, and we needed someone to create space, so we opted to bring Maxi forward. He has good timing in attacking spaces, and we needed that from both him and Luís Guilherme, to create depth.”
The disallowed goal for FC Famalicão at the beginning of the game
“For me, it's a clear foul, plain and simple. It was off a move that preceded an offside, so that finish shouldn't have even happened. Besides, for me, after that it's a foul."
Another goal scored near the end of the game
“Football is played from the first to the last minute. We've also conceded two late goals; that's four points and, perhaps, I would have the same points as the first-place side if that weren't the case. It's always subjective. Above all, the team's ambition is enormous. The game is 90 minutes long, so why worry? We won, that's what we want and the games will get harder and harder. We played against a good team who were very competent, and that makes our victory even more valuable.”
The ‘big three’ all winning by the narrowest of margins
“We didn't play badly, the opposition also deserve credit, and I'm sure the games will get harder and harder. For us and for everyone, especially for the teams that are at the top, because the other teams have quality, are well organised and need points. The difficulty is evident and we have to be prepared.”
Rafael Nel's first appearance for the first team in 2025/2026
“I'm happy for him, because he deserved it. He worked very hard with the B team. He has to keep working, he has grown a lot and he is a very competitive kid. I believe he will have more opportunities because he is very focused, works hard and wants to succeed.”
Fotis Ioannidis being available against Moreirense FC?
“I don’t know the answer, but I believe so.”
Daniel Bragança’s goal and first steps in his return to competition
“He is an important player, one of the captains and has Sporting CP DNA. He is still looking for full fitness, but he is happy and motivated and will be an important player -as he was today, fortunately. He scored a header, which is not very normal for him. He is a player who sees things differently and that’s why he came on. I'm happy to see him score. It is also important to talk about the fans. The energy of the fans has been phenomenal and on Saturday, in Moreira de Canons, in another difficult game, we need that energy.”
The second half substitute scores late in the second half
Sporting CP defeated FC Famalicão 1-0 on Liga Portugal Matchday 22, with Daniel Bragança scoring the winning goal of the game in the 82nd minute. The victory keeps everything unchanged at the top of the table, meaning that Rui Borges' Lions (55 points) are four points behind leaders FC Porto (59) and three ahead of SL Benfica (52).
Borges made two changes to the starting eleven from the Clássico against FC Porto, replacing Geny Catamo and the suspended Luis Suárez with Ricardo Mangas – as a full-back, with Maxi Araújo moving up to the attack – and Luis Guilherme. Answering the conundrum regarding the forward line, Pedro Gonçalves was moved to centre-forward, with youngster Rafael Nel also coming into the squad.
Sporting CP caused the first scare of the game, after a dangerous cross that went unchallenged and a touch by Hidemasa Morita that was blocked, but FC Famalicão had the ball in the net first: In the eighth minute, Ibrahima Ba took the ball from Maxi Araújo and unleashed a powerful shot. The goal was disallowed for a foul on the Uruguayan.
In an immediate response, Maxi entered the area and shot straight at Lazar Carević, the FC Famalicão goalkeeper. It wasn't until near the half-hour mark that Sporting showed more attacking sharpness and began to put their opponents on the back foot. Their combinations improved, and Francisco Trincão carved out space for a cross-shot that went wide. Maxi also struck off-target shot shortly after from a central position. Ricardo Mangas then had the best opportunity up to that point, but his finishing touch hit the post.
A frenetic series of minutes at Alvalade was suddenly followed by a very dangerous warning from FC Famalicão's Hugo Oliveira. Forward Simon Elisor slipped behind the defensive line and, completely isolated, shot wide in a one-on-one situation with Rui Silva. Sporting CP, wasting no time, responded immediately, releasing Luís Guilherme down the right wing. The Brazilian, inside the area, forced Carević to parry away his attempt for a corner.
From Luís Guilherme's free-kick into the area, Morten Hjulmand headed slightly over the crossbar and, subsequently, 'Pote' worked the ball into the area but missed the goal with his shot. Before that, he picked up his fifth yellow card in the league this season, and will miss next weekend's game.
At the start of the second half, a scramble in the opposition area could have given Sporting CP a chance on goal, but neither Mangas' deflection nor Maxi's subsequent shot led to a change in the scoreline.
Rui Borges' men continued to relentlessly pursue a breakthrough, and the coach made a change in the 62nd minute, bringing on Geny Catamo for Mangas. More than ten minutes later, he brought on Rafael Nel – making his first senior appearance this season – and Daniel Bragança for Morita and Fresneda.
FC Famalicão team no longer ventured forward and increasingly retreated into their own half. Sporting CP's crosses continued, but did not bear fruit until a corner kick in the 82nd minute: Trincão placed the ball to the near post, where Bragança rushed in to head home and make it 1-0.
Georgios Vagiannidis and João Simões came on – replacing 'Pote' and Luis Guilherme – to rebalance the team. The score remained the same, and led to Sporting CP's 13th consecutive victory at Alvalade -the the third-best streak of all time, behind only the 15 wins under Joseph Szabo (1953/1954) and the 16 under Mário Lino (1973/1974).
In the next fixture for the side, Sporting CP play Moreirense FC on Saturday evening.
