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."

Reaction to the hard-fought victory in extra time against AFS

At the end of the cup tie against AFS, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges reviewed the 3-2 win.

Achieving the objective despite needing extra time
"It's mission accomplished, that's for sure. It was a competent game until we made it 2-0, then we entered a collective state of relaxation and AFS, in two fortuitous moves, won two penalties and ended up believing a different result could be possible. Then, we entered a mental block, with several misplaced passes. Football, perhaps, is beautiful for that reason: it changes a lot and changes quickly. We put ourselves in a vulnerable position, but we also have to give credit to the opponents."

Impact of the 30 extra minutes on the upcoming league fixture 
“The players will be more tired in the coming days, but that won't be an excuse for our performance in the Clássico. We will arrive in top form to play a game with a different intensity. I believe it will be an important game, but not a decisive one. The pressure and motivation of playing a Clássico will outweigh the 30 extra minutes today.”

The return of Nuno Santos
“Above all, I'm happy to see him returning to the team after such a long break. It's fantastic for me, for his teammates, and for the fans. He's far from at his best, but we'll help him. He'll get there, but he needs time and patience to understand that. He can play as a full-back or as a midfielder and he's another player who will add a lot of quality and, above all, a lot of competitiveness.”

Several options in the squad for the wing position
“The players have to show me how prepared they are to respond. I like that they know how to play on both sides, because football nowadays is more unpredictable. Above all, I have more solutions with different characteristics. I'm happy that everyone is switched on and able to respond.”

Assessments of the standings before the Clássico
“I don't look backwards, only forward. We will do everything to win that game, but it's not decisive because there are many games left. We finished eight points ahead of second place in 2024/2025 and dropped nine points. All the games will be very difficult. For me, it's not a decisive game, but it's an important game.”

Geny Catamo decides the game against AFS in extra time (3-2)

Sporting CP's earned a 3-2 win over AFS after extra time, moving on in the Taça de Portugal.

A first goal from new signing Luís Guilherme and an own goal by AFS paved the way for a victory which seemed straightforward, but two penalties put the opposition back in contention and forced extra time. The solution for Sporting CP came from the bench, with Geny Catamo scoring the winner in the 117th minute.

To overcome João Henriques' struggling AFS, bottom of the league and still without a win, coach Rui Borges opted for a starting XI full of changes compared to the side fielded at home against CD Nacional: Only Eduardo Quaresma, Luís Guilherme and Luis Suárez retained their spots, joined by new faces including the return to the starting lineup of Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincão, and also the inclusion of João Virgínia, Georgios Vagiannidis, Ricardo Mangas, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Daniel Bragança. Nuno Santos began the game on the bench, and in the 77th minute, at Alvalade, made his long-awaited return to action for the first team for the first time since October 26th, 2024.

From the beginning, Trincão and Luís Guilherme – on the left and right, respectively – began to give options in attack, but neither of them could find a target for their low crosses. The two wingers were also the protagonists with Sporting CP's first shots, and while the Brazilian's effort was blocked, the Portuguese international's effort went wide.

AFS showed more accuracy, creating cross-shot opportunities for Guilherme Neiva and Leonardo Rivas with just a few touches, but both shots went straight to goalkeeper Virgínia. 

As the half-hour mark approached, Sporting CP stepped on the gas and took a 1-0 lead.

First, Simão Bertelli denied Suárez, who had brilliantly feinted past the last defender to break into the area, but on the very next move the ball ended up in the back of the net, thanks to a moment of quality. Hjulmand passed to Luís Guilherme, and the he cut inside from the right and shot beyond the goalkeeper's reach for his first goal for the club.

Having secured the lead, Sporting CP remained completely in control and picked up the pace near halftime. A beautiful combination between Suárez and Trincão played through the Colombian striker, who was bested by Simão Bertelli, and on the rebound the AFS goalkeeper put the ball against the post. Suárez headed back into the heart of the penalty area, and it was Kochorashvili who struck the woodwork with a resounding thud.

Shortly after the restart, in the 49th minute. Luís Guilherme combined with Mangas, who ran into the area on the left. His low cross ended up finding a deflection off the defender, despite Suárez's attempted backheel, to send the ball in and make it 2-0. 

Suárez then tried an artistic flick, and the ball didn't go far from the target.

Although the game was completely under control, a slipup in the defense opened the way for a rare AFS attack that culminated with Hjulmand going to ground to block a dangerous shot. The referee reviewed the images, called a handball by the Sporting CP captain and awarded a penalty, which was promptly converted by Pedro Lima.

Borges made the first substitutions, bringing on 'Pote' and João Simões for Bragança and Kochorashvili.

On 77 minutes, a resounding standing ovation from the entire stadium was given, as Nuno Santos returned to Alvalade. The number 11 was immediately active, and Pedro Gonçalves's finish to his well-measured cross went just over the bar.

New signing Souleymane Faye also added more minutes to his playing time, coming off the bench.

The match continhed without incident until practically the final whistle, when a second VAR review thwarted the plans. Another penalty was awarded to AFS, this time for a foul by Vagiannidis, giving the experienced Nené the chance to convert and make it 2-2.

During stoppage time, there was a great chance for each side: Oscar Perea and João Simões both lacked success in their finishing. 

In extra time, Maxi Araújo was introduced in place of Mangas. Sporting CP came out strong and Suárez even found the net, but the goal was immediately disallowed for offside. Before the 105th minute, the Colombian also threatened with a header, but a defender cleared the attempt.

Geny Catamo was Rui Borges' final roll of the dice from the bench. He only failed to have an immediate effect because Suárez could not quite turn in the Mozambican's superb assist.

Simão Bertelli made saves from Simões and Suárez, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Geny Catamo's winning strike, after he snaked from right to left and pulled the trigger.

Sporting CP now move on to the semifinal stage of the Taça de Portugal, facing FC Porto across two legs.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis (Geny Catamo, 106'), Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas (Maxi Araújo, 95'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Giorgi Kochorashvili (João Simões, 68'), Luís Guilherme (Souleymane Faye, 87'), Daniel Bragança (Pedro Gonçalves, 68'), Francisco Trincão (Nuno Santos, 77'), Luis Suárez

The coach previews the meeting with AFS in the Taça de Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal face AFS on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Taça de Portugal.

Coach Rui Borges answered journalists' questions about the match in a press conference on the eve of the contest.

Playing against AFS
"The second half of the season was always going to be increasingly difficult, because the teams need the points. The team have had this understanding in these last few games and will approach the game against AFS in this way. We have to give our all to overcome AFS; there is no other option, especially since it decides a spot in the semifinals of the cup. The difficulty will increase in the coming months and we have to be serious and focused from beginning to end. AFS may be struggling in the league, but this game could put them in the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal, and they will have extra motivation."

"It's a different game compared to the league meeting. We've been observing their coach more closely, and the team seem more compact and competitive, despite the results. AFS have been varying their formation, and I believe they will try to have a good game tomorrow. I expect some changes compared to the starting eleven from the last match, partly due to the amount of rest they have had between games. We are prepared, knowing that in the cup dreams come true, and we have to be able to stay focused to prevent surprises and fight until the end for something we achieved last season."

Morten Hjulmand
"I'm not going to say anything more. I already spoke at the end of the last game. I said he was going to play, and he will start tomorrow."

"There's no problem. He's a great captain, leader, and role model. The group look up to him, believe in him, and trust him, and it will continue like this. He will be a starter and our captain. Everything is normal. I have a great captain."

Confidence from the club
"The confidence is total. We're always in sync. There's a lot of trust and dialogue from day one."

Goals near the end of games
"Luck takes work to arrive. Our fans should be happy with the four wins we've taken. We are still ten goals in the last 15 minutes short of last season's number. The game is played until the final whistle and the team are showing that confidence is high. We know the games will be difficult, but they believe so much and the group is so strong that we end up, as many say, happy to score in the last minutes. Perhaps in the initial phase of the season we were scoring many goals in the first ten minutes. Now, we are scoring some in the final part of the game. I am happy that we have been scoring goals for 33 games straight, which demonstrates the team's ambition."

The game between Casa Pia and FC Porto
"I saw it in parts because we are going to face FC Porto in the next league matchday. It will be tough for those who are lower down the table and the points will be very hard to come by. Regardless of whether it's Sporting CP, FC Porto or SL Benfica, the games are difficult. SL Benfica had difficulties [with CD Tondela] and we also had difficulties to win against CD Nacional. I have said several times that no one game will dictate anything. Everything changes very quickly, and the teams are becoming stronger and more competitive.

Fotis Ioannidis, Nuno Santos, and Zeno Debast
"Fotis and Debast are out. Nuno may come into the squad."

The number 10 spot
"The difficulties we've faced have given us solutions with more players and more positions, and that makes the team stronger. Individually, they grow as players by responding in various positions."

Francisco Trincão
"Last season, I said he was one of the players who surprised me the most. He's a very different kind of player. He's extraordinary, and he responds wherever he plays. I will be very happy if the contract renewal happens: For him and for Sporting CP and for us coaches. He's an extraordinary player and doesn't need to wear an armband to show that. He has always responded and is one of the few players who, fortunately, hasn't had long-term injuries. He always comes through for the team, even in difficult times. He takes responsibility and doesn't hide. He exemplifies what it means to be a leader."

Changes in the starting lineup
"There may be one or two changes, it's inevitable. It's part of the game, it's natural, and I've shown the confidence I have in everyone. The players know this and respond.They're focused. I'm very calm about my decisions for tomorrow's game."

Squad depth
"What we've done so far answers everything about depth. Just look at our performance in any competition and you'll see that the team have responded and will continue to respond. When they don't, it will be because the opposition are better than us, and that's part of the game. We're not machines, we're human, but the commitment will always be there."

The coach analyses the win over CD Nacional

Following the hard-fought victory at home against CD Nacional, Rui Borges looked back on the game in his post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult game against a good, well-organised team. CD Nacional employed a good strategy, and we had some difficulties understanding and exploiting the spaces, just like we had in Madeira. They tried to contain us in the first half, and we had to look for options on the flanks and in one-on-one situations. We also lacked inspiration in that aspect, and the players we had on the pitch didn't give us that either.

Despite that, it was a game where they could have made it 1-0 when Edu [Quaresma] slipped, but that was all in the first half, and in the second half they only scored their goal and had one other shot. We created chances, but we didn't have our usual offensive flow, and as the game went on, that ended up creating some anxiety.

Games after we've played in the UEFA Champions League are always difficult, but the ambition, attitude, and belief of the team are there. It's belief until the end, and the fans were very important in that. It was a difficult victory to take, to CD Nacional's credit, but we achieved what we wanted, which was to win."

Nuno Santos' return
"I'm very happy to see him back, we all are. He's an important player in the group, he's one of the captains, everyone recognises his competitiveness and quality. Few could come back the way he did -very few. His resilience is infinite, something which is difficult to explain. He's back on the pitch again, and it will take some time for us to have Nuno back at his best, but I'm happy to see him doing what he loves most."

Morten Hjulmand's absence
"It was our decision, due to a personal problem, to leave him out. He will certainly train tomorrow, he will certainly be a starter on Thursday, so it's not an issue."

Luis Suárez
"We were able to discover him, despite him already being a mature player -which was what we wanted. Because of all his characteristics, we knew he would be an impactful player because of how we play. He is valued, those around him are motivated, confident, and always work the same way. His finishing ability is incredible. He missed an easy goal, then scored two great ones. The skill on the disallowed goal was fantastic. He came to a great team, a title-winning team that help him grow, and he is always looking to do better. He is happy to be at a great club."

Late victories maybe being due to fatigue
"In previous seasons, there were also games where goals were scored in the 90th minute. The game ends when the referee blows the whistle. It's to the team's credit, as their ability has been stupendous, as opposing teams are increasingly defending and organising themselves better. We have to fight against that, despite some constraints: there are always 11 players. With all the constraints – Francisco Trincão and Pote had limited playing time, for example – sometimes it's belief that wins games.

In strategic terms, not having some players makes things very difficult. That's why I give the example of Gonçalo Inácio and Zeno Debast, for instance. Edu [Quaresma] had a great game, even with him having to wear the mask, and Ousmane [Diomande] also had a competent game, but against teams that play with lower blocks, we needed players with the ability to open space and make longer and more assertive passes. We didn't have them."

The fullbacks coming inside
"It's the variability of our gameplan. Sometimes they come inside, sometimes they go out to the wings. It goes back to what I said: within our individual characteristics, we try to adjust and find the best options we have. Geny [Catamo], Maxi [Araújo], Luís Guilherme are strong in one-on-one situations, Maxi and Iván [Fresneda] are very good at getting into space, Iván has a very good eye for attacking the area. We always try to be dynamic, to give variability to the positioning with different players, and to always expose the opposition to different things."

Alisson Santos' possible farewell
"I went to congratulate him on the growth he has shown, on the better decisions he has made to be a 'Sporting CP player'. He is growing, he is a Sporting CP player, he provided another assist today and I went to congratulate him for that."

A sublime Suárez stoppage time backheel provides a deserved 2-1 triumph

Sporting Clube de Portugal used a last-gasp winner to beat CD Nacional 2-1 in Liga Portugal, as Luis Suárez backheeled home in stoppage time to claim all three points.

A stormy series of days in Portugal continued during the Sunday fixture, making it an uncomfortable game at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The contest came just days after the historic win for Sporting CP against Athletic Club in the Champions League, and coach Rui Borges made four changes to the starting XI, bringing in Eduardo Quaresma, Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves, and Luís Guilherme.

Before the opening whistle, there was a heartfelt tribute to club legend Fernando Mamede, who received a standing ovation from the 39,984 Sportingistas present.

There were few clear-cut chances early on, with the first solid opportunity coming in the 12th minute and going to the visitors. After a loss of possession in midfield, CD Nacional approached the area and Gabriel Veron aimed towards goal, with Rui Silva already on the ground. Geny Catamo raced in to clear the ball away from close range.

Sporting CP experienced difficulties in linking together passes and overcoming the well-organised CD Nacional back line.Luis Suárez was the first to attempt to break through the blockade: In the 24th minute, the Colombian responded well to meet a cross from Iván Fresneda, but the striker's header went wide of goal.

Half an hour in, following a free kick on the right side of the field, Ousmane Diomande went down in the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, the officials did not consider the incident to be worthy of a spot kick.

In the 36th minute, João Simões shot straight at goalkeeper Kaique and, moments later, a good combination between Guilherme and Suárez broke down inside the area.

Less than five minutes before halftime, it was Pedro Gonçalves' turn to try, and he gained space in a dangerous spot and tried his luck, needing a save from the visiting goalkeeper.

The best opportunity of the first half, however, was saved for last: In stoppage time, Suárez went through on Kaique and shot, forcing an excellent save.

Sporting CP came back out with renewed energy for the second half, adding more speed to a game in which the weather conditions were considerably worsening.

Maxi Araújo's tame shot was followed up by a sequence of two attempts blocked by the defence, as Sporting CP began to take control.

In the 55th minute, after a foul on Catamo, Araújo's firm hit tested Kaique's attentiveness once more.

Seeking new solutions, Rui Borges brought on Francisco Trincão and new signing Souleymane Faye in the 64th minute.

From their first dangerous attack of the entire second half, CD Nacional launched a swift counter down the left and José Gomes pressured Rui Silva into a good save.

The response was the opening goal of the contest, as Trincão sprinted into the area on the right and shot low. Kaique saved, but Pedro Gonçalves reacted incredibly quickly to turn in the rebound. It was his 10th league goal of the season and his 100th career goal.

However, the joy was short-lived. On 77 minutes, CD Nacional equalised from a move very similar to the Sporting CP goal: Gabriel Veron shot, Rui Silva parried the ball and it fell to Alan Nuñez, who only needed to tap it into the net.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Borges made another double substitution, bringing on Alisson Santos and Giorgi Kochorashvili in place of Gonçalves and Catamo.

Trincão had a good chance to make it 2-1, but the ball got caught up in traffic, whilst on 88 minutes Suárez had a goal disallowed for offside.

Alvalade would celebrate a goal from the Colombian, and it came in stoppage time: In the 96th minute, Eduardo Quaresma recovered the ball in the opponent's half, found Alisson Santos on the left, and the Brazilian crossed for a clever backheel flick by Suárez, taking the score to 2-1 and clinching the three points.

Sporting CP play at home next Thursday at 8:45pm, in a Taça de Portugal quarter-final match against AFS.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 80’), Geny Catamo (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 80’), Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Luís Guilherme (Souleymane Faye, 64’), João Simões (Francisco Trincão, 64’), Eduardo Quaresma [C], and Luis Suárez.

The coach previews a busy week of action for Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Nacional this Sunday at 6pm, on Liga Portugal Matchday 20. In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges talked about the fixture.

Analysis of CD Nacional
"Tiago Margarido has done a great job for them. For us coaches, and in this case for him, to be in charge of CD Nacional for a hundredth game -he must be the active coach in the league who has been at the same club the longest- it's something to be commended. They are a good team, very strong when making fast attacks and offensive transitions, and Gabriel Veron has added quality to that. Away from home, they have four defeats, but always by the narrowest of margins; they played very well against FC Porto and won in Braga, which clearly shows the quality we will encounter with them. They are a competitive team, strong in the duels, and they commit some fouls that demonstrate the intensity with which they approach games. They are strong on offensive set pieces and in Madeira we conceded a goal from that. After the UEFA Champions League, making a change of mindset is always difficult, but the ambition is there, and the motivation too. I believe we will have a great game against a good team."

Focus on the league after a European Top-8 finish
"I'm in charge of a great group, who know that games after the UEFA Champions League are difficult, due to physical and mental exhaustion. Only a great team can fight against this and maintain the same quality and intensity of play. This is a challenge for us as a team. I believe in the responsibility of the group, who know that we have to win, and that we will give everything to do so against an organised and competitive team, with the help of our fans. Our ambition, will to win and fight for the title will overcome all the difficulties that may exist in the game. I am happy for all the Portuguese teams for their success in Europe. It gives value to our football and our position in the ranking, where we have overtaken the Netherlands. Congratulations to all the teams that managed to qualify. It's good for all of us."

The squad and transfer market
"I want to use my entire squad. If someone has to leave, they will leave, whether it's Alisson [Santos] or someone else. It's a credit to the whole team, which has increased in value because of everything we have done throughout the season -in Europe and domestically-, and for the collective and individual quality we have demonstrated. These supposed departures and arrivals are natural, and I deal with it well. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sporting CP are above any player and any coach. I need everyone and I want everyone available, but when one player is missing, there are others to come in. Alisson is called up for tomorrow, he's a Sporting CP player and, therefore, I won't elaborate much further on that."

Luis Suárez and Pedro Gonçalves risking receiving fifth yellow cards
"They will come into the match without any restrictions. I'm looking at CD Nacional, I want to win the next game and that's what matters to me. They will both play, they are options, they know the responsibility better than anyone and the fact that they have four yellow cards, but it's pointless to think about FC Porto if we don't beat CD Nacional. Then, in Porto, whoever is available will give the best response."

Players unavailable
"Gonçalo Inácio is in the squad for tomorrow. Fotis Ioannidis is still out. We can bring in Souleymane Faye now. Zeno Debast is out; it's not a problem, it's just us managing the injury he had. We don't want him at 70%, we want him at 100%, because we need him in this final stretch of the season."

Different options on the wings
"They are all different. [Souleymane] Faye gives us different things than Alisson, Luís Guilherme and Geny [Catamo]. They are two very promising players that we went after. We believe a lot in the potential of both.
 I don't look at a player just in terms of his shot or the goals he scores. We have to look at several things. Alisson, for example, has enormous potential, but it's necessary to understand the context and how much he has to grow. We sign players mainly for our league games, as those are the important ones, and the performance has to be high, especially there. That's our first focus. Of course, we want them to do well in every game, but they all have to improve in some areas. Alisson, in decision-making against low blocks, because he doesn't have as much space, while in the UEFA Champions League he can go one-on-one. Faye plays deeper and goes further up without the ball more than anyone else. They are very dynamic players and, above all, different. This increases the quality we have, plus the team's strategy and strategic options throughout the games."

The most important week of the season
"The team always have an inherent responsibility. It's an important week, like all the others. I understand the question, because access to the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal is at stake; we are in second place in the league and we have that responsibility, but Sporting CP aren't happy with just a cup; we want to fight for everything. We are in these fights and we will do everything to continue. We will play the league leaders away from home, but it's a game like any other. First, we have to beat CD Nacional, so as not to let that gap widen, and then we'll think about AVS, and only then about FC Porto."

The player reflects on an excellent week

After an incredible night in Bilbao, with Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team winning 2-3 away at Athletic Club and qualifying directly for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Pedro Gonçalves talked to the media about the achievement.

In the VIP Hall of the Estádio José Alvalade, accompanied by Morten Hjulmand and João Simões, shortly after returning to Lisbon, he began by mentioning that "the club are making history for Portuguese football. I saw that we've already overtaken the Netherlands in the UEFA ranking, so it's good for everyone".

"This group fights for victory until the last minute. The mentality of the club and the group is to go into every game to win," he stressed.

Regarding his involvement in the Portugal national team and a possible presence at the next World Cup, the Sporting CP player was clear, saying: "It's one of my biggest goals. I've been in previous training camps and in the UEFA Nations League. If I don't have any injuries, I hope to continue to be an option".

About his current form, back after injury, Gonçalves assured that he feels "good".

"You saw yesterday that when I came on I tried to give my best. I try to enjoy every moment on the pitch and have fun".

The coach looks back on the incredible 2-3 triumph against Athletic Club

Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Athletic Club, which secured their qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, coach Rui Borges analysed the match in his press conference.

His first reaction
"It's extraordinary to look at the standings and see Sporting CP's name among the big fish who qualified directly. It's a source of pride for the whole club and for our fans, including those at home who suffered a lot with us. The energy we feel from them is very important, and this one is dedicated to them. We achieved a historic and beautiful objective that will be remembered by Sporting CP and the entire country. There are no words to describe the pride we have in the group, the team, and the players."

Analysing the game
"Honestly, we were hindered in the way we expected. I don't agree that it was one of the worst first halves of the season. We had difficulties connecting, we made many mistakes in our passing and we didn't have the right energy. We were slow to make decisions, we lost the ball, and we didn't create many chances deep into their half. We can't concede that second goal like we did in this competition. We can't stop waiting for a foul to be called at this level. In the second half, the introductions of Eduardo Quaresma, Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita were very important. We corrected one or two things in the build-up and the team realised what they had to do. We improved and grew.

We had personality from beginning to end, but we lacked proactivity with the ball. Athletic were a very intense team and we knew that they would be. They are strong at pressing and we were slow to make decisions. We were somewhat stuck with our decision-making, even without the ball. I don't know if it was because we conceded a goal at the beginning amidst a great atmosphere -one of the best I've ever experienced. We improved simple things in the second half, within our game plan, and the substitutions worked well."

Morita
"He's important because he doesn't hide, he goes at the game and he came in very well. Pote is an extraordinary player and the team are different with him playing. Ousmane Diomande was having a great game and Edu responded in the same way. I'm happy to feel everyone is connected and willing to help the team. That's the great virtue of this team. They feel important, their teammates trust them. Alisson Santos came on and did very well, and he has given us that in these games. He's extraordinary in that sense. He has to grow in other ways, but in the UEFA Champions League he has been extraordinary."

The performance of Portuguese teams in the Champions League
"I'm happy because it helps our country's performance in European competitions. I hope that the teams in the UEFA Europa League also go through. It's important for everyone."

A possible contract renewal
"I'm not thinking about that. I have a contract here, so I'm not worried."

The financial benefit of direct qualification
"What guides me is doing my best for Sporting CP. It was never money that motivated me, but rather the passion I have for football."

Late winning goals
"It's down to the team's ambition, friendship and the respect they have for each other. It was the collective that brought us here and that won today's game. We're a family. Their ambition is enormous, almost infinite. They never tire of winning and they aren't happy when we win and haven't done so well in the game. They aren't satisfied just with winning."

Players who came off the bench
"Pote makes everyone grow, but it wasn't just him. Morita and Edu were important. The entry of those three was important. Morten Hjulmand, Luis Suárez and Francisco Trincão grew throughout the game, but it wasn't just thanks to Pote. The three [who came on] were important."