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."
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."
A 2-3 win against Athletic Club takes the team into the Champions League knockout stage
Sporting Clube de Portugal went straight into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 thanks to a sensational turnaround against Athletic Club, winning 3-2 in Bilbao on the final matchday of the league phase.
The victory was the club's first ever on Spanish soil, and came thanks to a stoppage time goal from Alisson Santos.
Rui Borges made changes to the starting XI in the Basque country, with Matheus Reis and Luís Guilherme making way for Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Bragança.
Highly motivated after their unexpected victory away to Atalanta BC on the previous matchday of the competition, Athletic Club had their last roll of the dice to avoid elimination.
The home side's attacking attitude resulted in a goal just 3 minutes after the opening whistle, when the ball fell to Oihan Sancet. The striker shot and scored to put Athletic Club in front.
Sancet tried his luck again in the 7th minute, but put his effort off-target. At the other end, Sporting CP finally managed to play out from the back, but Francisco Trincão's final pass didn't quite find Luis Suárez.
Seeking to steady the game, Sporting CP found the necessary formula in the 12th minute: From a corner, Maxi Araújo put the ball into the area and Diomande, who hadn't played club football for over a month, headed in to equalise.
From that moment on, the intensity dipped, with Sporting CP dominating.
Athletic's Sancet shot again, but Diomande blocked the strike to keep things even.
Goal opportunities were scarce, and the 26th minute brought a setback for Sporting CP with an injury to Gonçalo Inácio. Matheus Reis was brought on to replace him, and experienced misfortune shortly after: Gorka Guruzeta took advantage of a lost ball, hit the post and then converted the rebound to make it 2-1.
Athletic Club fullback Yuri Berchiche's header went well wide before halftime, in the only other chance of note.
The first dangerous attack after the break came from the hosts, with Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta striking from distance off a direct free kick, shooting just outside the post.
In response, also from outside the area, Morten Hjulmand forced Unai Simón into a save.
In the 53rd minute, Rui Borges made a triple substitution, bringing on Pedro Gonçalves, Eduardo Quaresma, and Hidemasa Morita, and taking off Daniel Bragança, João Simões, and Ousmane Diomande.
Chasing the deficit, Sporting CP were more dominant, whilst their opponents relied more on counterattacks. Gradually, greater possession translated into closer attacks on goal. In one instance, after a good move and cross from Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo mishit the ball and shot over from a good position.
However, in the following minute (62'), Sporting CP managed to make it 2-2. After attacking through the middle, they benefitted from an incomplete clearance by a defender, leaving the ball for Francisco Trincão. He went through on Unai Simón and took the opportunity.
Catamo's dangerous shot forced an excellent save from Unai Simón in the 71st minute, and Luis Suárez had a goal disallowed for offside shortly afterwards.
A penalty decision for a foul on Catamo was , reversed after consulting VAR. Pedro Gonçalves shot wide, and then Sporting CP had to withstand a push upfield from Athletic Club.
Allison Santos had been brought on by Rui Borges, and had a big impact on the result.
After a corner for the home team, Rui Silva intercepted and launched Sporting CP into a counter-attack, which ended with Luis Suárez going one-on-one with Unai Simón. The goalkeeper made the save, but the rebound landed at the feet of Alisson Santos, who managed to control and score the historic goal to make it 2-3 just before the final whistle.
The superb result put Sporting CP directly into the Round of 16 of the competition, the draw for which will take place on February 27th.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Eduardo Quaresma, 53'), Gonçalo Inácio (Matheus Reis, 26'), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 53'), Geny Catamo, Daniel Bragança (Pedro Gonçalves, 53'), Francisco Trincão (Alisson Santos, 87') and Luis Suárez.
The goalkeeper looks ahead to the Champions League tie
Rui Silva previewed the game against Athletic Club in a pre-match press conference in Spain, and reflected on his previous experiences of playing at San Mames.
Previewing the game
"I've had the opportunity to play several times in this stadium, which has an incredible atmosphere. I know the difficulties we will face and I've spoken about it with some of my teammates. We represent a great club, so we are used to this type of atmosphere."
Confidence
"Confidence and motivation are intrinsic to Sporting CP. We had a great game against Paris Saint-Germain and confidence is high, but tomorrow will be a new game and a very important challenge that could put us among the Top 8 in Europe."
Athletic Club
"LaLiga in Spain is very demanding. Athletic Club may not be having the season they want, but they have a lot of quality and excellent players. They highly value the players from the region, and it's a great club. They are very quick in transition and also like to have the ball. We are prepared for this and for the atmosphere we will encounter."
Playing in big games
"I feel very proud. It's great to be able to play in the UEFA Champions League. All players aspire to this and I'm no exception. It's very rewarding to represent this club and play in this competition."
Sporting CP winning in Spain for the first time
"Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to break this tradition. It's not easy to play here, but the focus is on achieving victory. We have to control what depends on us and have a good game in order to win."
The coach talks about Sporting CP's game against Athletic Club
Rui Borges answered journalists' questions at San Mamés ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against Athletic Club.
Previewing the game
"The past is in the past. I'm very focused on what we can do tomorrow. The group want to do something that will go down in the club's history, which is to finish in the Top 8. Even by winning, we still might not achieve it, but we have to be true to ourselves. We are up against a great team, with a stadium and identity that is very unique. We know all the difficulties ahead and that it will be a tough game, but we will try to do our best and see what happens. If we finish in the Top 8, it would be very good. If not, then it will have been good all the same. Nothing will erase the team's fantastic journey."
Nuno Santos' return to training
"It has a big impact on us. I've spoken several times about Nuno, who makes a daily impression on the group. He's experienced and very important to the group, because of everything he is as a sportsman and as a person. I'm happy to see him in training. He energises everyone and doesn't let anyone switch off. With everything he's won at Sporting CP and his history at the club, he's extremely important. Today, at the beginning of training, it was noticeable. He's a true warrior, there are very few people capable of overcoming what he has overcome. I'm happy to be able to have him available. He adds a lot to the team, and he's an example to follow."
Sporting CP's personality
"We will be a Sporting CP true to ourselves. We will be pressing at certain moments of the game and when we aren't, it's because the opposition have the quality to push us into a medium-low block. We won't stray from our identity and gameplan."
A possible two playoff games
"In terms of the calendar, it would be great not to have to play them. It would be very good to have the team more prepared and capable, and to control any excess workload, but we won't go into the game thinking about that. We will only think about winning and making history."
European ambitions
"The dream is to win tomorrow, I'm not going to stray from that. Dreams will materialise according to what we are able to do along the way. Tomorrow we will face a great team away from home, and if we manage to overcome them we will see what the consequences will be. Finishing in the Top 8 would be extraordinary, but if we don't, it will still be extraordinary -because we face great teams and never lower our level."
Central defenders
"We have to get Ousmane Diomande as fit as possible. Eduardo Quaresma has shown positive signs and it is necessary to highlight his willingness to train and be an option. He is highly motivated to help the team, even when he was injured. Adaptation to the mask he will wear will happen over time, naturally. Regarding Zeno Debast, we thought it best to take care with his condition."
UEFA Champions League points
"The key game was the first one, against FC Kairat, at home. We showed humility. The players know very well the competition we are in and have a lot of ambition in all the competitions we contest."
Preparation for the match
"Athletic Club are very good at transitions, they are very well organised. They activate the press very well and recover a lot of balls in the attacking midfield. They have a medium block at times and have players who make the difference on the counterattack. We prepared more for the collective than for the individuals. Of course, they will leave gaps, just like us."
His journey over the years
"Evolution is part of everything that is happening to us and the daily challenges that force us to grow. The growth must have been good because we arrived at Sporting CP. Just recently Fernando [Morato, a member of the coaching staff] was showing me photos from that year and we were laughing. Back then, nobody would have guessed that today we would be competing in the UEFA Champions League with Sporting CP, at a great stadium and against a great team. Every club we've been at has been important for our growth, and I'm grateful to all of them; the challenge has always been different. We are constantly developing, learning daily from players and staff, from everyone who works at the club. It all started when I was 26 years old and began coaching the youth teams at SC Mirandela."
The key to overcoming Athletic Club
"Understanding the moments that come up in the game and what to do in each one, given the quality of Athletic Club and the atmosphere, will be vital. Considering everything we've been able to achieve in Liga Portugal and the UEFA Champions League, it's natural to say we've been very strong offensively, but we've also been strong defensively. That balance is what we need to have tomorrow against a team that want to win to advance to the playoffs. Athletic Club are very well-coached and have a great manager. Mentally, we have to understand the moments of the game and deal with the atmosphere and Athletic Club's desire to win. They are very strong in transitions, and we have to be careful, even though we like to have the ball.
How he defines himself as a coach and as a person
"I feel like a very simple person and my Casio watch is always there on my wrist. It reminds me of my journey, where I came from and how much it took me to get here. Just because I'm here now doesn't mean I'm going to have a 500 or 1000 euro watch. I'm simple, honest, and direct. I'll always be like that, I can't be any other way. I don't forget those who helped me and I will always be grateful."
Following the 1-2 win against FC Arouca, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges spoke in his post-match press conference.
Analysis of the game
“I want to thank the fans, because they were tireless in their support. They have been incredible, always. It is largely thanks to the energy they transmitted that we achieved this difficult victory, but I think it was a deserved one because of everything we did throughout the game. The first ten minutes of the second half could have been costly for us. FC Arouca could have turned the game around, but Rui [Silva] made a great save. Apart from that, we controlled play, we tried to create chances and we could have finished them off better. At halftime, we warned the players about this, because we knew it was important to start well, but we didn't do so and FC Arouca grew stronger. Then we looked for the winner; always believing, changing things up and trying to add something different."
The importance of changing mentality from the UEFA Champions League to Liga Portugal
“It's an unknown, no matter how much we try to keep alert. The message was very much along those lines, yesterday, today and at halftime. We knew it was going to be difficult because of the weather, the pitch, and our accumulated fatigue. It was always going to be a game that would demand much more from us than the PSG game. A lot of that depends on the players individually too; we can warn them and show them that the game will be difficult. They were switched on, we started very well and the first half was very good. Then, inexplicably, we started poorly in the second half and those ten minutes could have cost us the game -but it didn't."
The attempted positional changes in attack and Luís Guilherme's performance
“He's a very talented player. We know what he's capable of, but we're all still learning. He depends on the team and vice-versa, so we're trying to understand what he can offer within the collective. Due to absences, we thought playing him on the left side could be the initial solution, but he also gives us options on the right and inside. He was good initially in the middle, but was a little too far back, and Trincão also understands those areas well. When the goal was scored, Trincão was higher up, he trapped the full-back and the ball went in behind Maxi Araújo."
Luis Suárez's goals
“I said he would define an era here because, when we identified him as a target, we knew what he could give us. The goals he scores are a consequence of his hard work. His competitive attitude is outstanding. More than the goals, the important thing is that game after game he doesn't let this attitude diminish. That has been important. He has an instinct for goal and an enormous ambition to score.”
Matheus Reis's red card
“I don’t know what happened. Everyone celebrated in the heat of the moment, I don’t know if he said anything. Since everyone came onto the pitch, I don’t know what occurred. Here and there, FC Arouca wasted some time restarting play, and it’s normal that people might be more stressed, but I don’t know what happened.”
Pedro Gonçalves’s return from injury
“Pote, Ousmane [Diomande], Zeno [Debast] are limited in the playing time I can give them. Regarding the position he played, it was my reading of the moment. Trincão has been sacrificing himself for the team in every game, playing many minutes, and it’s natural that he feels more fatigued. We felt that and put Pote in there, because that’s his position too. He came in very well, he’s very intelligent, and I’m happy to have everyone back, because they make the team much stronger. I took Matheus off and put Zeno on because he has good decision-making and could help us find deeper passing lanes against FC Arouca's low-to-medium defensive block."
The forward scores an injury time winner for a 2-1 triumph
Sporting CP returned to Liga Portugal action with a 1-2 victory over FC Arouca on Matchday 19, as the in-form Luis Suárez scored a 96th minute winner to earn all three points. The striker repeated his brace from the fantastic Champions League triumph over Paris Saint-Germain to cap a memorable week.
To overcome a struggling FC Arouca side who had earned eight points from the last 17 in play, coach Rui Borges made two changes to the starting XI from the game against PSG. Captain Morten Hjulmand returned from back-to-back suspensions in domestic and European competition, and replaced Hidemasa Morita, whilst winger Luís Guilherme came in for Ricardo Mangas -whose left-back position was taken up by Maxi Araújo.
The biggest news, however, came on the bench, with Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves back available.
Thee game began with Sporting CP taking control and their attacks gradually gaining momentum. Suárez made the first foray into the area, followed by Geny Catamo's weak shot that was easily saved by Ignacio De Arruabarrena.
Two low crosses almost caused more harm, but FC Arouca managed defensive clearances in time. Around the 20-minute mark, Sporting CP upped the pressure: A pass from Gonçalo Inácio set up Suárez, who successfully rounded the goalkeeper, but when he tried to set himself up to finish, the angle narrowed and he shot wide.
Although they maintained dominance, Sporting CP lacked some sharpness, and looked for more offensive unpredictability by switching positions. Luís Guilherme moved from the left to the right, Francisco Trincão was pushed to the left, and Catamo slipped inside, closer to the striker. After Trincão shot over the bar from a good position, FC Arouca attacked for the first time, and Barbero's deflected effort off-target was promptly ruled offside.
Then, almost immediately afterwards, Luis Suárez came up with the opening goal. The forward, who has scored in five of his last six games, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute: Maxi Araújo surged down the wing, received the ball near the byline, returned it to the Colombian striker, and Suárez cut inside to fire a powerful drive into the back of the net.
The advantage did not last long into the second half, as only three minutes after the restart FC Arouca sprung a surprise. Naïs Djouahra threatened with a hit that Rui Silva contained, and after that warning a long cross found José Fontán at the far post. He headed the ball down for Barbero's point-blank shot across the line to level.
A second rain shower rain returned for a moment, making the game yet more difficult as the chances evened out. Rui Silva's reflexes were required to deny Djouahra after he escaped his marker, in another dangerous moment.
Sporting CP's immediate reaction came in the form of a wild attempt by Iván Fresneda, and Rui Borges decided to make a substitution. Pedro Gonçalves returned after almost two months out through injury, along with Morita, for Trincão and João Simões.
As the minutes ticked by, FC Arouca tightened their defence even further. Allison Santos and Zeno Debast provided inspiration, albeit without success, and
while in the final stretch it was the home team that first used a corner to threaten. At the other end, Arruabarrena stretched to tip Hjulmand's header over the bar, just six minutes from the conclusion of regulation time.
Sporting CP once again relied on the instinct of Luis Suárez to decide things, and he did so with almost the final kick of the game. Catamo's perfect cross dropped into the area, where the Colombian headed home to make it 1-2.
Before the final whistle, Matheus Reis – who had been substituted for Debast – received a straight red card on the bench following the goal celebrations.
Sporting CP now turn their attention back to the UEFA Champions League, traveling to the Basque Country in Spain this Wednesday to face Athletic Club in the final game of the league phase -which will define their final position and next step in the competition.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis (Zeno Debast, 80’), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 67’), Geny Catamo, Luís Guilherme (Alisson Santos, 80’), Francisco Trincão (Pedro Gonçalves, 67’), Luis Suárez
Sporting Clube de Portugal have renewed Ousmane Diomande's contract through until 2030, maintaining the defender's buyout clause at 80 million euros.
"I'm very happy. Sporting CP are a truly great club, not only in Portugal but worldwide. There are good people at the club, I feel at home here, and that's why I felt it was the right decision," the player expressed after putting pen to paper on the extension.
Diomande was accompanied by his family in the dressing room at the Estádio José Alvalade to watch a video with numerous testimonials, praise and messages of confidence from Sporting CP fans.
"It was great to hear everything they said about me. It gives me motivation and more strength for the upcoming games. They were very nice. I'm very happy to be here," highlighted the 22-year-old.
Arriving at Sporting CP in the winter transfer window of 2023, after time at CD Mafra and also at FC Midtjylland in Denmark, Diomande has established himself as one of the pillars of the defence. Throughout the 113 matches he has played, Diomande has contributed to two Liga Portugal titles (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) – being selected on both occasions in the best XI of the competition – and one Taça de Portugal (2024/2025).
"I think last season, when we won the back-to-back titles, was a very special moment for all Sporting CP fans. Time flies, but that's how our life as a football player is. When you play so many games you don't even realise how time passes. I'm very happy to be here, I enjoy every game and every training session with my teammates and I hope to continue like this."
"I feel I've grown a lot, but also that I still have a lot to improve. I will continue learning to become an even better player. I am only thinking about playing and proving my worth," he added.
"From the coach to the players and staff, everyone helps. It's easy, as a player, to achieve good performances when you have people like that around you. Everything becomes easier. Just like the Sporting CP fans, we want to be champions again. We will fight hard and give everything until the end of the season," assured Diomande.
