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."
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.
Sporting CP and FC Famalicão face off this Sunday at 8:30pm
Sporting Clube de Portugal host FC Famalicão this Sunday on Liga Portugal Matchday 22.
In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges previewed the contest.
Facing FC Famalicão
"Above all, I expect a team that's true to themselves. They have their own style of play, and likes to maintain it throughout every game, regardless of the opponents, and they adapt well to each moment in the game.
They are a good team, very competitive, and very intense, a team that commit a lot of fouls. You can clearly see the intensity they put into the game, and their defensive organisation is also very competent.
They make a lot of moves down the flanks, a lot of one-on-one situations, and many passing combinations. They put in a lot of crosses, looking for men in the box.
Above all, I think it's they are very competent side and one of the best teams in the league. They're having a good season, despite having a less successful result or a less successful performance here and there. Overall, they're a good team."
Attacking options
"We have tried out some solutions. Fotis [Ioannidis] is doubtful for the game. We'll see if he can contribute or not. Honestly, I still don't know who will play. But, within the available options, we will look for some individual characteristics. Of course, we will do that whilst never straying from our idea and what identifies us collectively.”
Post-Clássico reactions
"I think that we, and the media, should value the players, the teams, the game and our football much more.
I also agree that we shouldn't relativise some things that happened, because it seemed like we were going back to the last century. We are in 2026, I think we shouldn't relativise like that.
I'm not going to get into that fight. I'm much more focused on trying to value football itself, the game, the players of one team and another -not just Sporting CP, because there were great players on the field. Above all, we have to value those who play football and those who make it such a spectacular sport."
Sporting CP relying on Luis Suárez
"It's natural to think that way, because Luís has been very important and scored many goals. He manages to score thanks to a great collective effort and not just individual quality.
That's why we focus on that daily: our collective strength. And within a strong collective, individual talent comes to the fore.
It's impossible to say he isn't an important piece of our side and he will always be missed when he doesn't play. But, as I always say, only those who are there are missed. I will concentrate on the 11 I choose and the others I have on the bench. And, without a doubt, we will be competent, so as not to stray from what we have been as Sporting CP, to maintain a good quality of play, a very unique dynamic, and to defeat a good FC Famalicão side."
The performance in the Clássico
"You had two great teams; two very competent teams. There are some things we could have done differently, but not just in this game, rather in all of them. After reviewing the games, we always find things that could be different.
Above all, we had a very competent game. We played against the team with the best defence in the league. They're a team that defend very well.
Could we have done more? We could have. But we can always do that after looking back at things. Watching the game on television is always easier, as we can see things differently, but any problems were never due to a lack of ambition from anyone."
Geny Catamo's availability
"Geny is doubtful for the game."
Souleymane Faye playing in the attack
"Any forward can play up front, not just Faye. We'll try to figure out what the best option will be and what makes the most sense. But he's not the only one who can give us that solution. I think any forward can play there, and several have trained in that position."
Killing off games earlier
"That's what we all want, to score early. Sometimes we can't do that. There are two teams in the game, there are 11 players on each side, and there are competent coaches on both sides. We always want to score as quickly and early as possible, but it won't always happen.
The ambition and the team's will to win is what drives us to score in any minute of the game, whether it's the first, the second or the last. That really shows the character and personality of this team.
We want to do better, of course. If it's the 96th minute, no problem, as long as we win. We want to win, more than anything else. I understand the emotional side, but it's a football match and it's a show. That's why football is so spectacular. The emotions you create around a game are enormous and not everyone can handle them.
Above all, it's the team spirit that's really there, and the players are ambitious. They are born champions."
Trincão as an option up front
"He's clearly a player who can also play there. As I said, any forward can play as a striker. So, it doesn't worry me. They will all have different characteristics, but we'll fight, that's for sure. And we'll be competent. We'll do everything to win.
Above all, let me praise Trincão. He's always there for the team, and I've said that a lot. I think he's one of the players who has given the most for the team.
At the end of the game against FC Porto, I was asked a question [about the player's positioning in the Clássico], and I explained it a little. It's about understanding the circumstances, because being a coach from the outside is sometimes easy. You say "Oh, I would play these eleven players and I would win this game." Sure. But you need to understand many things.
Trincão was sacrificed in the last game, playing on the left, because Pedro Gonçalves is coming off an injury and physically isn't prepared for the demands of playing as a winger and defending. There are nuances that we have to understand and, without straying too far from the team's idea, try to get the best out of each player.
Trincão is someone who has already played on the left, in the middle, and on the wing. Before he was a winger. Now, if he doesn't play as a number 10, people say that's Trincão's best position. Therefore, I must highlight his ability to be committed to the team and to what the coach asks of him, for the sake of the collective, first and foremost.”
Zeno Debast's return
"Zeno is out for the game."
Competition between Hidemasa Morita and João Simões
"It's a good competition. It's part of the coach's job: to understand each player's current form as part of the strategy, depending on the opponent and what we will face, both individually and collectively.
Simões had two or three games where he wasn't at his best. Morita has emerged, again. It's a good battle, and they are two great players.
Dani [Bragança] is also coming through, improving his fitness, which is important after a long break, and gives us other solutions. He already played 10 minutes against FC Porto and was important; we ended up drawing the game with Dani already on the pitch. These are players who clearly give us several solutions and, as a coach, it gives me a headache, but I prefer to have them all available."
Geovany Quenda's return
"I believe Quenda will be back soon. I can't say exactly when, but I believe it will be in a few weeks. At least, that's what I hope. It's another solution for this final stretch and he's clearly a very high-quality player who will help us."
Nuno Santos' return and Matheus Reis' departure
"Nuno's arrival has nothing to do with Matheus' departure. Matheus, with everything he gave to the club, everything he gave to the group, the influence he has on the group, and hom being one of the captains, with his mentality and daily competitiveness, deserved what he wanted.
He deserved, at this stage of his career, to make a decision and understand what was best for him, regardless of what the coach or the club thought.
He was an important player for us, a player who gave us a lot, especially in these last few months, with so many injuries. And for the person that he is, he deserved to be able to make that decision.
It was a good offer for him. And he deserved to make that decision, regardless of whether the coach said he wanted him until the end of the season or even that he wanted him for more seasons.
He deserved that respect for everything he gave to Sporting CP and for everything he achieved for Sporting CP, and I'm happy. I'm sad on one hand, because he was an important player, because of his energy, but happy because it's his future."
Rafael Nel
"He's been called up. He's been training with us, he's even been part of the squad available for games, and he's another option.
He trained in his position and, considering what we plan for the game, we'll see what the best starting option will be: Whether it's Nel or any other player who plays in the attacking line."
SL Benfica being level on points
"I only look ahead of us. I don't know how to be any different. Regardless of everything. I came from the bottom of the table. When I was at other clubs, I would say: I'm in sixth place, so I want to be fifth. I'm in fifth place, I want to be fourth. I'm in second place, I want to be first. My only thought is always this."
Farewell interview with the player who won six trophies at Sporting CP
Bidding goodbye to the club, Matheus Reis spoke to Jornal Sporting and Sporting TV to remember the 222 games he played for Sporting CP, and express his gratitude for a wonderful spell at Alvalade.
Leaving Sporting CP
Happiness is the feeling that sums up these five years. There have been many achievements, many battles. I have great faith in God, and every time I arrived at the training ground and stepped onto the pitch, I did so with my right foot and asked God to help me win here at Sporting CP. Every day I asked to be a winner, and I believe I leave here a winner. Not just for the achievements and trophies, but for the friendships, camaraderie, and stories.
I don't like goodbyes and I've realised this is the last time I'll be doing certain things, but when you have a sense of accomplishment, everything becomes easier. I fought for everything I could for the club, I leave with my head held high. For a player, that's the most important thing.
His relationship with the club
I never imagined I'd feel this sense of unity that there is here. All the players who leave miss this feeling of being part of a family, of being so well cared for and respected by everyone. In away games in the UEFA Champions League, for example, having our family with us is something indescribable. There's no greater motivation. All the care from the staff, everything. That's what makes this club different. It's no coincidence that the results show on the pitch.
Breaking records for appearances
It's a spectacular legacy. I tried to pass on what I can to the young people who work with the first team every day. It's one of the roles of the older generation, to pass on what we've created in these last five years. It's about dedication, professionalism. Being a champion with Sporting CP is an inexplicable feeling, and I try to explain that hard work, dedication, and sacrifice will be rewarded.
The decision to join Sporting CP
In my career, my time at Sporting CP has been the greatest peak so far. I don't know what will happen from now on, but it was here that I won the most trophies, played the most games, debuted in European competitions, and got to the place where every kid wants to be. Sporting CP is everything to me.
The team's chances of winning a third consecutive title
I believe in it very, very, very much. With faith and hard work, we will win the third title. Attitude will never be lacking for us. We might misplace a pass, or miss a shot, which is normal, but we can never stop running and fighting. We have shown that we fight until the end in these last few games. This group already had that, and continuing like this will bring us the title.
Being captain
It was a unique experience. The first time was in the UEFA Champions League, at a difficult time when we had several players out injured and many games to play. When I received the news, it was incredible. I looked back on my career and thought about everything I had gone through, everything I fought for to get to that moment. I was prepared for it, I knew that one day it could happen. I always had the humility to listen and learn a lot from our captains. I gave my best, both on and off the pitch, and it was an honour. It was the icing on the cake for me.
His legacy
I can't quite grasp the magnitude of it yet, but I get emotional thinking about bringing my children here in the future and telling them that I was part of this winning team and that I won these trophies. It makes me happy. The story has been written and will last forever. The club is an extension of my family and of myself. Everyone has already seen how I am always sincere and fight for the club's objectives and for the well-being of my family. Sporting CP represent everything in my life.
A message for the fans
When I arrived, I was coming off a very difficult time in my life, and many didn't believe in my potential. I fought hard to prove my worth, and my achievements reflected that, but the legacy I leave is this will to win and represent the club. All the players who come here have to have that; they have to want the best for the club. May we never lose this aura that has been created in recent years. Thank you for all the messages, all the affection shown to me. I fought hard, I gave my all, and I did everything I could for the club, and I leave with my head held high. I have eternal gratitude, and may the club continue to be victorious.
The coach reviews the O Clássico draw with FC Porto
Following the 1-1 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and FC Porto, coach Rui Borges held his press conference at the Estádio do Dragão and answered questions from journalists.
Analysis of the game
"Over the 90 minutes, we were a much more balanced team than FC Porto and were in control of the game. We lacked aggression in our pursuit of a goal, but we always kept the game under control. It was a game of expectation, which is natural, but we were on top. We started very well, with personality, had possession and pushed FC Porto back. From the 15th minute onwards, FC Porto evened the game out. We improved again towards the end of the first half and started the second half better, but we lacked aggression in the final third. FC Porto scored from their only shot on our goal in the second half. After that, we chased the equaliser and deserved the draw, despite us not creating many clear-cut chances, because we were closer to FC Porto's goal than FC Porto were to ours.
"We are two great teams, and it was a good game. We knew that, through small details, either team could decide the game. We were very good in both defensive and offensive movements to neutralise the opposition. Luis [Suárez] wasn't at 100%, and he played the second half with some problems, but he wanted to continue and thankfully he did -because he scored the goal."
The league title
"It's a point for our journey. The remaining games will be difficult for everyone. We will try to have an extraordinary second half of the season. The first half was good, but it wasn't enough for us to be in first place and we have to do better."
Late goals
"Is it a lucky streak? We are the team with the most attacks, goals scored and actions in the opposition areas. It's natural that we would score goals in the first or last minute. We create more than chances the other teams and we are closer to doing that."
The result
"I'm not satisfied, as I wanted to win. We were better in every aspect. A draw, for me, is already too little a reward."
Francisco Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves
"Great players play anywhere and gave a fantastic response. We are changing things up, understanding some things and talking to the players. They are exceptional players who respond anywhere on the pitch."
Luis Suárez
"He had some muscle discomfort."
Injuries
"Geovany Quenda has been out for a while and the team have performed well. It's not about the absences. Of course, the injured players are important and give us more options, but the team's performances have been very good. Sometimes they have not been so intense, but the quality, ideas and behaviour of each player is always there. I am very happy with what the team have produced."
The fans
"I want to give a word of thanks to our fans. Thank you very much for supporting us, as always. I hope they believe in our victories as much as we do."
Sporting CP score a late equaliser against FC Porto
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 away against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 21, as Luis Suárez hit another stoppage time goal to earn his team a share of the points.
As the top two teams faced each other in a Monday showdown, coach Rui Borges made several changes to his starting lineup from the Taça de Portugal match against AFS: João Virgínia, Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Luís Guilherme and Daniel Bragança were replaced by Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita, Geny Catamo and Pedro Gonçalves.
It was a very rainy and foggy night at the Estádio do Dragão, but Sporting CP began with clarity, dominating possession and passing the ball around well. The first dangerous attack came in the 9th minute, when FC Porto's clearance was responded to by Gonçalves and then blocked.
Both teams took a cautious approach, without clear chances in the areas. The closest that Sporting CP came to breaking into the box was a Suárez pass to Gonçalves, but the last defender intercepted to stop 'Pote' going through on goal. In response, Alan Varela shot wide of the post for FC Porto.
In the 24th minute, Catamo tried to finish off another counter-attack, but his shot lacked accuracy. Shortly after, Gonçalves used a clever touch to free Fresneda, and he in turn tried to set up a teammate unsuccessfully. At the other end, from a long way out, Alberto Costa missed the target close to the 40-minute mark.
The final minutes of the first half saw a slight lift in Sporting CP's play, which translated into an excellent move in stoppage time: Maxi Araújo exchanged passes with Francisco Trincão before crossing into the area, where neither Suárez nor Catamo managed to turn the ball in.
The score remained 0-0 at halftime in O Clássico.
Just like at the start of the match, Sporting CP started the second half better, pressing high and eager to have the ball. They won several corner kicks in the opening minutes, although without creating much danger from them. FC Porto focused more on defending solidly and beginning counter-attacks. On 57 minutes, Fresneda managed go get a shot off, but the ball deflected off an opposition player and Diogo Costa made an easy save.
The match then lost intensity and speed, with the ball rarely leaving the midfield areas and a lack of chances.
Unexpectedly, FC Porto took the lead at 77' through Seko Fofana, after a persistent attack.
Immediately afterwards, Rui Borges substituted Hidemasa Morita, replacing him with Luís Guilherme.
Sporting CP began to search for the equaliser and came very close to achieving it on 82', when Francisco Trincão shot just wide.
Geny Catamo and Pedro Gonçalves were switched out for Daniel Bragança and Souleymane Faye.
Luís Guilherme also tried his luck on goal, but missed the target, and Sporting CP had another great chance in the 90+7th minute, which Morten Hjulmand only failed to score because Alan Varela made a reaction save.
However, following the recent trend of Sporting CP goals in stoppage time, the team won a penalty due to a handball in the 98th minute. Suárez stepped up to take the spot kick, and although his shot was saved by Diogo Costa, he put away the rebound to make it 1-1. It was the Colombian's 26th goal of the 2025/26 season.
The game ended 1-1, leaving Sporting CP still 4 points behind FC Porto in the title race.
The defending champions will play again on Sunday, hosting FC Famalicão at Alvalade in Liga Portugal.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Luís Guilherme, 79'), Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 84'), Pedro Gonçalves (Souleymane Faye, 84'), Francisco Trincão and Luis Suárez.
Sporting Clube de Portugal visit FC Porto this Monday in Liga Portugal, and coach Rui Borges previewed the Clássico in a press conference the day prior.
What he expects from the game
"It's a different moment for both sides compared to the first league meeting this season. We had some absences for that game, but it wasn't really about that. It was a competitive and evenly matched encounter that could have gone either way, and unfortunately for us it went to FC Porto. Now we are in different phases, and the teams are more aligned with each other's coach's ideas. Just like the first game, it will be very competitive and intense. I hope it's a good game, in an atmosphere that will be electric. Above all, we want to be able to have a good game."
The importance of the game
"It's an important game regardless of the points difference between us. We're at an advanced point in the season, but for me, it's an important game, although not a decisive one. Of course, we're aware of the points difference, but I don't think it's a game that will determine the title -especially since there are still many games left."
The favourites
"I'll be consistent with what I always say: the side in better shape are the one who are ahead in the table. FC Porto are leaders and have a points gap over second place. Given our current positions in the standings, we're the two best teams at the moment, with FC Porto being the better side because they have been able to demonstrate it. We will see two motivated and confident teams. For our part, we believe in what we are capable of doing against good opponents, without straying from who we are."
Luis Suárez and AFS player Antoine Baroan's injury
"It's a difficult moment for the player in question. He's a fellow professional. It affects everyone, it's a sad moment. Unfortunately, it's our job and we're all subject to something bad happening at any time. Suárez] doesn't need to feel guilty. We offered him words of comfort, as did the AFS directors at the end of the game. I felt he was motivated and prepared for the demands of tomorrow's game."
Fatigue
"It can't be an excuse. It is what it is. The players wouldn't want to rest if you asked them. They will be prepared for a different game, and there's no escaping that. It's a big game between the first and second-placed teams. In mental terms, it makes us more focused, committed and rigorous, I hope, as well as motivated. Playing 120 minutes against AFS was our fault and we have to be able to deal with it. It's over now, and we're focused on FC Porto."
Set pieces
"We train for this one as we train for any opponents. It's a strong point of FC Porto due to their athleticism. They are strong in duels, tall, intense, and competitive. This makes them stronger in offensive set plays, but we have trained as we normally do. We know they are strong and athletic, that they have quality, but we have to be prepared as we always have been. We've had a good season in that aspect."
FC Porto
"FC Porto are clearly a very strong team defensively. They are the team that concede the fewest goals, which clearly indicates the defensive capacity of their collective and not just the defensive line. They are very committed, intense and strong in defensive transitions. In offensive terms, they also create their opportunities. They are a very dynamic and aggressive team in their search for the opposition goal. We also have our offensive side, where we are the best in the league, and it will be a good game in that sense. The team that concede the least against the team that score the most."
Zeno Debast and Fotis Ioannidis
"They are not among those in the squad."
Strategy
"I'm not going to talk about our strategy. It has a lot to do with the moment in the game and the way the team are. We like to be quite aggressive, but we will have moments in which we play with a lower block, depending on the quality of the opponents. The opposite will also happen. The team will respond by perceiving how we are doing and how the opponents are. We have to be balanced, cohesive, and competitive."
"Our only thought is to win. We are the champions and a great team, as we have demonstrated. We will face another great team and we want to be competitive. In this club, the only thought is to win, and it will always be that way, regardless of the opponents."
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.”
