Sporting CP lose to SL Benfica despite dominating the game

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a 0-1 defeat to SL Benfica in the Supertaça, missing out on a first trophy of the season in what was a harsh result.

At the end of a very sunny and hot day, Sporting CP fans - who quickly sold out their allotted tickets - turned out in force at the Estádio Algarve and created a great atmosphere.

SL Benfica's Kerem Aktürkoğlu had the first shot of the game, with the ball sailing well over Rui Silva's goal. Sporting CP found the back of the net soon after, when Pedro Gonçalves finished off a phenomenal collective move, but a VAR review saw the goal ruled out due to an offside call against Conrad Harder.

The game was slow, typical of the first encounter of the season, but Sporting CP were in the ascendancy, gaining more and more dominance until halftime. On 17 minutes, Francisco Trincão shot wide and, shortly after, Harder appeared on the right side and had his shot saved by goalkeeper Trubin.

In the 28th minute, Iván Fresneda found his way into the area -a move that he repeated several times- and passed to Harder, who ended up not being able to get a shot off when he was in an excellent position. In the aftermath, Pedro Gonçalves tried his luck, but the ball was deflected out for a corner.

For SL Benfica, the biggest highlight was a Richard Ríos effort off target, while Sporting CP, in the 34th minute, threatened again: Geny Catamo finished off a counterattack with a shot that narrowly missed the target. The Mozambique international was once again involved when, just before the interval, he produced a quality run and tried to tee up Harder, who arrived too late.

Os Leões came out better after the break and created the first opportunity, when Harder attempted to convert a move conjured up by Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita.

SL Benfica managed to open the scoring through Pavlidis in the 50th minute, firmly against the run of play.

Shortly after, the Greek striker had a shot saved by Rui Silva, and Enzo Barrenechea, from distance, missed the target.

Rui Borges made three substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing on Giorgi Kochorashvili, Luis Suárez and Zeno Debast in place of Morita, Harder and Ousmane Diomande. For the Georgian midfielder and the Colombian striker, it was their official debuts in a Sporting CP shirt.

Five minutes later, Geovany Quenda replaced Maxi Araújo and Sporting CP began to enjoy more opportunities on goal. Trincão launched a piledriver that Trubin saved and, in the 77th minute, crossed for Gonçalves to head on target -into the hands of the opposition goalkeeper.

Next, it was Luis Suárez' turn, but he was also denied.

Five minutes from time, Geny Catamo came off and Ricardo Esgaio came on, but there was no change in the scoreline. Sporting CP missed out on the 2025/26 Supertaça by the slimmest of margins.

The team will now turn their focus to the start of their Liga Portugal title defence, which takes place on August 8th away to Casa Pia FC.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Ivan Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 68'), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Geovany Quenda, 73'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 68'), Francisco Trincao, Geny Catamo (Ricardo Esgaio, 85'), Pedro Gonçalves and Conrad Harder (Luis Suárez, 68').

The winger wants to lift another trophy to kick off 2025/26

Francisco Trincão was part of the press conference before Sporting Clube de Portugal's meeting with SL Benfica in the Supertaça, which takes place on Thursday at 8:45 pm at the Estádio Algarve.

The start of the season
"Preseason is about getting back to the required level, and we've had plenty of time to prepare for this game. I think we're ready. We know it's a tough game and that we have a lot to do against a very good team, but we are performing at the highest level and we have to win this game."

On if it is possible to be stronger than last season
"I wouldn't say stronger, but different. We have new players, new ideas. Viktor Gyökeres had different characteristics from the current strikers we have, but this coming season could still be good, even with different ways of playing."

The controversy over the Taça de Portugal final
"From our side, everything is completely over. The only objective is to stay focused on the tactical side of this game and know what we have to do."

His individual aims
"I'll try to do the same as I have done before: Work as best I can, focusing on recovery and nutrition. Then, with the team, I have to do what the manager asks, and things will come naturally."

Franco Israel's departure
"We were very affected by his departure, but in the past we also lost players like Seba [Coates], Paulinho or Antonio [Adán] and we ended up adapting. It's part of football and we're prepared for it. Of course we're sad, but everything eventually passes and goes back to normal. (...) Who is my best friend in the squad now? I have a good relationship with everyone, but maybe Iván [Fresneda]."

Conrad Harder and Luis Suárez
"They're both ready. I'm not going to be the one to choose between them. They're both excellent, have a lot of quality and completely different styles. It's up to the manager to choose who will play."

This derby compared to those of 2024/25
"They all end up being very similar games. The teams have changed some players, but the dynamic is very similar, and it's a Clássico, which is always very competitive and decided by details."

His potential contract renewal
"There are talks and everything is being discussed and set up in that direction, but at this moment nothing has been signed yet."

His possible integration into the group of captains
"It's always a good thing, but I think Morten Hjulmand plays this role best. I try to help the younger players because I've been here for a while now, and I try to convey what I feel for Sporting CP, but Morten is more than capable of the role."

The coach previews the Supertaça against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal officially start their 2025/26 season this Thursday, at 8:45 pm, with the Supertaça against SL Benfica at the Estádio Algarve.

Ahead of the curtain-raiser, Rui Borges gave a press conference previewing the encounter.

The Supertaça
"It's good to start the season fighting for a trophy. It's a sign that we've won trophies that we really wanted -in this case two. There can be no greater motivation than starting the campaign with a trophy, even though we know that the start of the season is always a different time to the rest of the campaign. We're looking for our best form; we've had players who have arrived back later, as well as changes to the squad. It's a race to find our best form. We're still searching for that, but I'm absolutely certain that we'll be competitive and competent against great opponents -our biggest rivals throughout last season. We expect a great game, with a large crowd, and that it will be, above all, a good spectacle."

The favourites for the game
"We are not favourites. These are 50-50 games. Regardless of who are league champions, we are two great teams with great players."

The importance of preseason
"It's always important at any club. For me, it's a new experience at Sporting CP, and we have to adapt because I'm at a big club that is different to others. Preseason is also different here. We wanted to have all the players in the squad from Day 1, but at big clubs like Sporting CP, it's not quite like that. The internationals arrived back later, and players come and go because they're attractive to other clubs. It affects our day-to-day operation, but I'm the happiest coach in the world because I'm at a big club. Preseason is important for us to develop, especially because throughout the season we will compete in many competitions, and it's almost all a case of playing and recovering at that point."

Sporting CP signing Luis Suárez
"It's not just about the coach's ideas, but about adapting to the individuals and the team we have. Suárez arrived a few days ago and doesn't yet have the collective dynamics in place. He's a mature player and I believe he'll easily acquire them, but there are very specific connections that are created. We've lost a standout player, we're not shying away from that, but we'll gain another, whether it's Suárez or [Conrad] Harder. They'll give different things than Viktor [Gyökeres] did. Players like Pote, [Francisco] Trincão, [Geovany] Quenda, and Geny [Catamo] had connections with Viktor and now they have to develop them with the new arrivals, which will take some time. It's part of the process. Tactically, nothing changes.

Maxi Araújo
"He is a doubt for the game."

Competition between Conrad Harder and Luis Suárez
"These are two players who will compete for the centre forward spot and for opportunities, but that doesn't mean they can't both play. It will depend on what they can demonstrate day to day and whether they seize the opportunities they get. Although he didn't start many games because he had a European and global standout in a very good form ahead of him, Harder, when called upon, delivered last season and did what was asked of him. He's not Viktor; he'll bring different things and, like Suárez, he has to adapt to the team."

SL Benfica's statement and the Taça de Portugal final
"I won't even talk about that. We are starting the season with a great game. Let's make it a great spectacle and let's not focus on something that doesn't make sense. We are two great teams and great fanbases. Let's have respect for each other, with passion and knowing how to behave. As for the Taça de Portugal? For us, it ended well. We won a cup and the fans were happy. The past is the past and I no longer think about what I have won."

The squad
"It's well balanced for now. Of course, we always want to add something or other. There's been talk of bringing in a right-back, a left-back, a striker..."

Starting preseason earlier than SL Benfica
"Anyone who wants to look at it as an advantage is entitled to do so. Our opponents finished the season later and had less holiday time, but they also lost less fitness. They were more prepared when they returned, while we had a longer break during which we lost fitness. Bringing back internationals later and having reinforcements arrive only a few days ago can be detrimental, but it's our job, and we have to adapt in order to be as competitive as possible. I don't think it will affect either team, because both teams will have enormous ambition."

Preparing for the game
"We have only had access to one game that the opposition played, but they have a large base from last season. We know the work done by coach Bruno Lage throughout the season and the main ideas will not differ much. They have different players with different dynamics, but that's no excuse. The motivation to compete for the trophy and win it has to be more important than that. We have to be able to adapt to what the opponents present."

The left-back position
"We have Quenda, [Ricardo Esgaio], [Iván] Fresneda], Geny... There are many solutions. Someone will play there, for sure."

Morten Hjulmand
"He's a player who belongs to the club. He has a buyout clause. Anyone who wants to come in for him will have to speak to the president. I watch him every day and he's motivated and focused. He's a captain, a leader, and he's been setting an example every day in training. He came back different... he'd got married [laughs]. Otherwise, he's the same. I feel he's calm and motivated."

The departure of Viktor Gyökeres
"These are things I can't control. I was more focused and concerned with the group, with starting training and being prepared for the demands of the season. We knew he would eventually leave because there was no shortage of clubs for him to go to. He defined an era here, and we're very grateful for everything he did. He helped me immensely, and I wish him the best of luck in the future. We are still here though: Strong, Sporting CP and champions."

Diogo Travassos
"His contract renewal must mean a lot to him. It's a sign that he's doing very well. He signed until 2030, which clearly reflects what we all expect from him. He's 21 years old and grew a lot last year at CF Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal. He was coming off an injury, went through that whole process, and managed to bounce back and believe in his dream of playing for Sporting CP. The outlook for his future is very good, which is why he's here at the start of the season. Later on, we'll all decide what the best option for him is."

Reinforcements
"We're trying to find the best options and solutions within our vision. We're working together, because at Sporting CP, everyone counts in every sector."

The striker comes in through to 2030, with an 80M buyout clause

Luis Suárez has become the newest addition to the Sporting Clube de Portugal squad, as the 27-year old striker comes to Alvalade on a contract through to 2030.

He joins after an excellent season with UD Almería in the Spanish Segunda División, where he scored 31 goals and provided eight assists in 2024/25.

In his first statements after his arrival, the Colombian -whose buyout clause has been set at 2030- admitted that signing with Sporting CP is “the biggest challenge” of his life.

"I've reached the prime of my career. I'm eager to give a positive response to the directors who believed in me and the fans who have welcomed me so warmly. I want to show that I have what it takes to be here," he began by saying.

Born in Santa Marta in his homeland, Suárez started out at Itagüí Leones FC and played in several European leagues before establishing himself in Spanish football. In Lisbon, he will wear the number 97, a tribute to his birth year.

"I like to mark new beginnings, different chapters in my career. I used to wear the number 9, but now at Sporting CP I want to take the number 97 to the highest level," he explained.

His connection with the club's traditional symbol, however, is not recent: The Colombian has a lion tattooed on his left arm.

"I identify with this animal because of its personality and character, and the tenacity with which it protects its pack. When I received the offer from Sporting CP, I didn't hesitate because everything seemed connected," he commented enthusiastically.

"Everyone knows the size of this club. This is a great team -not only in Portugal, but also at European and global level- and the club have grown even more in recent years. This makes Sporting CP attractive not only to the players, but also to fans around the world," he emphasised.

"I want to succeed here, do things well, and above all, achieve the club's objectives, which is the most important thing. I want to help the team by scoring goals, because that's why they signed me, and by providing assists, winning games and winning trophies. That's what I've been missing in my career: Winning important trophies. I believe that at Sporting CP we can achieve a lot, and that, for me, would be the most beautiful thing that could happen."

As for previous players from his homeland who serve as motivation, Suárez has several to turn to.

"I want to leave my mark, the same as other Colombian players at Sporting CP in the past. In my position, I know that Téo [Gutierrez] and Fredy [Montero] are very well-loved here, and I want to make history too."

Defining himself as "a strong, agile striker, always with his eye on goal, who gives everything to help his teammates not only in attack, but also in defence whenever necessary," he cites his move as another way of representing his country again in the future.

"Sporting CP are a world-class club and I believe I can be a huge help to the team, which could open the doors to the Colombian national team again," he said.

"The fans, the club, and my teammates are making these first few days here incredible. My family and I are very happy to be here, and I hope that translates onto the pitch. The manager showed complete confidence in me and gave me peace of mind from the first time we met. He reinforced that the most important thing is to adapt gradually. I also have nothing but praise for my teammates: They have made me feel part of the group from the very first moment I got here. This is very important for me, and I am very grateful to all of them."

Finally, Suárez made a firm commitment to all Sporting CP fans.

"I arrive here wanting to conquer the world, and I believe that with you, with your support, we have a great team that can achieve all of our goals."

The winger reacts to the Troféu Cinco Violinos win

After the victory against Villarreal CF (1-0) in the 13th edition of the Troféu Cinco Violinos, Geny Catamo gave his thoughts on the match to Sporting TV.

"We had a lot of time to prepare during the preseason, and today we had another test to show how well we are doing. The team are united, with a better connection to the coach's ideas, and now we just want the Super Taça to come around," said the Mozambican international, adding that winning the presentation game "is always special."

"It's important to win, because it's also a good sign for next season and to prove to Sporting CP fans that we're ready," added the winger.

Afterwards, Catamo turned his attention to the fixture against SL Benfica on Thursday.

"We have to be very focused and I believe we will be at one hundred percent, to be able to compete for the trophy."

“I will give my all on the pitch this season, as I have been doing up to now, and I will try to surpass my performance from last season,” he concluded.

The team win 1-0 against Villarreal CF in their preseason preparation game

Precisely two months after finishing their 2024/25 with a cup triumph at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor, Sporting CP returned to the ground as hosts in what is their new ‘borrowed home.' The occasion was the traditional Troféu Cinco Violinos game, which they won 1-0 against Villarreal CF.

An early goal from captain Morten Hjulmand ended up deciding a game in which Rui Borges’ team proved well-rehearsed and solid, especially in the first half.

As usual in this annual fixture -celebrating its 13th edition-, before the game the squad and their numbers for the new season were unveiled: Rui Silva (1), Matheus Reis (2), Jeremiah St. Juste (3), Hidemasa Morita (5), Zeno Debast (6), Geovany Quenda (7), Pedro Gonçalves (8), Conrad Harder (9), Geny Catamo (10), Nuno Santos (11), the newly-signed João Virgínia (12), Giorgi Kochorashvili (14), Francisco Trincão (17), Diogo Travassos (19), Maxi Araújo (20), Iván Fresneda (22), Daniel Bragança (23), Gonçalo Inácio (25), Ousmane Diomande (26), Alisson Santos (27), Rodrigo Ribeiro (28), Diego Callai (41), Ricardo Esgaio (47), João Simões (52), Eduardo Quaresma (72), Francisco Silva (99) and Morten Hjulmand (42) went out onto the pitch, followed by the coaching staff led by Rui Borges and made up of Fernando Morato, Ricardo Chaves, Tiago Aguiar, José Meireles, Gonçalo Álvaro, Tiago Ferreira, Hugo Tecelão and Luís Neto.

To start the match, Borges went with João Virgínia in goal, Fresneda, Diomande and Inácio in the defensive line, Matheus Reis and Geny Catamo on the wings, with Hjulmand and Morita in midfield and Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves in support of striker Harder. Rui Silva and Maxi Araújo joined Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança in being unavailable for the match.

The very first incursion into the opposition area led to a penalty, as a handball by Kambwala resulted in a spot kick. It was dispatched by Hjulmand with great composure, past goalkeeper Luiz Júnior.

Villarreal CF tried to respond immediately with a shot wide from outside the area by Yéremy Pino, but had a lot of difficulty in the following minutes; the mobility of Sporting CP's right wing, through Catamo's dynamism and the positional freedom of Fresneda, created overloads for the Mozambican international and Trincão to exploit.

Close to half-time, Sporting CP began to look threatening again. On 42 minutes, Trincão got to the line to cross for Harder, whose header went over the crossbar. In stoppage time, Catamo did everything right off a solo move bar a shot slightly wide.

João Virgínia was very attentive in controlling the long balls from the opposition, and had a quiet first period. The score remained 1-0 going into the break.

For the second half, Debast replaced Diomande and the team debuted their new all-black away kit.

Villarreal made several changes and also came very close to scoring after the restart. Striker Etta Eyong hit the woodwork and the newly introduced Alberto Moleiro shot just wide of the post, all in the first few minutes.

Rui Borges brought on St. Juste and Quenda, followed by Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Esgaio and Alisson Santos to refresh the team, against a Villarreal CF that controlled the ball more and did not allow Sporting CP to attack.

When the home team began to get longer possessions, the Spaniards' attacking spark also dissipated as the minutes went by.

In the final ten minutes, youngsters João Simões, Rayan Lucas and Rodrigo Ribeiro also took to the field for Sporting CP, gaining more valuable minutes.

The last chance of the game came in injury time, when AlbertoMoleiro sent a headed attempt slightly wide of the post. The contest concluded 1-0.

Next up, on Thursday, July 31st (8:45 pm), Sporting CP play SL Benfica, at the Estádio Algarve, in the Super Taça.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Geny Catamo (Alisson Santos, 70’), Iván Fresneda (Eduardo Quaresma, 70’), Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 46’), Gonçalo Inácio (Jeremiah St. Juste, 55’), Matheus Reis (Ricardo Esgaio, 70’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Rayan Lucas, 79’), Francisco Trincão (João Simões, 79’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 55’) and Conrad Harder (Rodrigo Ribeiro, 79’).

The goalkeeper signs through to 2028

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed goalkeeper João Virgínia on a permanent deal through to 2028, with a 60 million euro buyout clause.

The move marks a return for the 25-year-old goalkeeper to the club, as in 2021/22 João Virgínia played 8 games on loan from Everton FC, winning the Taça da Liga that campaign.

The Portuguese Under-21 international now comes in on a permanent basis, and is delighted with the agreement.

"I'm very happy to be returning to Sporting CP -a club that I know well. I already knew most of the players before coming here, and this is a place where I've been treated well in the past. Everything is going to work out well, for sure, because Sporting CP is in my heart. Ever since I left, I've wanted to return, and I was really happy when the deal went through," he began by telling club media.

"The intention was always to return. When I first came here, Sporting CP had just won the league title. Now they have won it in back-to-back years and we want to fight for the third in a row. I'm here to help and to fight."

The goalkeeper, who has spent most of his career to date in England, recalled that he previously had "an excellent relationship with the fans" during his first spell at Sporting CP, which he is certain will continue.
 
"Since then, I've been keeping that relationship alive, and I know they'll welcome me with open arms," he added.

"I have already had a good conversation with Rui Borges, the coach, who is a five-star person, and I feel ready to train and help the team."

The goalkeeper will once again face high-level competition for his position, as he himself admits.

"I've worked with great goalkeepers in my career. My first time here, it was [Antonio] Adán, now it's Rui [Silva]. I know we'll have a good relationship," he said.

"I arrived a few hours ago and it feels as if I'd never left. I'm more than adapted to the club and the reality of playing for Sporting CP. I can't wait to play again with the lion on my chest. (...) I've been following and watching most of the club's games. Being back here after all these years is a huge joy," he concluded.

Sporting CP play out a 1-0 triumph in the preseason fixture

In a Monday friendly that ended their preseason training camp in Lagos, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Sunderland AFC 1-0, with Francisco Trincão scoring the only game of the contest.

The game was undertaken at a relatively slow pace, typical of this stage of the preparations for the new season, and the opening minutes passed without any major incidents, as both teams studied each other.

Conrad Harder provided the first breakthrough, as the Dane sprinted down the left off a pass from Zeno Debast, entered the area, rounded goalkeeper Blondy Nna Nouke and set up Trincão, who just needed to tap the ball in to open the scoring.

More composed after the goal, Sporting CP took control of the game, moving the ball around in the midfield and injecting some speed into the action, with Pedro Gonçalves, Trincão and Geovany Quenda alternating positions in the attacking setup. However, the team failed to create any real danger, stifled by Sunderland AFC's high press.

From the 20th minute onwards, the English side began to move higher upfield -albeit failing to trouble goalkeeper Rui Silva, who easily dealt with shots from Eliezer Mayenda and Chemsdine Talbi.

He had more to do five minutes before half-time, when he denied Habib Diarra with a top-notch save.

Close to the interval, following a corner, Gonçalves had a good opportunity to extend the lead. The ball bounced towards the midfielder, who tried to shoot but struck way off target.

The second half began with Sunderland AFC showing freshness, having completely overhauled their starting eleven. Meanwhile, Sporting CP remained unchanged.

It took just three minutes for Quenda to shake things up. Off a swift attack down the right, the winger forced Blondy Nna Nouke into a last ditch stop.

Shortly after, in the 55th minute Trincão made away on a quick transition. He delivered the ball to Gonçalves, wide open on the left. The No.8 tried to break through the sea of Sunderland players, but was eventually closed down.

Seven minutes later, following a set piece, Gonçalves was presented with another chance, which went wide.

Trincão curled a beautiful shot that grazed the right post, and Quenda smashed an effort that required a save from the Cameroonian goalkeeper.

On 74 minutes, Rayan Lucas came on, replacing Hidemasa Morita, with Diogo Travassos later stepping in for Eduardo Quaresma. Both youngsters took the opportunity to show Rui Borges their worth.

Harder remained active, despite the many kilometres he had accumulated throughout the match. The tireless Dane once again threatened with a run at speed from the left, which spun into the side netting.

Quenda was fouled close to the penalty area late on, and Trincão opted for a clever shot from the free kick, looking for his brace. The ball went just wide of goal, leaving the score at 1-0.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Matheus Reis (David Moreira, 90’), Hidemasa Morita (Rayan Lucas, 74’), Zeno Debast, Geovany Quenda, Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincao, Conrad Harder, Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand [C] and Eduardo Quaresma (Diogo Travassos, 77’).

The team play in front of fans for the first time this summer

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost 0-2 to Celtic FC in their first game in front of supporters in the 2025/26 preseason. Despite the defeat, there were good points to be taken from the summer fixture against the Scottish side.

The squad had played in the morning against Portimonense SC, and Rui Borges opted for a different starting eleven made up of goalkeeper Rui Silva; defenders Iván Fresneda, Jeremiah St. Juste, Eduardo Quaresma and Matheus Reis; midfielders Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Pedro Gonçalves; and Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão and Rodrigo Ribeiro in the attack.

As expected at this stage of the summer, the match – played on a very hot afternoon – started at a somewhat slow pace, although the Scottish champions forced Rui Silva to make a good save in the ninth minute.

In the 14th minute, it was Matheus Reis who tested Kasper Schmeichel -son of the legendary goalkeeper who, in 1999/2000, won the league with Sporting CP. The Brazilian fullback appeared at the far post, in a great position to respond to Pedro Gonçalves's setup, but didn't connect with the ball well, shooting wide.

It was also from the right side that, four minutes later, Iván Fresneda and Francisco Trincão opened a path for João Simões' shot from the edge of the box, which was again saved. Following that, Rodrigo Ribeiro aimed for goal again, forcing another stop.

Midway through the first period, Celtic's Adam Idah had a clear opportunity to break the deadlock. Unmarked, the Irish centre forward took a weak shot, met with an easy save by Rui Silva.

Geny Catamo cut inside and, with his right foot, sent an effort towards Schmeichel, then Rui Silva who responded solidly to a Benjamin Nygren shot from inside the six yard box.

The best move of the first half was saved for the 38th minute: João Simões, teed up by Geny Catamo, got into the area, shot and came very close to opening the scoring -his strike going wide of the far post.

Three minutes before halftime, it was Rui Silva who was once again in the spotlight, denying Daizen Maeda with an excellent save.

The game went into the break with a Catamo shot over the crossbar, leaving the scoreline unchanged.

Rui Borges made just two changes at the start of the second half, with Franco Israel and Conrad Harder coming on for Rui Silva and Rodrigo Ribeiro. The Uruguayan barely had time to settle in before Celtic FC were given a penalty, after a foul by Jeremiah St. Juste. Franco Israel guessed the right way and even got a fingertip to the ball, but was unable to prevent Reo Hatate from scoring.

The game slowed down, only interrupted by a dazzling run from Conrad Harder, who appeared at speed on the left and shot hard against the right post.

Just before the hour, Giorgi Kochorashvili came in to replace Morten Hjulmand. The Georgian showed a good understanding with his teammates and also displayed several quality touches. In the 63rd minute, he passed the ball deep to Pedro Gonçalves who, with his left foot, curved an effort wide of the target.

In the 71st minute, Celtic FC extended their lead through Luke McCowan, who received the ball, slipped away and struck into the back of the net.

Alisson Santos replaced Pedro Gonçalves, to make his first appearance in front of fans. Later, Bruno Ramos, David Moreira and Rayan Lucas were all introduced to refresh the team, but the score would remain the same. That was despite Conrad Harder's attempt, in which a powerful shot went over the bar in stoppage time.

Sporting CP fans can see the team in action again on July 21st, at Estádio Algarve, against English side Sunderland AFC.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK] (Franco Israel, 46’), Matheus Reis (Bruno Ramos, 86’), Jeremiah St. Juste (David Moreira, 86’), Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 73’), Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Iván Fresneda, Morten Hjulmand [C] (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 58’), João Simões (Rayan Lucas, 86’), Eduardo Quaresma and Rodrigo Ribeiro (Conrad Harder, 46’).

The team draw 0-0 against their fellow Portuguese side

Sporting Clube de Portugal played the first of two preparation matches on Wednesday morning against Portimonense SC. The team coached by Rui Borges drew 0-0, in a fixture played behind closed doors.

The following starting XI was fielded: Diego Calai; Zeno Debast, Geovany Quenda, Maxi Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Biel, Rayan Lucas, Lucas Anjos, Manuel Mendonça and Diogo Travassos.

Francisco Silva, Samuel Justo and Alisson Santos were also used.