Victory on the road against GD Estoril Praia takes the team up to 87

New champions Sporting Clube de Portugal beat GD Estoril Praia 0-1 on Matchday 33 of the Liga Portugal season, in a game played at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.

The title winners were welcomed with a celebration by the Sportinguistas who, once again, gave Sporting CP a home atmosphere by making the short trip over from Lisbon. The team entered the pitch with a guard of honour from GD Estoril Praia, who came into the game already knowing that they would remain in the division next season after a draw for Portimonense SC.

For this penultimate match of the campaign, Rúben Amorim made some changes to the starting lineup. Of particular note was debuting goalkeeper Diogo Pinto, as the 19 year old stepped in between the sticks in the absence of the injured Antonio Adán and Franco Israel.

Also included in the XI were Ousmane Diomande, Sebastián Coates, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança, Matheus Reis, Francisco Trincão, Viktor Gyökeres and Pedro Gonçalves.

The afternoon was one of celebration, in the wake of Liga Portugal title number 24, and the game started at a slower pace than usual, but Sporting CP always controlled the action.

In the first half, scoring opportunities were few and far between. Pedro Gonçalves and Daniel Bragança shot over, and Francisco Trincão had a strike go wide.

The most dangerous move ended up coming close to halftime, with Francisco Trincão setting free Pedro Gonçalves on the edge of the area, but his effort was a tame one and GD Estoril Praia goalkeeper Marcelo Carné held onto the ball without any major problems.

At the other end, Rodrigo Gomes' shot hit the post, and the score remained 0-0 at half-time.

At the beginning of the second half, the same rhythm was maintained, with the first 10 minutes going by without any chance for either team. Rúben Amorim started to adjust, and Daniel Bragança and Matheus Reis were replaced by Paulinho and Nuno Santos.

The changes were good for Sporting CP and in the last half hour they ended up showing greater intensity, reaching the opposition area more often and doing so with more danger.

Marcelo Carné was able to make two good interventions off shots from Ricardo Esgaio and Viktor Gyökeres, then from Francisco Trincão's shot, which saw the Brazilian goalkeeper shine again.

In the 81st minute, the goal finally arrived. A run by Gyökeres on the left saw the Swede pass to Nuno Santos, who played across for Paulinho to finish.

Sporting CP then went in search of a second, with Paulinho, close to the 90th minute, twice being denied by the defence.

Amorim then made two more substitutions and handed a debut to homegrown talent Miguel Menino, who entered at the same time as Iván Fresneda. Ricardo Esgaio and Pedro Gonçalves were the players who made way.

Then Koba Koindredi came on to replace Hidemasa Morita, and in stoppage time the best opportunity was Sebastián Coates' header wide.

Sporting CP took a 0-1 triumph and broke the record with 28 league victories, as well as the number of points with 87.

Next week, Liga Portugal concludes with a game at home to GD Chaves, where Sporting CP will receive the trophy.

Sporting CP visit GD Estoril Praia on Saturday (6pm)

A week on from their Liga Portugal title win, Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota to play GD Estoril Praia on Saturday. It will be the 33rd and penultimate matchday of the season.

Ahead of the game, coach Rúben Amorim began by talking about how he experienced the club's 24 such title.

"It was a big party on a special day, but that is already in the past. Everyone was waiting for the title to be confirmed -me more than the players and staff, because I was the only one who was dressed to go on the bus. My belief is always greater than that of the rest of the people. It was a special day, but after two days it no longer feels like anything because we have things to do and goals to achieve," the coach told journalists.

“We still have the Taça de Portugal and we continue on our path, forgetting about the party a little now. Tomorrow we will try to win and not concede goals. The record is 27 victories in a season and we can achieve 28. Above all, if we want to win the next trophy we need everyone to keep up the pace and be prepared so that we can choose the best team. There is still a lot to be won."

He clarified that, due to fitness problems for Franco Israel and Antonio Adán, it will be 19-year-old Diogo Pinto who will play in goal for his debut with Sporting CP's first team.

“Antonio is still injured and cannot play, Franco has had surgery and is out for the rest of the season. For now, Pinto will be the starter. We have Francisco [Silva] on the bench and [Guilherme] Pires as third choice goalkeeper, but we trust everyone. He's a kid who's grown up here, he'll be making his debut for the first team and it's a big weight to carry. But the context helps because we are already champions and all the other players will help him, because he is prepared to help us keep a clean sheet.”

In addition to Diogo Pinto, the coach was asked about a possible debut for Geovany Quenda, but dismissed this hypothesis, revealing however that there could be another player featuring in his first official match: Miguel Menino, a 21-year-old midfielder from the B team.

“There could be a situation where a kid who came up here makes his debut, but it won't be Quenda. We believe a lot in Quenda and that he will eventually be a champion at Sporting CP, but there are other kids whose future, given their age, could lie somewhere other than Sporting CP -and we pay attention to that. These are kids who helped us a lot in training, but they didn't have the visibility others got and they aren't in our plans for next year. Menino will be called up, Quenda will not. We believe he will be a champion at Sporting CP, so he will have time to do so."

As for GD Estoril Praia, who are currently 13th in the table and fighting to stay up, Amorim does not expect an easy time.

“GD Estoril are a team that play well, and playing away from home is not the same as playing at home."

“The team that will play will be set up to win the game, but it will not be the same as against GD Chaves. Management will be carried out so that during the week of the Taça de Portugal everyone is at their best. But you will see from the XI that we want to win, because we have important objectives, such as surpassing Sporting CP's best points and victories records and continuing to keep clean sheets. We have become champions, but there is already the weight of winning another trophy and thinking about next year. The good feelings are over, now it’s time for the Taça de Portugal, the records and preparing for next season.”

First words from Rúben Amorim and his players after the title win

As soon as Sporting CP's 24th Liga Portugal title was confirmed, the party began all over the country and the world, with Sportinguistas celebrating the achievement. In the VIP Area at the Estádio José Alvalade, coach Rúben Amorim and some of the players spoke for the first time about the title triumph, with the rest expressing all their happiness on the bus that took the squad to the Marquês de Pombal square.

Rúben Amorim
“It’s a huge joy to win this title. Is it special? Yes, because for the first title people said it was an atypical season, without fans and European competitions, but this time there was everything and we managed to do it. Now it's time to try for a third title. Did I watch FC Famalicão vs. SL Benfica? I watched it with my players, we were having dinner and everything went well. I dedicate this title to all of the Sportinguistas. I think the key moment was the derby in Alvalade, which was an important step, and after that we were very consistent. Will I stay on at the club? There are still more things to be done, but I have a contract and I am the coach of Sporting CP.”

Sebastián Coates
“This title is our own merit, as we were the best team in the league. I dedicate this title to the entire team, our families and the fans, who have always supported us and suffered with us throughout the season. Now it’s time to celebrate and enjoy it.”

Viktor Gyökeres
“It’s my first title. I still can’t believe it. I have goosebumps, it's something I've never experienced before. Thank you very much to the Sportinguistas, who have been fantastic. I love being at Sporting CP and it's been fantastic, but we still have some games to win and we're going to try to finish the season in the best possible way. Then we'll see what happens. Rúben Amorim is an excellent coach, I like him, so I would like to continue with him. He was the one who brought me to Sporting CP and it has been a very good season.”

Morten Hjulmand
“We deserved the title, as we were the best team this season. This group is very special; there are different personalities but everyone has great character. That's why we've finished in first place. It's fantastic and now I can't wait to get to Marquês de Pombal and celebrate with the fans.”

Geny Catamo
“I've been waiting for this since I arrived at Sporting CP. Sporting CP are a huge club. I have no words to describe this. I'm very happy, it's a dream that came true. I feel very proud of my journey and the work I have done. I owe a lot to Sporting CP and I thank them for the way they helped me and for being here to celebrate a great title win with the Leonina family. People said that the game against SL Benfica was the title decider, and now we can say it was worth it because it decided everything. Thank you to the Sportinguistas for their support.”

Franco Israel
“I've never experienced this before, it's incredible. They wanted me to spend the night in the hospital, but I said there was no way. If we were crowned champions, I had to come here. Hard work pays off. We had a tough year, but with hard work and growth we achieved our goal. All games are important, but the derby against SL Benfica was crucial."

Eduardo Quaresma
"It is inexplicable. The first title I won with Sporting CP was good, but this one is even better. I hope there are many more to come, but now let’s it's time to party.”

Koba Koindredi
“This is why I came to Sporting CP, to experience these moments. I have no words to describe it. I always believed that we could win the title, right from the beginning. Now it’s time to enjoy the party.”

Jeremiah St. Juste
“We worked hard during the season and finally won the title. I know that people in Portugal are very passionate and it shows. I'm grateful for this experience, which is incredible. This is what I wanted when I signed for Sporting CP and we achieved it, so I thank everyone for this. Portugal is green!”

Matheus Reis
“It's my second time, but nothing compares to this. In the first title it was still the time of COVID-19, but now it is ten times better. Thank you to the team and the fans, and everything we've been through this season is paying off. Many thought we would be crowned champions next week, but I had faith it would be now. Sporting CP fans are unique, nothing compares to them. This club is a family, with passion and devotion. Everything we did during the season culminated in this, so I'm very happy. It’s an experience of a lifetime."

Iván Fresneda
“It’s spectacular, I’ve never seen anything like it. I dreamed of this since I arrived at Sporting CP, but I didn't think it would happen in my first season, after the difficulties I had. It's a great joy to be here because it was a difficult time for me personally, but I'm very happy and grateful to the Sportinguistas."

Ousmane Diomande
“I'm very happy. We have to celebrate and then prepare for the Taça de Portugal final. Sporting CP fans celebrating is crazy, I've never seen anything like it. It's my first time and it's like a dream, I'm enjoying it. This club is a family, everyone loves each other and the fans love the players. We are very happy and now we have to enjoy it.”

Francisco Trincao
“I was already expecting a party like this, because of the receptions we have had after the away games and the last one at home, but I can't explain the feeling. It's crazy, everyone has been incredible throughout the year and I want to say thank you, because without them this wouldn't be possible. I was recently talking to my father, with whom I have watched Sporting CP games since I was little. Being able to experience this with my parents is something that leaves me speechless. I am very happy and may it be repeated many times”.

Ricardo Esgaio
“It was a dream to become champion for the club where I spent a large part of my formative years. I was confident that this would happen from the moment I returned to Sporting CP”.

The club earn their 24th such honour in their history

​The Sporting CP coach's review of the victory against Portimonense SC

Following the 3-0 triumph over Portimonense SC in Liga Portugal, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim was satisfied with the performance from his players, and considered that they were always “very competent and serious” in the game.

“We barely let Portimonense SC reach our goal and we didn't commit many fouls in the offensive midfield, which was one of the ideas for the game, because the opposition have scored a lot of goals from set pieces and are very strong from them. At times we should have moved the ball around more, and there was a period in the first half where we split possession and didn't need to. But we created several opportunities to score, we just weren't as effective as we have been,” said the coach in his post-match press conference.

“In the second half it was more of the same. Even when at a disadvantage, Portimonense SC did not want to break their low block. We controlled them, scored the second goal and then I think everyone in the stadium relaxed a little. The best team won."

He then praised Paulinho, who was named Man of the Match after scoring the first goal and setting up the third.

“Today Paulinho gave what he always gives, but he added goals. It's his best season at Sporting CP in that aspect, but he always offered us a lot because of the way he works. In difficult moments, I highlighted what he gave to the team. He is a very important player for us, and it is always a pleasure to be his coach – that's why I insisted on him coming – and today he once again showed that he has improved. Sometimes he plays less than he deserves, but whenever we have needed him, he responds.”

Amorim also made a point of thanking the 49,557 fans who sold out the stadium, stating that he wants to “win the title to help Sporting CP and also give joy to the fans."

“The wave of support has a huge meaning. When we reach the end of the season, it is normal for there to be enthusiasm. What is not normal is the way in which, since preseason, the fans have backed us from the beginning, after a very difficult season last time. They have played a very important role so far and I want to remind people that, in the year of COVID-19, everyone said that one of the reasons Sporting CP became champions was that there were no fans. They had to respond to this and they responded in the best way possible, but it's not over yet. We need their help to get two more points, and there is a lot to do.”

Despite admitting that winning the title is getting closer and closer, Amorim also noted that there are other objectives remaining.

“We have everything well on the right track. Everyone at Sporting CP already sees and feels the objective. But there is one small step left and we have to focus on that. Furthermore, we do not yet have the best defence in the league. We have two games left and we could do that. I think we will be the best attack, but we'll see. There are milestones that are important for the players and the entire club. We can break the points record, which is important in order to leave a mark at such a big club with such a vast history. The record belongs to Jorge Jesus and it's always good to break records from someone who had a lot of influence on my growth as a player and coach. It would give me great pleasure to break that record.”

​The team triumph 3-0 at home, with the Liga Portugal title soon to be decided

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Portimonense SC 3-0 in Liga Portugal action, as their persistence paid off and their complete domination in the second half was reflected in the scoreline. The team now move closer to a possible league title, with just two games remaining.

Missing Jeremiah St. Juste, due to injury, and Marcus Edwards, through suspension, coach Rúben Amorim made three changes to the starting XI fielded away against FC Porto. Back in were Viktor Gyökeres, Nuno Santos and Ricardo Esgaio, whilst Matheus Reis returned to the squad after injury.

Before the game, the players were welcomed onto the pitch with a choreography in honour of legendary club captain Manuel Fernandes, who is currently hospitalised. In the 9th minute of the match, he received another huge ovation from the sold out capacity crowd.

Sporting CP started at full force, establishing their presence early on in opposition half, and it did not take long to threaten an opening goal. The first big opportunity came from Ricardo Esgaio, who went across and set up Gyökeres, but the forward was denied by the goalkeeper.

After that, there was the second warning, by Paulinho, who headed wide, but the third time was a charm. With 13 minutes gone, Nuno Santos received the ball behind the defence, crossed into the heart of the area and Paulinho provided a first time finish to score.

Sporting CP did not give relegation strugglers Portimonense SC a chance to settle, and they rarely had the ball except for some frustrated counterattack attempts. At the other end, Sebastián Coates, Pedro Gonçalves and Gyökeres all had opportunities.

From the middle of the first half onwards, the pace dropped and the visitors started to have more of the ball. However, it was a short-lived spell, as once again it was Sporting CP who created a lot of danger, this time with Paulinho heading onto the post from a corner on the left side.

Paulinho forced Nakamura into a save before the break, and soon afterwards the goalkeeper upped the ante even further, denying Gonçalo Inácio off a header that seemed destined for goal.

In the second half, Sporting CP again pushed up very high and were patient in looking for spaces, against a Portimonense side with six at the back. The first big opportunity came on the hour, with Nakamura once again stopping Paulinho's attack.

The second goal ended up arriving, more than deservedly, in the 70th minute, from Francisco Trincão. After excellent work on the left side, Paulinho crossed towards the penalty spot and the winger appeared to turn the ball into the net.

Sporting CP continued to go on the attack and, whilst Trincão and Gyökeres had two excellent chances beforehand, it was the latter who made it 3-0 in stoppage time, thanks to a pass from Daniel Bragança that he turned home.

The 3-0 result means that Sporting CP could be crowned champions on Sunday if SL Benfica fail to win away to FC Famalicão. In the penultimate match of the campaign, scheduled for next Saturday, Sporting CP visit GD Estoril Praia.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Ousmane Diomande (Eduardo Quaresma, 80'), Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio (Geny Catamo, 67'), Morten Hjulmand (Hidemasa Morita, 80'), Pedro Gonçalves (Daniel Bragança, 67'), Nuno Santos (Matheus Reis, 89'), Francisco Trincão, Paulinho and Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting CP play Portimonense SC on Saturday

​Strikes in the closing moments give Sporting CP a 2-2 draw with FC Porto

Two late goals from Viktor Gyökeres earned Sporting Clube de Portugal a 2-2 draw against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 31, in a game held away from home at the Estádio do Dragão. The stalemate extends the team's unbeaten run in the league to 18 games, although their lead over SL Benfica in the table is now reduced to 5 points with three matches remaining.

The gap between Sporting CP and FC Porto at the start of play was 18 points, with the team from Oporto unable to finish higher than third this season. The home side were on a run of two consecutive victories, although they had not won at home for two fixtures.

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim made two changes too the lineup fielded in the 3-0 win over Vitória SC: Defender Ousmane Diomande at centre back and striker Paulinho were included, at the expense of Nuno Santos and Gyökeres (it was in doubt). Antonio Adán and Matheus Reis remained out of action due to injury.

The start was a tough one for Sporting CP, who conceded for the first time in three games at an early stage in the contest. After just eight minutes, a mistake in the buildup left the ball on the edge of the area, and a pass from Pepê put Evanilson through on Franco Israel to open the scoring.

Despite this, an immediate shot by Pedro Gonçalves that went slightly wide started the reaction. After a quarter of an hour of play, a header from Paulinho went just over the crossbar.

From the outset, it became evident that Sporting CP would look to take the initiative with the ball, but they experienced several difficulties dealing with FC Porto's more direct strategy.

A Francisco Trincão effort ended up in the hands of goalkeeper Diogo Costa, whilst at the other end Evanilson shot into the side netting.

In the 40th minute, the home team increased the scoreline to 2-0, as Martim Fernandes sprinted off following a throw-in and, benefiting from a slip by Morten Hjulmand, found Pepê in the area to finish off.

Shortly afterwards, another Sporting CP player slipped in the vicinity of the area and only Franco Israel prevented Francisco Conceição from making it 3-0.

For the second half, Amorim took a risk with the introduction of Viktor Gyökeres -still not fully fit after an injury- for the final 45 minutes at the Estádio do Dragão. He came on for Daniel Bragança, whilst five minutes later, Jeremiah St. Juste made way for Eduardo Quaresma.

It would be FC Porto who provided the first threat, from the feet of Francisco Conceição. In contrast, Sporting CP were looking for their fresh striker, but without success.

Amorim made another change and Hidemasa Morita and Nuno Santos came on at the hour mark, meaning Pedro Gonçalves returned to the frontline and Inácio moved into the midfield trio.

Off a sequence of Sporting CP set pieces, Morita had his header blocked by an opposition player. Then, Gonçalves had a look from distance that Diogo Costa saved.

With the clock ticking down, FC Porto began to defend deeper. That, combined with Sporting CP's pressure and relentless attacking, would provide the opening for a way back into the game.

In the 87th minute, a beautiful cross from Nuno Santos found Gyökeres for a precision header, taking the score to 2-1.

Neither Sporting CP nor Gyökeres stopped there. Galvanised, they attacked again and in less than a minute they pulled level. Geny Catamo recovered the ball in the opposition midfield, the team streamed forward towards Diogo Costa's goal and, inside the area, second half substitute Marcus Edwards provided a gorgeous assist for Gyökeres, who only had to tap the ball into the net. His 26th goal in the league brought Sporting CP level, 2-2.

Before the end, Edwards was shown a straight red card, but FC Porto were unable to capitalise and O Clássico ended in a 2-2 draw.

The two teams will face each other again this season, in the Taça de Portugal final at Jamor. Before that, the final stretch of the league season continues next Saturday at home to Portimonense SC.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Jeremiah St. Juste (Eduardo Quaresma, 50’), Ousmane Diomande (Nuno Santos, 60’), Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Daniel Bragança (Viktor Gyökeres, 46’), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Marcus Edwards, 86’), Paulinho (Hidemasa Morita, 60’).

​The Sporting CP coach looks at the game against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio do Dragão this Sunday, for an 8:30pm local time 'Clássico' against FC Porto.

Ahead of the game, which could see Sporting CP clinch the title if SL Benfica lose on Saturday against SC Braga, coach Rúben Amorim stressed that he is not expecting an easy game.

“Regardless of the league table, a game between Sporting CP and FC Porto always has great meaning. I think it will be the most difficult game of the season, due to all the conditions surrounding it. We know the club we are going to face, their coach and the pride they have. They are not in the fight for the title and we are, and we want to win, but we still have to take at least six points to become champions. It’s about getting them quickly, and that’s the focus," he began by telling journalists at the press conference.

Amorim also reflected on the differences between this game and the first of the season, which his side won 2-0.

“FC Porto have been playing 4-3-3, but they could change their characteristics because perhaps Pepê will have to return to right-back. Taremi could come in and play alongside Evanilson, or Baró could come in. Zaidu is completely different to Wendell, who has a different way of finishing in the final third, plays more inside and isn't as fast. Francisco Conceição has improved the team a lot, made them more dangerous, more aggressive and very strong in one-on-ones. It's a different FC Porto, but they are still strong. In the first game we had the same points coming into it, but now it’s different.”

The coach also considered that the 18-point gap in the standings does not reflect the difference between the two teams.

“We experienced this last year. We played better than in our first season when we won the title, but as time went by we started to create a gap and, for teams that are used to winning, it is much more difficult to turn things around. The table does not reflect the quality of the teams, neither how close nor far away they are. FC Porto will be very strong and aggressive, there should be a full house and the fans will support their club. Sérgio Conceição is very proud, so I know it will be a very difficult game."

In terms of his squad, Amorim revealed that "Matheus Reis is not fit, Antonio [Adán] is not fit and Viktor [Gyökeres] will be called up to the squad but it is still a doubt, because he has a small problem."

Amidst interest in his trip to England earlier in the week, the coach wished to clarify that "Sporting CP were aware of this, which is important and changes the context, but obviously it was a mistake and the timing was completely wrong. It didn't seem like it to me at the time. It was inappropriate, even more so when I am so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each person's problems cannot come ahead of the team. I have withdrawn players from the squad for much less. It was my mistake, and I have to accept it and live with it. It didn’t seem that serious to me at the time, but thinking more coldly, of course it was,” he said, before continuing.

“I gave explanations to the players and staff, but now it’s time to move on. I want to apologise to Sportinguistas, the staff and, above all, the players for the mistake I made. I also want to talk about the part where I broke my word that there would be no meeting. Things are not always black and white. In the same way that I broke my promise at home, because I said I would coach for another year and then stop to spend time with them, I will always disappoint someone. It happened, but now we have to focus on the game”, he reinforced.

​With Gil Vicente FC between coaches, Sporting CP are up against an unknown quantity this Friday

"We have one player who is a doubt. There was a player who felt some pain during training. I'm not going to say which one it is, and we're still going to evaluate him. Otherwise, everything is fine. Antonio Adán is already back training on the pitch, and he is much better than he was last week, but we still don't have a firm date for his return."