Jorge Jesus praises his side's second-half rally in Estádio do Dragão

Speaking in his post-match press conference at the final whistle in Estádio do Dragão on Saturday, Jorge Jesus dismissed the final result, particularly after his side's spirited second-half display.

"It was a great game between two good teams, with two really distinct halves. FC Porto, particularly in the first-half, scored two. They didn't dominate us, but they scored two goals from situations where we should have done better. In the second-half we completely dominated and we had chances, but Casillas won the game for them. FC Porto didn't win because they were better, the fair result would have been a draw", opened the Sporting CP coach, adding: "It isn't easy to be losing 2-0 and play like we did. There was a clear foul against Palhinha in the second-half and a handball in the area, which are two situations which influenced the game. Despite that we can't take merit away from FC Porto or Sporting CP. We used a very young team today and maybe we paid for that a bit."

Sporting CP dominate, only to be frustrated by an inspired Casillas

Both Jorge Jesus and Nuno Espírito Santo rang the changes for the weekend's classic, with Matheus Pereira starting for Sporting CP and Soares making his debut. The difference between the two sides at the final whistle rested largely on the former Vit. Guimarães' killer instinct in front of goal, as well as some brilliant saves from Casillas in the second-half.

Sporting CP's efforts to bring the points back to Lisbon were dealt a heavy blow after just six minutes, when Corona whipped in a deep cross that Soares headed on after beating the off-side trap.

The strike shook a sense of urgency into Sporting CP's attacking play, but Casillas was on hand time nad time again to frustrate Jorge Jesus' side. FC Porto rarely created clear opportunities to extend their lead, but Soares again did the damage just before the break, linking up with a pass from Brahimi to make it 2-0.

After the restart and with Alan Ruiz on for Matheus Pereira, Sporting CP began to peg FC Porto back and chances soon followed. First it was Bryan Ruiz, with a header pushed away by Casillas, before Gelson Martins fired a shot high and wide after controlling well.

Sporting CP's dominance finally got its reward on the hour mark, with a fantastic strike from Alan Ruiz after controlling with his chest from a Bas Dost pass. Coates, who just this week secured a permanent move to Alvalade, looked to have equalised minutes later, but Casillas got down well to turn his header around the post.

President Bruno de Carvalho reflects on the permanent signing of Coates

Speaking after attending a ceremony for the inauguration of the Matosinhos Sporting CP Supporters' Club, Bruno de Carvalho commented on the permanent move of Coates to Alvalade.

“Although people really tried to stop it, Coates is our player until 2022", said the Alvalade president.

Jesus announces squad list for Liga NOS matchday 20

1 – Rui Patrício
34 – Beto Pimparel

2 – Ezequiel Schelotto
10 – Bryan Ruiz
11 – Bruno César
13 – Sebastian Coates
15 – Paulo Oliveira
16 – André Felipe
18 – Francisco Geraldes
20 – Luc Castaignos
23 – Adrien Silva
28 – Bas Dost
31 – Marvin Zeegelaar
35 – Ruben Semedo
47 – Ricardo Esgaio
56 – Daniel Podence
66 – João Palhinha
73 – Matheus Pereira
77 – Gelson Martins
99 – Alan Ruiz

Jorge Jesus confident going into the weekend's visit to FC Porto

Jorge Jesus will lead his squad up to FC Porto this Saturday (20:30), on Liga NOS matchday 20. For the Sporting CP coach, confidence is the dominant feeling pulsing through Alvalade.

"A classic is always that little bit more important. We are two really good sides, regardless of what the league standings show. We will go into this feeling confident. Winning in Porto isn't something new for us, but we know it will be complicated. What matters is that we show personality and stick to our strategy", opened Jesus, continuing: "There is so such thing as a game of life or death in football. Teams go through their ups and downs throughout the season and a win can provide a real lift. We have to take each game as it comes right now and we can win in Porto."

With William Carvalho forced out, Jesus is likely to bring in Palhinha. "William has been a key player for over the past year and a half, so we won't hide that. However Palhinha, if he plays, will definitely do well. This is how players grow and we believe in him", affirmed the Sporting CP coach, adding a word on the recent contracts agreed with Gelson Martins and Sebastián Coates: "They are two crucial players for us. Coates was only here on loan, but we seem to have moved on from that. Gelson was a different situation and we were not worried about losing him. The president's decision gives that extra bit of stability for us."

Lukas Spalvis on his move to Rosenborg and plans to return in December

As part of his recovery from a long spell on the sidelines through injury, Lukas Spalvis completed a loan move to Rosenborg this week until December 2017.

Speaking about his move, the Lithuanian forward affirmed: "I am really happy that we have found a solution for me. The club has really helped me through my injury and everything has gone really well. I am happy for being ready to play again. I will come back in December and I will still want to win the league with Sporting CP. I feel like I still have something to prove here and I hope to have the chance to do that when I come back."

Gelson Martins pens deal until 2022

Gelson Martins secured a contract extension until 2022 this week, after a brilliant season under the guidance of Jorge Jesus.

"I am really happy and proud. Now I want to carry on working to do even better", said Gelson in an interview with the Sporting Journal, adding: "I have worked as hard as I can to be recognised and now I want to repay the confidence people placed in me. I really want to thank the fans for getting behind us. We work for them and we will carry on doing our best."

Sebastián Coates happy with his new Alvalade deal

"A lot things were said, but I always wanted to play for Sporting CP", said Sebastián Coates after completing a permanent move to Alvalade this week.

Speaking with Sporting Journal, the Uruguayan proved overjoyed with the deal: "I am really happy with this opportunity. It was something I was looking to do when I arrived here, convincing the club to do this. I want to win a lot of titles here. This is a great club, with a lot of history. I will do my best to reach our objectives."

Lukas Spalvis

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Rosenborg BK for the loan of the player Lukas Spalvis until December 2017.

Sporting SAD wishes Lukas Spalvis the best of personal and professional success.

Gelson Martins

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Gelson Martins for the extension of the player's contract until 2022, with a buy-out clause of 60,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Gelson Martins the best of professional and personal success.