The coach previews the cup showdown with SL Benfica

Thursday is derby day at the Estádio José Alvalade, as Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome rivals SL Benfica for the first of two legs in the Taça de Portugal semifinals.

On the eve of the game, coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference in which he began by deconstructing his team's current situation, coming as they are off two draws.

“I think that in the derby last year we were in a worse spell and that was not demonstrated in the game, which we drew 2-2 against SL Benfica. The second half wasn't so good, but we played very well. Now, we have had two very different draws: With BSC Young Boys we should have won and against Rio Ave FC we didn't do the things we should have done on a difficult pitch,” he said at Alcochete, before focusing on the derby itself.

“Now it’s a different competition, over two legs, so we have to be intelligent in our approach to the game. Obviously, we are going to play our way: Trying to dominate and win, knowing that we are up against opponents with many players of high quality. They are the reigning league champions and are in first place in the table, so it's going to be a good game and we are clearly prepared for it."

Afterwards, asked about the offensive approach he expects from SL Benfica, who have recently been focusing on a more mobile attack, the coach pointed out several scenarios, noting, however, that “the game can become different depending on the players they field."

“We know their positioning and how we cope under pressure, but them playing [David] Neres or João Mário in the same position is completely different, for example. We are prepared for everything, we have watched their games and, even with little time available, we prepared the players for it. We realise that if Rafa plays as a forward, the pace is different from that of Arthur [Cabral] or Tengstedt."

“We have a way of defending that doesn't involve man-to-man marking, so we have to be strong in our principles and understand what type of player we are attacking. On the wings, them playing Morato or Aursnes completely changes their way of defending.”

Amorim also said that he expects a “strong” SL Benfica and that “this year the players will vary more."

"Throughout the match, the key for us will be adapting the way we defend, because when we are attacking we will do it the same way. Above all, it is an important game for us to get a good result for the second leg."

The Sporting CP coach confirmed that both Francisco Trincão and Gonçalo Inácio “are out of the game”, after coming off injured against Rio Ave FC, while striker Paulinho will be back amongst the options.

“Yesterday he was doing work with the physiotherapist, and today he said he felt good. We barely have players for the attack, and he immediately made himself available to play. It reveals a lot about his character and I'm going to put him in the squad, even if he's very limited in the number of minutes he can play. He is always a player who, even on the bench, helps us to be stronger."

He also revealed that Franco Israel will be the starting goalkeeper, as has been the case up to now in the competition.

“We have a cup game and Franco is the starter in it, so Franco will play. Afterwards, we will make our assessment from game to game," he explained.

"I know the squad, I know the options I have, I understand the moment we are in and I know the dynamics that exist within the group. My main objective is to win games.”

Regarding the lower impact of Marcus Edwards currently, Amorim reminded journalists that “these are phases for players and teams. Especially in big games, he has a huge impact and makes a difference.”

In the last three derbies, although they were the first to take the advantage, Sporting CP have been unable to maintain their lead. The coach refuted the idea of a “lack of experience" taking its toll.

“We have to understand the game at each moment and that requires a lot of concentration. Maybe we are the team that receives fewer attacks and concede more goals than other teams, so we have to grow in that aspect and we have to continue to score a lot of goals," he stressed.

"The derby always has a psychological impact, but that can change in the next game and, any case, nothing will be decided tomorrow."

“It has an impact, above all, on the preparation for the upcoming game. Whoever wins this derby and has the best result for the second leg will have more confidence for the rest of the season. Will this decide anything? No. It won't even decide the tie, nor will it define the rest of the league campaign. The big teams take things week by week."

The coach reflects on the 3-3 draw with Rio Ave FC

After the draw at home to Rio Ave FC (3-3), Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim spoke in a press conference to analyse the match, acknowledging that his team “never had very much control."

“Rio Ave FC are very well organised. They were closer to their true level and we didn't reach ours. We conceded a goal very quickly, but then we took charge of the game, we created chances, we got the equaliser and took the lead, but we can't concede a goal like we did just before half time. It happened with BSC Young Boys and it happened again here. It was a decisive moment in the game," he considered, before mentioning that in the second half the team lacked finishing.

“We needed to play better. We were still looking for the winning goal until the end. It was a difficult game where we should -and could- have played better. A big club have to win almost every game to be champions. We didn't handle the pressure, we had a bad day and we came up against a better Rio Ave FC. There are games like this.”

Despite the less positive result, Amorim reaffirmed his confidence in his players.

“We are a team when we win and we are also a team when we lose. In the next game we have to be at our best, that is our mentality. We have bad days, but we have to look for good days,” he stated, before talking about the substitutions he was forced to make.

"Gonçalo Inácio went off at halftime due to injury. He felt a twinge in his leg and will now be evaluated. Francisco Trincão, suffered a knock. Both are likely to be out for the next game,” he said, referring to the derby against SL Benfica for the Taça de Portugal.

“We feel bad about the result. We had won several games and the group are upset because they know we can do better. But this draw in Vila do Conde will have no impact on the derby. It's a different story and a different competition and we will be prepared for the game."

A back-and-forth game ends with the spoils shared

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 3-3 with Rio Ave FC in a Sunday night showdown on Matchday 23 in Liga Portugal. Sebastián Coates scored the equaliser for the team, who had previously overcome a deficit to go ahead through Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyökeres. 

Facing a team in an uncomfortable 16th place, Rúben Amorim made five changes to the Sporting CP starting XI. Coates, Geny Catamo, Nuno Santos, Hidemasa Morita and Pedro Gonçalves all came in while Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Reis, Daniel Bragança and Marcus Edwards were on the bench – striker Paulinho continued to be an absentee due to injury.

Vila do Conde's Estádio dos Arcos was a daunting place to go. Rio Ave FC hadn't lost in six games at home, since October of last year, and had only conceded three goals in those matches.

Three minutes into the game, the forecast rain and wind arrived, bringing with it a Rio Ave FC goal. From the first attack of the match, a long pass to the left was followed up by Umaro Embaló cutting inside, sending a shot into the net. The disadvantage did not last more than six minutes, however, as off a corner kick, Morten Hjulmand appeared in the area to strike low and restore parity.

A double opportunity to score came shortly after, but Rio Ave's Jhonatan denied Viktor Gyökeres off his hit from outside the area and, on the rebound, he did the same to Francisco Trincão. After the 20th minute, Gyökeres once again aimed for goal, but without success.

Rio Ave FC not only survived this tough phase but also responded with danger. First, with Embaló shooting over the bar when Adán was still getting into position, then Fábio Ronaldo hitting the post off a fast attack.

In a crazy end to the first half, a poor backpass was latched onto for Gyökeres to score his 30th goal for the club -and the team's 100th in 2023/2024. On the next move, in stoppage time, Yakubu Aziz converted a penalty given due to a foul by Nuno Santos.

In between the goals, Trincão was injured, being replaced by Marcus Edwards. At halftime, Amorim made another change by introducing Eduardo Quaresma for Gonçalo Inácio – Diomande occupying the centre back spot on the left.

Upon the restart, Sporting CP's intentions became clear. Miguel Nóbrega needed to cut out a clinical pass by Gyökeres for Edwards in the best opportunity early on. After an hour of play, Gonçalves went down in the area, with the penalty appeal ignored, and Amorim made further substitutions, introducing Matheus Reis for Nuno Santos.

A penalty was given against Sporting CP, as Adán committed a foul in the box. Aziz converted to put Rio Ave FC ahead for the second time.

Sporting CP's reaction was not long in coming, captain Coates appearing when he was most needed. Gonçalves crossed into the area and the Uruguayan central defender rose highest to head in, making it 3-3. He then stayed up front with Gyökeres for the closing quarter-hour. They looked for a winning goal until the end, but both Edwards and Gonçalves shot well over. There was a late sending off for Rio Ave's Pantalon, but no change on the scoresheet.

With this draw in Vila do Conde, Sporting CP were unable to take advantage of FC Porto's own draw in Barcelos and are now in second place with 56 points, two behind SL Benfica. Their local rivals are their next opponents, but in the Taça de Portugal semifinals on Thursday.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Geny Catamo, Ousmane Diomande, Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Santos (Matheus Reis, 61'), Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita, Francisco Trincão (Marcus Edwards, 44'), Pedro Gonçalves, Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach looks at the game against Rio Ave FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play Rio Ave this Sunday at 8:30pm, on the 23rd matchday in Liga Portugal.

Previewing the match, coach Rúben Amorim praised the opposing team, before highlighting the objective of winning to remain at the top of the table.

“Mr Freire, the Rio Ave coach, made his way up the division and is someone with a lot of talent for coaching. They strengthened the squad well in January, because they had a period where he couldn't bring players in and he increased the solutions. Umaro brings options to field Ronaldo further forward and Adrien gives different characteristics and experience to the team. We know that Aderllan and Boateng are suspended and that could also have an influence, because they are two strong players from set pieces and I think dead balls will be very important in this game2, he explained in his press conference.

"Furthermore, I think that the state of the pitch, due to the weather conditions, will make life difficult for both teams. We will have to adapt to the playing surface. It will be a very difficult game and we have a big responsibility to win. Therefore, we will have to adapt to the characteristics of this game”.

"We did a lot of tactical work ahead of this one. We have a plan for if the pitch is playable and we have another plan for if it isn't and we have to play a more direct game, based on second balls and set pieces”.

Amorim added that: “We don't know which games are the most important, but the only focus we have is to win this game, maintain our place, try to move up the order and, above all, demonstrate to everyone -and, mainly, to ourselves- that, that whatever happens on the pitch and the conditions we encounter, we are capable of winning the game. Even though the results for other teams may come to mind, our focus is to win under any conditions”.

The coach revealed that Paulinho will return soon and that there are no longer any players unavailable for the game.

“The uncertainty in terms of the calendar is what I'm finding the most difficult, but I think the next games are already set in stone. I’m not going to say it’s 100%, but we’re going to play SC Farense on Sunday, the Taça de Portugal on Thursday and then Atalanta BC on the following Wednesday”.

“They will be three very difficult games, in which we have to win and in which competitions are decided. In the league, we cannot drop points. We're thinking about them one at a time. Now it's Rio Ave FC, who we know will be very difficult, and then we'll soon see how we handle things and what happens with the players. If we think too far ahead it will be very difficult”, he added.

Amorim also spoke about the draw for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, which will pit his side against Atalanta BC.

“It was a draw in which there would always be a strong team against us. We already know Atalanta BC, Atalanta BC also know us, but we have grown in this period and so have they. I think the number of games we have at the moment will have an impact. They are a very strong team physically, so we have to manage things well to be able to match their intensity. The good thing is that the analysis department were extremely happy because they barely have time to watch the teams. As soon as Atalanta BC's name was drawn, they were the only ones who shouted loudly -because it makes the job a lot easier”.

The squad work with the league in mind

The team play Rio Ave FC in a Sunday fixture in Liga Portugal.

The coach comments on the Europa League progress

Rúben Amorim talked after Sporting CP moved on to the Round of 16 of the Europa League, expressing that his team deserved to have translated their superiority against BSC Young Boys into a second victory in the playoff tie.

In the second leg Sporting CP created more than enough opportunities to win, but the opposition goalkeeper had an excellent second half, even denying Viktor Gyökeres from the penalty spot.

“I'm not worried about the players missing, because we haven't missed a lot. Sometimes it's a half, or a goal we've lacked, but there are days like that. We do have to have a feeling of frustration because we should have won this game, we should have had another victory in Europe, which I think is always important. It didn't happen, but I don't have much to reproach the players for, as there was no drop in opportunities, there was no drop in our level of performance or intensity. I really think we should have another victory in Europe. It didn't happen, but we demonstrated in both legs that we were the better side and I think that became even clearer in this second game”, the coach Leonino began by saying, stressing: “We won 2-1 against Raków, but we didn't have the feeling that we played very well in that game. This time, we played very well and created a lot of opportunities. We were superior, we went through, and the only point of frustration that exists is because we didn't win and we should have won”.

The next European opponents will be revealed this Friday in the Round of 16 draw, but Sporting CP are already looking to the domestic league and Amorim is not worried about anything else.

“I have no preference for the draw because, honestly, we are only focused on Rio Ave FC. We cannot drop points. In the Europa League you need to be lucky -and when I say lucky, it's not just in terms of the opponents, it's the games themselves, not having injuries so you can rotate and be prepared for anything. The opposition is indifferent at the moment. Of course there are teams that are more difficult to beat, but I’m only thinking about Rio Ave”.

Amorim also spoke of the support for Gyökeres, who had the Sportinguistas chant his name even louder after he missed the penalty.

“This is also an excellent sign. It’s because they like him a lot and because they see the team pushing to be superior to the opposition, and they want to give the player strength. I've already said it: You can feel the connection between the fans and the players”.

Sporting CP draw 1-1 with BSC Young Boys, advancing on aggregate

Sporting Clube de Portugal booked a place in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, thanks to a 1-1 draw in their playoff with BSC Young Boys at the Estádio José Alvalade. The 1-3 first leg result in Switzerland the previous week was enough to give an aggregate advantage to Os Leões.

Coach Rúben Amorim made adjustments to a starting XI consisting of Antonio Adán, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio, Morten Hjulmand, Daniel Bragança, Matheus Reis, Marcus Edwards, Viktor Gyökeres and Francisco Trincão.

Ahead of the game, Ousmane Diomande's success with the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations was recognised, and there was a minute's silence held in honour of Artur Jorge, a former club and national team coach who passed away this Thursday.

Just like they had in Switzerland, Sporting CP started the match well, imposing their will from the opening minutes and scoring even earlier - after 13 minutes. Viktor Gyökeres received the ball from Francisco Trincão with his back to goal, spun, took the central defenders out of the equation and shot past goalkeeper David von Ballmoos, thus putting Sporting CP in front and increasing the difficulty for their opponents.

Always dangerous, Gyökeres received deliveries both from the right and the left wings, with the opportunity to score twice immediately following his goal.

BSC Young Boys defended resolutely and had a few approaches on the Sporting CP area, but Antonio Adán had a relatively calm first half.

Meanwhile, at the other end, the threat of another goal was always present, with Daniel Bragança trying to make it 2-0, twice, with shots off target.

Before the halftime whistle, Marcus Edwards also had the opportunity to score, receiving from Gyökeres on the right, but miscued his attempt.

Sporting CP went into the break ahead, and Amorim made a switch for the restart, bringing on Nuno Santos and withdrawing Gonçalo Inácio.

Despite increased aggressiveness from BSC Young Boys, Sporting CP were always on top, continuing to attack. In the 56th minute, they won a penalty when Trincão was fouled in the area, but Gyökeres was unable to convert. Off the rebound, Bragança was also denied by David von Ballmoos.

After an hour of play, Amorim decided on a double substitution, introducing Pedro Gonçalves and Koba Koindredi - making his home debut - in place of Trincão and Morten Hjulmand.

Bragança found himself alone in front of goal, when the defence was more concerned with Marcus Edwards, but Von Ballmoos again denied him -this time with an almost accidental save with his leg.

Serving up a scare, in the 66th minute the visitors had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Sporting CP responded with a couple more opportunities, Gyökeres being thwarted by Von Ballmoos again, although it would be BSC Young Boys who struck next: Edwards handled the ball inside the box and, from the 11-metre mark, Silvère Ganvoula converted the penalty to make it 1-1.

Iván Fresneda came on to replace Ricardo Esgaio late on, and both Gonçalves and Bragança had efforts to put the home team back in front, but the match ended in a draw. Sporting CP now enter into the draw for the Round of 16 of the European competition.

The team travel to Vila do Conde this Sunday to face Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal action.

The Sporting CP coach reflects on the win over Moreirense FC

At the end of the Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-2 victory away at Moreirense FC, Rúben Amorim spoke in a press conference and began by thanking the thousands of fans who turned out for the Monday night game.

"When we arrived here, we saw the number of fans that Sporting CP bring along. We will really need them on Thursday in the Europa league and, once again, thank them very much. You can feel the atmosphere and the connection with the team in the stadium," he commented.

"We knew the game was going to be very difficult, but everyone was very competent. We scored at the beginning of the match and it gave us peace of mind. We had a very intense first half, we were very strong in reacting to losing the ball, created chances and gave almost no balls away in transition. This is very important against a team with the quality of Moreirense FC, who were always waiting on our mistakes, but we were very solid."

"This was seen in Moreirense FC's lack of opportunities. Even in our worst period of the game, we gave nothing to Moreirense FC, and we had two breaks in which we should have done better. We were always very competent and that's an excellent sign. Not only did we not concede goals, but we didn't give away any opportunities, and that is crucial to winning here," Amorim continued.

For the coach, the least positive phase was in the second half, but even then Sporting CP managed to be strong in most aspects and control play.

"We lacked some energy and that could be a consequence of the number of games we've been playing, but it's not an excuse, because in the last 20 minutes we controlled things better and had more opportunities. These are phases in the game and Moreirense FC were very smart, they deserve credit. We dropped the pace a little when we won the ball, but we were always very quick when we lost it."

After revealing that the team will have changes to the starting lineup against BSC Young Boys this Thursday, Amorim explained that such a decision is necessary if Sporting CP want to "win every game."

"The UEFA Europa League tie is not decided, then we have another difficult away trip against Rio Ave FC," he warned.

Finally, he denied any type of euphoria: "The fans can be happy, because they should celebrate every victory to the fullest, but they have to know that we are not even in first place right now. The fans should enjoy the moment, be happy for the team and the way that things at the club are healthy, but now it's 0-0 again. There's no reason for euphoria, although there's reason for confidence. We have to win the title, we don't have to be the team that scores the most goals. That becomes indifferent."

The team start the week with a 0-2 victory over Moreirense FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal kept their run of form going with a 0-2 win against Moreirense FC on Liga Portugal Matchday 22. Hidemasa Morita and Pedro Gonçalves scored the goals early in the first half, leading their side to victory in a Monday night fixture.

Thousands of Sportinguistas made the trip to the Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, for a meeting with a side who began the game in sixth place in the league table. Four changes were made to the starting lineup for Sporting CP: The return of Sebastián Coates in place of Matheus Reis and the presence of Geny Catamo, Morita and Francisco Trincão in place of Ricardo Esgaio, Daniel Bragança and Marcus Edwards. On the bench, highlights included the presence of Iván Fresneda, back from injury, and Ousmane Diomande, in his first involvement since winning the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

Debuting their new fourth kit, Sporting CP could not have started the game better. Following a corner kick from Francisco Trincão, Morita appeared at the far post to compete for the ball with Frimpong, gaining the upper hand and opening the scoring after just two minutes of play.

Both Trincão and Geny Catamo tested Kewin Silva, Moreirense FC's goalkeeper, in the following minutes, before Morita headed wide off a free kick delivered in by Pedro Gonçalves.

Goal number two arrived on 23 minutes: An excellent play by Amorim's men on the right saw Geny Catamo serving up the ball to Trincão. He provided the assist for Pedro Gonçalves in the heart of the area, and the attacker scored for the 13th time in 2023/2024 -his 8th goal in Liga Portugal action.

After half an hour of play, Viktor Gyökeres dribbled past his marker and shot, but it was deflected out for a corner. On the next move, after great confusion in the area, Nuno Santos appeared with a strong, well-placed shot, but Kewin Silva responded with a tremendous save onto the post.

The game lost some intensity in the final minutes of the first half, with Moreirense FC shooting for the first time in the 43rd minute. At the other end, Gyökeres gave Pedro Gonçalves a chance to score again, but his shot was blocked.

At half-time, a 0-2 lead did not show the entirety of Sporting CP's dominance, with 10 shots and 73% possession.

As in the first half, Sporting CP started the second stanza by putting a ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out because Trincão was offside from the initial shot by Gonçalves.

Shortly afterwards, off a well-worked attack, the ball went from left to right and Geny Catamo shot powerfully, but slightly over the crossbar.

Moreirense FC improved in the second 45 minutes, appearing much closer to their usual level of performance and reducing the control from Sporting CP. Nevertheless, opportunities near to Antonio Adán's goal continued to be very scarce. Madson Monteiro, on one of the home team's rare shots, missed the target from long distance in the 65th minute.

Shots from Morten Hjulmand and Gyökeres followed, both efforts going high, then Amorim made the first change in the 82nd minute: Matheus Reis replaced Nuno Santos. In the 89th minute, it was Hidemasa Morita and Pedro Gonçalves who were withdrawn to introduce Daniel Bragança and Marcus Edwards.

There was still time in the third minute of stoppage time, for Gyökeres to isolate Trincão, but Kewin Silva pushed the ball out for the corner, whilst Moreirense FC were denied a consolation goal as Maracás headed wide before the final whistle.

Sporting CP will now host Swiss side BSC Young Boys on Thursday, in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 play-off.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 89'), Nuno Santos (Matheus Reis, 82'), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Marcus Edwards, 89') e Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach talks previews the game against Moreirense FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play on Monday away at Moreirense FC, on Matchday 22 in Liga Portugal. Previewing the match, coach Rúben Amorim said he expects a difficult game and warned about the quality of the opposition.

“It will be a completely different game to the one we had in the Europa League last week. Moreirense FC have no responsibility to do so, but they will want to win the game. We have looked at all of Moreirense FC's home games, on a slightly smaller pitch -mainly in terms of width- and this changes the set pieces, the throw-ins into the box and the way they approach the game. Therefore, the precautions we have to take are to press a lot without the ball. We have also prepared very well for the transitions, which is something which they are very good at. We have prepared all the nuances and we have told the players that the championship is made up of different moments, different feelings, and that everything doesn't always go well the first time around. We don't always control the opposition from the beginning. Therefore, we have to deal with every moment of the game and the season well, knowing that nothing is eternal,” he began by saying.

“We are prepared for a difficult game and also for the mountain that we have to climb from here until the end of the season. I foresee a very difficult game against opponents with a lot of quality."

For this game, the coach revealed that youngster Rafael Nel, who debuted for the senior side last week, would not be travelling, as “we felt it was important, this weekend, for him to stay with the B team, and that Jeremiah St. Juste “still needs to train more”, but stated that Ousmane Diomande will be with the squad.

As for the support from the fans, Amorim explained that he thinks Sportinguistas are pleased with what is being done across the club.

“Above all, I see the fans as more confident in the club itself. They see that there is a path to follow and, obviously, setbacks like what happened last year can happen, but I think the support is more global and not localised in the first team. The club itself is doing better.”

“Then, of course, they also see the team's results, the way the players fight, how they score goals. They see that there are very talented players and this helps to create a positive wave in the team. There is a long way to go and we need our fans. Selling out tickets is very important for us because I feel that there is an increasing connection between the players and the fans," said the coach.

“This is a good moment the team are going through, which gives confidence, but a result changes everything.".