Sporting CP strike in stoppage time to stay top of the table

Two late goals earned Sporting Clube de Portugal a 2-1 turnaround against Gil Vicente FC, on the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season. Maxi Araújo and Eduardo Quaresma were the scorers for a Sporting CP side who remain in the driving seat in the standings, heading into next weekend's huge derby against SL Benfica.

To face a Gil Vicente FC in 14th place and coming off two wins – and needing just one point to mathematically guarantee their survival, Rui Borges made just two changes to his starting XI. Jeremiah St. Juste came into the centre of the defensive trio, replacing the suspended Ousmane Diomande, and Hidemasa Morita started for the first time since March 15th, in place of Morten Hjulmand.

Before the game, there was a minute's silence in memory of José Carlos, a former captain of Sporting CP who was also one of the 'Heroes of 1964.'

The first chance came almost immediately, as Francisco Trincão shot went slightly wide. Sporting CP continually entered the Gil Vicente area successively, but without the required accuracy to open the scoring.

At the other end, the visitors made a transition, for the first time, after the quarter hour. Zeno Debast had to make a sliding tackle to prevent the danger in the area.

Sporting CP went behind in the 25th minute, as a penalty was called against St. Juste. The club's former academy player, Félix Correia, converted the spot kick to make it 0-1.

Despite their constant efforts to equalise, Sporting CP continued to lack the final ball to provide the breakthrough, and went into halftime trailing.

In the second period, Pedro Gonçalves opened up the chances with a strike still narrowly wide of the post. With the game becoming increasingly tense and with no changes on the scoreboard, after the hour mark, Rui Borges took a risk and made three substitutions at once, bringing on Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder for St. Juste, Morita and ‘Pote’.

Increasingly, Sporting CP were camped out in the opponent's half, and often in the Gil Vicente area, but neither the numerous crosses nor the many attempted combinations reached their intended recipient.

However, their persistence would bear fruit in the 81st minute, when they finally found an equaliser. A blocked shot by Harder fell to Maxi Araújo in the area, and the Uruguayan fired home as the packed stands at Alvalade erupted.

Sporting CP went all out, and first of all had Trincão denied a great goal when his shot hit the post.

The game moved into stoppage time, and finally the turnaround was compleded by Eduardo Quaresma. Following a corner, the ball ended up on the edge of the area, where he took a perfect shot that left goalkeeper Andrew Ventura rooted to the spot.

A hard fought 2-1 win made it 15 consecutive games unbeaten, heading into the most anticipated and decisive derby in living memory.

At the Estádio da Luz on Saturday (6pm), the game away to Benfica could see either side clinch the title. Sporting CP would win the league in the event of victory in the derby, whilst a draw would keep them in first place, despite the equal points – as a result of the 1-0 victory in the first encounter this season.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Jeremiah St. Juste (Morten Hjulmand, 63’), Gonçalo Inácio [C], Geny Catamo (Biel Teixeira, 83’), Zeno Debast, Hidemasa Morita (Geovany Quenda, 63’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão (Matheus Reis, 90+5’), Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 63’) and Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting CP host Gil Vicente FC on Sunday (8:30pm)

Back at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal face Gil Vicente FC this Sunday in the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to look at the vital game for the team's title challenge.

Focusing exclusively on Gil Vicente FC
“We always look only at the next game. There’s no point in looking to the future or the past. We’re focusing on Gil Vicente FC, a team who have won their last two games without conceding a goal, are motivated and have almost guaranteed their place in the top flight for next season. They’re coming into the game calm, scoring more goals away from home and haven’t lost in their last three road games. We have to be alert, serious and focused, which is what we’ve been doing in the last few games. We’ve grown at every level and now we want to keep that up -and always demand a little more.”

Morten Hjulmand being one yellow card away from a suspension
“Morten and Matheus [Reis] have been talked about a lot during this week, because they will be ‘in the running’ for the derby and are called up for this game. That’s all I can say. They are in the squad and available. I’m not going to say which team I will field, because I’ve never said that. It’s a decision that’s up to us, as a coaching staff. We’re going to try to compete and win the game, regardless of who plays. We’re talking about Sporting CP players, who are aware of what they can and cannot do and who they are.”

A draw guaranteeing Gil Vicente FC's survival
“Above all, I believe that Gil Vicente FC will come here to play the game calmly. Their coach [César Peixoto] has said several times that he likes attractive football, so they are a team who like to play and have the ball. They are certain to stay up. They need a point to achieve that mathematically, but they have practically achieved it already. I think they are a team that come into this one without that pressure and we have to look at what Gil Vicente FC have been like before. Defensively they have been more cohesive and we have to find a way to overcome that barrier, regardless of whether it is a medium, low or high block.

Not yet looking to the derby
“In the coach’s mind, there’s only Gil Vicente FC, and in the players’ minds I believe that is the case as weel. That’s the response they’ve given. It’s all up to us, and the most important game is the one against Gil Vicente FC. If we’re focused on the future, it’s going to cost us dearly. At the moment, every game is decisive.”

Possible options for the game
“I will think about tomorrow’s game and, above all, about the confidence I have in the group. There are players who are returning, like Morita and ‘Pote’, who are important and are only getting better at the moment. They are players I trust and who we also need. Of course, we look at everything and it is important to look at all the factors that exist in a game. There is internal communication and we will make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I'm completely calm, because we will play with 11 players. Back in the first game we played in Barcelos, we had Zeno [Debast] and [Alexandre] Brito in midfield and we won.

The importance of goal difference in a possible title tiebreaker
“It could be decisive, but in my mind it’s about winning, because that way we won’t need the goal difference. It would only depend on us.”

The “good energy” at the club
“The team are focused, are thinking about Gil Vicente FC, are motivated and have great energy. This is felt in the game, along with the energy that our fans have given us. I never tire of saying that they have been fantastic. Tomorrow, Alvalade will be sold out and I hope that the support will be the same as it has been up to now.”

The coach expresses his thoughts on the 0-5 win

At the end of the impressive 0-5 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal away to Boavista FC, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to answer questions from journalists.

The fans at Bessa
"It wasn't just here. It started yesterday when we left Alvalade, when we arrived at the hotel, when we left the hotel and when we arrived at Bessa. The task becomes easier when we are surrounded by people who believe in us. It makes the atmosphere different and leads to challenges becoming achievements. They have made us feel that they believe in us, like we believe in ourselves. With that confidence, everything is different, and you can see it on the pitch. There are no words to describe what the fans have given us. I have no doubt that they will continue to give that to us."

Ousmane Diomande's yellow card
"It happens in games. I'm thinking about Gil Vicente FC, so it's not worth thinking any further ahead. We have to be completely committed and focused on the next game."

Viktor Gyökeres
"He's a competitive animal -in a good way. He gives a lot to the team, not just his goals. He is committed to defensive tasks and reactions, which makes me happy. He knows he gives a lot to the team, but he also knows what the team give him to be successful in scoring goals."

A perfect night
"It was a perfect night because of the fans, who were fantastic. It's impossible not to get goosebumps. I believe the players felt it as much as -or more than- I did. The night was perfect in that sense. In terms of the game, the team have been growing and becoming more consistent. They understand better when we have to step up or not. It was a very good night all around."

Pedro Gonçalves
"The way we handle him is down to Pedro and what we feel. He was out for five months, not one. He didn't have a whole week to recover from the 45 minutes he played in Paços de Ferreira. We have to be careful with the physical side of things. We want him with us and we don't want to lose him for any other reason. He is aware of the demands and the time he can give us. He is honest and understands his body, which means a lot."

The team win 0-5 against Boavista in Liga Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal's visit to Boavista FC ended in a 0-5 victory on Matchday 31 of the Liga Portugal season. Viktor Gyökeres scored four times, with Maxi Araújo adding another, as the team claimed another comprehensive win.

Coach Rui Borges made three changes to the starting lineup, with Eduardo Quaresma, Geny Catamo and Maxi Araújo coming in to replace Jeremiah St Juste, Iván Fresneda and Matheus Reis. On the bench, Hidemasa Morita was back after more than a month out through injury.

After observing a minute's silence in memory of Pope Francis, the travelling mass of Sporting CP fans made plenty of noise throughout the game.

The team created the first dangerous move after just two minutes, when Francisco Trincão's shot was met by a good save from Tomáš Vaclík.

It didn't take long for the scoring to be opened, however: After just six minutes, Maxi Araújo regained possession and worked his way down the left, before assisting for Gyökeres in the penalty area to make it 0-1.

Boavista FC responded through Reisinho, who headed against the crossbar, but it was Sporting CP who continued to threaten. Gyökeres forced Tomáš Vaclík to work again, and the goalkeeper made another intervention in the 16th minute, this time fromTrincão.

A Gyökeres free kick and a chance for Pedro Gonçalves both went wide, and on 33 minutes Trincão crossed for the former to head slightly off target.

Sporting CP's momentum dropped a little towards the final minutes of the first half, although they were still in control of the game, and their second goal arrived in stoppage time.

Morten Hjulmand recovered the ball and passed it to Trincão, who picked out Gyökeres on the run. The striker smashed the ball hard into the back of the net for his 50th goal for the club in 2024/25.

For the second half, Geovany Quenda replaced Gonçalves and reached 50 games for the main team, becoming the youngest player of all time to achieve the milestone. The 17-year-old started well and had a shot in the 48th minute, but Vaclík saved.

Two minutes later, it was 0-3, again from Gyökeres: Another great collective play and another assist from Trincão saw the striker appearing on the right and shooting between the goalkeeper's legs for the hat-trick.

Sporting CP were unstoppable and made it 0-4 just seven minutes later, when Gyökeres was sent through at pace. When Vaclík saved his shot, Maxi Araújo fired in the rebound.

Boavista FC managed little more than a header from Róbert Boženík that went wide, and the game took on a much slower pace with Sporting CP's significant advantage.

Ousmane Diomande shot wide, Geny Catamo gave Vaclík more work and, in the 68th minute, Rui Borges brought on Hidemasa Morita and Matheus Reis in place of Morten Hjulmand and Maxi Araújo. The Japanese midfielder was involved straight away with a great pass to Gyökeres, but this time it was the goalkeeper who got the better of the striker.

Before the end, late substitute Conrad Harder set up Gyökeres, who grabbed his fourth goal of the game and 38th in Liga Portugal to cap the contest.

A 0-5 win keeps Sporting CP in a strong position at the top of the table, and their next game will be against Gil Vicente FC at 8:30 pm on Sunday, May 4th, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande (Jeremiah St. Juste, 90'), Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo (Conrad Harder, 77'), Morten Hjulmand [C] (Hidemasa Morita, 68'), Zeno Debast, Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 68'), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 45') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach talks before the away trip to play Boavista FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play this Sunday at 8:30 pm, in an away fixture against Boavista FC in Liga Portugal.
Ahead of the match, Rui Borges spoke about what he expects from a game at a ground known for its atmosphere.

Boavista FC
“Boavista FC are looking to stay in the top flight, so they will give it their all at home, in front of their fans, and Bessa is also renowned for its atmosphere. They are a very competitive team, who brought in 12 new players in the winter transfer window, some of whom are big names in Europe. They are coming into the game in high spirits after a win away, in which they were the better side, against SC Farense, and will try their best to take points from Sporting CP. We have to understand that it will be a tough game, very competitive, and so we have to start strong, as we have been doing, so that Boavista FC can feel that we want to win. That is what we want to do to continue on course until the end of the season.”

Boavista FC 'parking the bus' to stop Viktor Gyökeres
“Viktor is immune to that. He is a competitive animal regardless of the opponent. He is very focused on the team, on what he has to do for the team. Also, the team are focused on what they have to do to enhance his value. We expect a competitive Boavista FC, which is how they have performed at home, regardless of what the coach said about parking the bus. That's normal; they are in survival mode, it is difficult to stay up, they have little margin for error and they will cling on in their attempt to get points. We have to be focused on the strategy and on what we can achieve in the future. We only have one game from their new coach to analyse, which makes everything more difficult, but we are very focused on what we have to do and we have to be able to overcome teams who use a low block."

The expected 12,000 Sporting CP fans at Bessa
“It’s something we’ve gotten used to since we arrived. They always make us feel like we’re playing at home, even though we’re away from Alvalade. Their support has been incredible, I’ve said that before, and it’s growing more and more. It’s natural, and we as a team always try to give something extra. The fans are behind us, they believe in us and I’m happy that this can happen. It’s another motivational factor for the team.”

Ousmane Diomande and Matheus Reis being at risk of suspension
“They are not injured, so I don’t need to do any management with them. We have the squad to respond with those who are available. If they have to play, then they will play. If they don’t have to play, then they won’t play. It’s that simple.”

Hidemasa Morita
“He is called up for the game”.

Pedro Gonçalves
“He had more minutes in the last game and I really believe in him, regardless of how much he plays. He will be very important for the team in this final stretch, whether he plays 45 or 90 minutes. We have to understand his physical condition and his confidence. He’s coming off a long time out, he needs confidence and we have to understand his day-to-day routine. I’m not worried about what might happen next, but I’m concerned about tomorrow’s game.”

The title fight and the Taça de Portugal
“When you’re at a big club, you want to be in finals. The mini-objective has been achieved, which was to fight for the title and to be in the finals. We weren’t lucky in the Taça da Liga and we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal. We have to be competent, to be better than the others -in this case SL Benfica. We just have to work hard and do everything we can to win trophies, which is what we dream of doing. I think that over time the team have grown, and the energy is very evident on and off the pitch every day.

Words of praise from Frederico Varandas
“The president’s speech was motivational for the group and in line with my argument, that the team have made an incredible journey through everything, and that we shouldn’t play the victim. We are alive on all fronts, which is what this club want. The speech went down well with everyone and I already knew he was going to do this. The president is at training every day, he communicates a lot with us and we talk a lot about our focus for the rest of the season. We have to be able to win the trophies, and that is our daily focus."

The coach looks back at Sporting CP's Taça de Portugal semifinal triumph

Following his side's securing of their place in the final of the Taça de Portugal, with victory over Rio Ave FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges talked in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“Above all, I’m happy with the team and the ability we had to be serious right from the start of the game. We wanted to score a goal early on to stop our opponents from gaining confidence. We got it and pressed hard until the 25th or 30th minute. After that, the game balanced out a bit, but without Rio Ave FC creating any major danger. In the second half, we asked the players for a strong start again, and we managed to do so, making it 0-2 and then trying to manage some players' minutes. The team mentally went into management mode and we let Rio Ave FC believe a little for a few minutes. The game was evenly matched until the end, and we could still have scored one or two more, but I’m happy with what the team produced today.”

Reaching the final of the Portuguese Cup
“It’s a dream come true to be able to reach a final at Jamor. I’m happy to have achieved this and now we really want to win and get this trophy for the club. This group really deserve it.”

Pedro Gonçalves' return to the starting line-up and Biel's minutes
“It was important to give Pote playing time, because he needs minutes and confidence. Given how good he is, we have great faith in what he can do for us in this final stretch. We have also noticed that he lacks some confidence, but we can see his intelligence and what he can give to the team.

Biel has been training very well, he has grown a lot, although he hasn’t had many opportunities. Today he came on and he did very well. He is a player who has refined decision-making, but he plays in a position where we have several other important players: Geny, Quenda, Trincão, Pote... It’s a question of the coach's choice, but he has responded very well.”

Ricardo Esgaio's use as a midfielder
“I put him there because he deserves it and he works hard. I did it for everything he is capable of giving in training, for the response he gives us, for what he means to the group, because he is one of the most competitive players we have. He deserves the minutes.”

The first game Quenda didn't play this season
“It's important to rest everyone, when possible."

The impact of the win for the final stretch
“The group wanted to win. It’s an incredible group and if it weren’t like that, we wouldn’t be in the final of the cup. We got to the final of the Taça da Liga, we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal, which could also give us a place in the Supertaça, and we’re in first place in the final stretch of the Liga Portugal season. With everything the group have been through, they’ve been incredible. Only a great group would be able to be in all the finals possible.”

A 1-4 aggregate win over Rio Ave FC takes the team to Jamor

Sporting Clube de Portugal secured their place in the Taça de Portugal final with a 1-2 win over Rio Ave FC in the second leg of the semifinals. They progressed 1-4 on aggregate and will now play against either SL Benfica or FC Tirsense on May 25th.

Having already won 2-0 at Alvalade, Sporting CP came to Paços de Ferreira looking to extend their advantage and make it to Jamor for the second consecutive season.

To face Rio Ave FC at their ‘borrowed home’ of the Estádio Capital do Móvel – due to the damage caused by the ‘Martinho depression’ at the Estádio dos Arcos – Rui Borges opted for four changes to his starting lineup. Pedro Gonçalves enjoyed a first starting role since his five months injury absence, and Jeremiah St. Juste, Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda also came in. Furthermore, after serving a suspension, Conrad Harder was back available and started on the bench.

Rio Ave FC kept the ball at the beginning of the game and even had a first chance through Clayton, saved by Rui Silva.

For Sporting CP, a shot across from Matheus Reis forced goalkeeper Cesary Miszta to go to the ground to save. Miszta also got the better of a one-on-one with Viktor Gyökeres.

However, in the 11th minute, Gonçalo Inácio struck with a close-range header from a corner by Zeno Debast, flicked on at the near post by Gyökeres.

Controlling the play, Sporting CP were linking up well and finding ways out from the back to attack, but whilst they continued to get into the opponent's area, they struggled to finish. ‘Pote’ saw a shot blocked and Gyökeres headed the ball over the bar.

Rio Ave FC tried to open play up after the half-hour. A move that started with Clayton in an offside position – which was later flagged – forced Rui Silva to block from André Luiz, who shot wide after a clearance in the area from another opportunity.

At half-time, Geny Catamo was brought on to replace Pedro Gonçalves. He had practically an immediate impact, as the score was increased to 0-2 after 50 minutes. After having already tried his luck once, on the second attempt Miszta had to stretch to prevent the Mozambican from scoring. As he spilled the ball, the opening allowed Gyökeres to convert the rebound for his 48th goal of the season -his fourth in this Taça de Portugal.

Ricardo Esgaio was immediately introduced to take Debast's place in midfield. Harder and Biel Teixeira also came on, in the 67th minute, for Francisco Trincão and Gyökeres.

A powerful shot from the home team's Ole Pohlmann struck the upright and served as a warning to Sporting CP. Practically immediately after, the confirmation came. A quick move put through André Luiz to make it 1-2.

Although Rio Ave FC grew in confidence, Sporting CP got back in control shortly afterwards, with a dangerous run into the area by Fresneda which was only stopped by Miszta. He also denied Harder from a one-on-one, quickly diving at his feet.

In a last-ditch effort, the home team had a shot from outside the area saved by Rui Silva, but there would be no comeback. Sporting CP booked their place in the final, where they will look for their 18th Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Jeremiah St. Juste (Maxi Araújo, 83’), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Ricardo Esgaio, 53’), Francisco Trincão (Biel Teixeira, 67’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geny Catamo, 46’), Viktor Gyökeres (Conrad Harder, 67’)

The coach looks ahead to the semifinal second leg

Sporting CP coach Rui Borges previewed the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semifinal, in which his side play away from home against Rio Ave FC, in his Monday press conference.

The match against Rio Ave FC
"I expect a tough game. Regardless of whether we are ahead on aggregate, we are at 'half-time' in the tie and 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline in football. I believe that Rio Ave FC will try to come out strong to fight for a place in the final. It's up to us to come out with the same rigour, ambition and intensity that we have had, to not let our opponents believe they have a chance. We want to wrap up the tie as soon as possible and we want to be in the Taça de Portugal final."

Managing the aggregate advantage
"It would be a mistake for us to go into the game with expectations. 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline in football, as I said. We want us to be the Sporting CP that we have always been. We could have scored more goals at home and we will try to be the same team that we were in the first 25 minutes of that game.

Despite playing at a home ground that isn't theirs, Rio Ave FC will rely on the strength of their fans and it will be a difficult game, where the other team will always believe, because everyone wants to be in the final of the Taça de Portugal. I also speak for myself, as I have never been in one and it is a dream of mine. We're going in wanting to resolve the tie quickly, be competent and, above all, win."

The debate over where the final will be held
"I quite honestly understand both sides of the issue. I've been to the Estádio do Jamor and it can indeed be more difficult to control some security issues. But the magic of the final is very much in the stadium and I don't see myself competing outside of Jamor. The dream of being present in this final exists largely due to the atmosphere there.

Therefore, it is logical that I believe that, despite the problems, the final can be played at Jamor, even if it is effectively played between Sporting CP and SL Benfica."

Sporting CP's strengths in the final stretch of the season
"Above all, Sporting CP have been a very competent and competitive team. We have grown little by little, even without having had a lot of time for training. We have had patience and brought back players – for example Pedro Gonçalves and Morten [Hjulmand], who is finally recovering from some complaints that arose after the international games.

We have been growing in confidence and intensity levels, so we'll focus on what we control, which is our games. If we are competent until the end, we will be what we want to be."

The fight for the title
"Sporting CP are strong and in first place. The players speak for me, in our games: The team look very confident. I look at all of them a lot – I'm very observant – and I've always felt the team are confident and calm.

Since I arrived here I've never seen the team with a sad or doubtful expression on their faces. That's what I asked of them: they are the reigning champions and they have to believe. They are the best, they have been the best, and it is up to us to achieve our goals.

We must maintain this tranquility and, above all, rigour. In this final stretch, everything counts and they have this focus: Rest, hydration and food."

The return of Hidemasa Morita
"Morita is not ready to play yet, but I believe that against Boavista FC he will be there to help us for at least a few minutes."

Viktor Gyokëres' fight to win the Ballon d'Or
"I believe he is in there, because he is very competitive. Not just in the games; in training he is exactly the same: hungry for goals.

He has improved since arriving at Sporting CP, both individually and in his link-up play. We have to take advantage of this while we can, because he has shown himself to be an above average player. He is completely focused and has the ambition to be able to help the team become champions again -and play in the final of the Taça de Portugal."

The transfer market
"I'm focused on this season for now, not next year. Alberto Costa has a contract with Juventus. I know him, he was my player before and I admire him a lot. We tried to bring him here in January and I'm not going to back away from that. You know I like him a lot, but there's no point in talking about it now."

The coach gives his assessment of the win over Moreirense FC

Rui Borges talked in the Auditorio Artur Agostinho Auditorium following Sporting CP's 3-1 win over Moreirense FC. The coach considered the victory fair, thanked the fans for their support and gave praise to Ricardo Esgaio.

THE RECEPTION AT THE STADIUM
"I want to dedicate the victory to the fans and especially to my father, who came to Alvalade for the first time. What they made us feel is indescribable, and the players gave a clear response: they felt this support, which has been incredible in every game.

In this final stretch, it's a boost for the team to come in with the atmosphere as strong as it was today. We give them a huge thank you and want them to keep believing as much as we do that we will be happy in the end. They are of great importance in our final stretch and give us desire and ambition, in addition to that which the players already have.

This energy that passed from the outside to the inside was important -and will be important on the path to the end. I believe a lot and have been very confident since the first day we arrived here that we can be champions. We have to face the remaining games with the same ambition, the same courage and the same quality that we have shown so far."

ANALYSING THE MATCH
"We controlled practically the entire 90 minutes. Moreirense FC only had two chances. We played 35 very intense minutes in the first half and didn't let the opposition get close to goal. In short, it was a very strong first half and a second half where we started well and made it 3-0. Moreirense FC believed for 5 or 10 minutes, but above all I'm happy with the team's ability.

We couldn't maintain the same intensity for 90 minutes and it's natural for the opposition to adjust one or two things in the second half. They created some doubts for us, but when we settled down we controlled the game; at a slower pace but with quality and still creating chances to finish. It was a great game from my team."

CONVERTING CHANCES
"I'm not worried about a lack of effectiveness, but this wasn't just today. If we always scored goals when we created chances, we would always win by 6 or 7 goals. Today we created a lot of chances and if in the previous game we didn't finish in the best way, today the team were able to do that.

Mistakes are part of the game. You depend a lot on inspiration and the quality of the moment. I would be upset if we didn't create or if the players hid from play and weren't there to try to finish."

STRATEGY
"It's part of our DNA to come out strong and score early, at least in most games at Alvalade. After that, it's difficult to have that intensity for 90 minutes. I'm not complaining, but having full weeks to work helps a lot to create habits. Even so, the players were incredible in delivering at all levels."

CHANGES TO THE STARTING XI
"Geovany Quenda and Iván Fresneda are different players, in different form, who offer different things against different opponents. Fresneda played a good game in the Azores. I hope we always win with whoever is on the pitch.

I'm happy with the ability they showed. Those who come into the game later always try to keep the pace high, and not let their teammates fall asleep, and above all I see them all switched on, regardless of whether they play 5 or 90 minutes."

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TEAM
"I believe we can always improve. It's not like in one or two full weeks that we're going to gain habits, but above all I they seem focused and believe in what the coaching staff tell them. They are able to listen to our message and that's very important, and you can see it on the pitch too. They believe in the ideas and there's dialogue. I really like listening to them and finding out what they feel in games and in training.

There are four difficult games left, and we want to be competent and continue growing as a team, but we will face difficulties. The other teams are becoming more and more competitive."

VIKTOR GYÖKERES
He is a top player. We know everything he is capable of and what he can give to the team. Viktor helps the team and the team help him. We know each other and we know what each other can give. He grows, and so do we all. The team is growing individually and collectively."

RICARDO ESGAIO IN THE MIDDLE
"It's nothing new for me: I know what Esgaio is capable of. I think 'fairness' is very relative, but I haven't been very fair with him. He played three very good games, the team won, but when I had more options I took him out of the team and he didn't deserve that. He trains very well, he's a very important player for the group, and he makes very good decisions, perhaps even above average. There are midfielders who don't see what he sees. It's an adaptation but in a position where he's already trained a lot. We've gained another solution."

PEDRO GONÇALVES AND HIDEMASA MORITA
"We see Pedro Gonçalves on the pitch and he is different, but we have to be a little careful because he was out for five months. If we are too hasty with him, it will end in failure. Above all, he wants to help, and that makes me happy. Little by little he will gain minutes and I believe he will help in this final stretch, whether he plays 40 or 60 minutes. He's gaining confidence too and will grow in terms of minutes.

Morita's return is coming soon - I believe he will be back for the game against Boavista FC, but I hope he's even available for the game against Rio Ave FC."

BIEL
"Biel plays in a position with players who are very good on an individual level. He trains very well and waits for his opportunities, he deserves them and it's the coach's fault for not giving them to him."

The Swede scores a hat-trick against Moreirense FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Moreirense FC 3-1 on Liga Portugal Matchday 30, keeping them top of the table with four games remaining of the season.

As requested by coach Rui Borges, the fans created a 'green wave' at the Estadio José Alvalade, including a welcome for the team bus by hundreds of fans.

Sporting CP made just one change to his starting lineup, bringing Geovany Quenda into the first XI in exchange for Iván Fresneda.

Prior to the match, a minute of applause was held in tribute to the late Aurélio Pereira.

In the next move, Geny Catamo missed the target from a similar position. Then the two combined with Catamo drawing a save from goalkeeper Kewin Silva.

The Estádio José Alvalade exploded with joy in the 12th minute with the opening goal. Captain Morten Hjulmand broke through from the right, entered the area and crossed, and when the Moreirense goalkeeper deflected the ball to Catamo, Gyökeres was on hand to finish off.

The momentum continued, with Sporting CP immediately setting out in search of the second goal. Several chances came from the left wing, with the Moreirense FC defence being torn apart from the speed of the passes and runs in their half.

Attempts by Geovany Quenda, Trincão, Gyökeres and Catamo were a prelude to the team making it 2-0 in the 25th minute. Trincão advanced several metres unchallenged, and struck against the defence. The ball fell to Gyökeres who smashed it into the back of the net with his right foot.

Upon the restart, Moreirense FC approached Rui Silva's area for the first time, with the goalkeeper claiming the ball calmly off the cross.

Not even the heavy rain that began to fall from the 38th minute onwards slowed down the impetus of Sporting CP. Five minutes before half-time, Maxi Araújo broke through on the left and crossed for Gyökeres, but Kewin got there first and denied the Leonino striker a hat-trick.

Maxi, in stoppage time, turned, round the goalkeeper and attempted a backheel, but Kewin recovered in time to deny him.

A dominant Sporting CP, who had enjoyed 70% possession, went into the break 2-0 to the good.

To start the second half, Moreirense FC appeared rejuvenated, with two changes to their lineup. In the 47th minute, away team debutant Ivo Rodrigues shot straight at Rui Silva.

It wasn't enough to scare Os Leões: in the 52nd minute, Gyökeres completed his hat-trick with an outstanding free kick. The Swedish striker delivered a piledriver into the net and scored his 90th goal for the club, in his second season in Portugal.

Four minutes later, and completely unexpectedly, Moreirense FC managed to reduce the deficit through Cédric Teguia, who appeared at the far post to convert a cross from Godfried Frimpong.

Moreirense FC were motivated by the Cameroonian's goal and were very close to making it 3-2 in the 60th minute, but Yan Maranhão's header grazed the woodwork on its way out.

On 68 minutes, another huge ovation arrived, as Pedro Gonçalves made his home return from a long-term injury.

After a lull in play, an excellent move by Catamo woke the action up, then Trincão combined with Gonçalves for a shot across, blocked by Kewin.

Borgesthen brought on Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda for the final minutes, and the Spaniard came close to scoring with a lob over Kewin, but the result remained the same.

Sporting CP took a deserved 3-1 triumph, as they continue in the driving seat in the title race.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Zeno Debast (Iván Fresneda, 84’), Viktor Gyökeres, Francisco Trincão (Ricardo Esgaio, 84’), Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 84’), Geny Catamo, Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand [C], Geovany Quenda (Pedro Gonçalves, 68’) and Eduardo Quaresma (Jeremiah St. Juste, 68’).