Sporting CP defeated GD Estoril Praia 3-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade on Friday night, on the 24th matchday of the Liga Portugal season. Luis Suárez scored twice, with the goals capped off by Daniel Bragança. The team remain second in the table, four points off the top spot.
Up against the side seventh in the division and in strong form, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges repeated the same starting XI he had used against Moreirense FC. Pedro Gonçalves, returning from suspension, was on the bench, but unavailable were Ricardo Mangas, Fotis Ioannidis, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Zeno Debast.
There was an immediate opener for the home team, coming in only the sixth minute when Francisco Trincão delivered a perfect ball to set up Luis Suárez. He burst into the box and, with one touch, converted to make it 1-0.
Soon after, Trincão again set up Suárez, who this time was denied by Joel Robles with an instinctive save. Luís Guilherme, on the rebound, shot high over the bar.
However, it didn't take long for the celebrations to continue, and Suárez was again involved: A masterful chipped pass from Morten Hjulmand set him up and after controlling the ball, he struck again for his 22nd league goal of the season.
In response, GD Estoril Praia's Ricard Sánchez managed a timid shot that Rui Silva saved.
Back at the other end, Geny Catamo almost increased the lead, but after dribbling past his opponent, he mishit poorly from inside the area. Trincão also tried his luck, but his shot went straight to Robles.
The pace of the game slowed down until halftime, and the visiting team took advantage to increase their possession. Rui Silva made a save to keep out João Carvalho's shot in the best chance for GD Estoril Praia.
In the opening moments of the second half, Suárez issued another warning, this time from outside the area, which Joel Robles found tricky to deal with.
With Sporting faltering in their link-up play, the team from Linha, who arrived at Alvalade with the fourth-best attack in the league (ahead of FC Porto), stole the ball more frequently and quickly launched attacks -as evidenced by a wayward shot from Pedro Carvalho.
Borges made a change in the 70th minute, bringing on João Simões and Souleymane Faye, The latter made an initial run almost immediately, but his shot was too tame to cause problems. Shortly after, Maxi Araújo had a defender clear his effort off the line for a corner.
The substitutions did Sporting CP good, as they regained their composure. Georgios Vagiannidis, Daniel Bragança, and Nuno Santos – making his league debut for the season – came on. Vagiannidis collected a ball in the area and shot straight at Joel Robles, in one of the better chances of the half.
A duo returning after long struggles with injury combined to kill the game off: Nuno Santos, on the left, launched a through ball into the area for Bragança, and he turned to shake off his marker before finishing underneath the Estoril goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
It was a tenth consecutive game without defeat (9 wins, 1 draw), and increased Sporting CP's number of consecutive wins at Alvalade under Rui Borges to 14. The team now host FC Porto on Tuesday (8:45 pm) in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals.
The Sporting CP coach looks at Friday night's contest
Sporting Clube de Portugal host GD Estoril-Praia on Friday in Liga Portugal, and coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his pre-match press conference.
The fixture against GD Estoril Praia
"I think it's going to be one of the most difficult games we'll have this season. We're playing against a good team, a side who are very dynamic in their offensive processes. They have some things that are similar to us in terms of its idea, with a lot of positional variability. They like to have the ball, to be very dynamic, with good players in terms of decision-making, especially in their offensive actions.
At times they have some imbalances, but I believe this will expose us to different problems than the ones we have faced before, because they have very specific dynamics and are difficult to stop at times."
Possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16
"Quite honestly, I don't look at the two teams thinking which would be the best for us to play. Above all, I'm happy that we went directly into the Round of 16, which took away some of the burden on our fixture list. We’re able to enjoy this competition to the fullest, regardless of the opposition. We will be motivated and ambitious to be able to continue the fantastic journey that this season's Champions League has been."
A possible contract renewal
"I have a contract until 2027. I am focused solely on my work this season, on the fight for the title and on continuing to contribute to the history of Sporting CP in the competitions in which we are involved."
A demanding schedule and squad management
"It's important to have all the players available so that we can rotate at times, even during the game, and maintain our high level. I don't know if it's the most important phase of the season. It's natural to say or think that, because we have league games, we have games in the Taça de Portugal, and we have games in the Champions League. In the cup, it defines whether we go to the final or not; in the Champions League, it defines whether we get to the quarter-finals or not.
Therefore, it is an important phase for the competitions in which we are involved. There will be very competitive games, very demanding, very close, but they are also games that, in terms of motivation, the team will be super switched on and motivated to face. It’s important to have everyone available to make the team stronger."
FC Porto
"I'm focused on GD Estoril Praia. I haven't even talked about the game against FC Porto with anyone, much less with the players. I think this game is one of the most difficult, due to the quality of the team and the competence of the opposing coach, who has done a great job leading GD Estoril Praia in these two seasons.
We have to see it as the most difficult game we will have now. There's not even a chance to think about the next game. Our focus is the league. We know we are playing catch-up, because we are in second place. We want to be first and, to be first, we have to do our part. That means winning, against a good side who will create many difficulties for us in the game."
What to expect from GD Estoril Praia
"I expect GD Estoril Praia to be ambitious and press, which is what they’ve done not only with Sporting CP, but with all the opponents they have come up against. From the first meeting to the second they have changed their initial system a little, maintaining some dynamics in their positioning.
Now they have a lot of positional variability and rotation during the game. They will force us to think and even focus in different ways, especially in our defensive organisation. Their players, from midfield to further forward, have a lot of quality in their decision-making.."
Zeno Debast
"Debast is back training. He's not going to be in the squad, because he only returned a few days ago to training at 100% with the team, but he's ready to help from now on. Simply put, when he returned, he wasn't 100% and we will make decisions based on when he feels comfortable or not. He still felt some discomfort and we chose to slow down."
Player availability and offensive options
" Giorgi [Kochorashvili] is out and [Ricardo] Mangas is too. He felt a little discomfort in the last few days and is out of the game. Fotis [Ioannidis] is a doubt. His return is identical to Zeno’s in the sense that it's a very specific injury and, sometimes, there are small discomforts there that cause him to take a step back in terms of getting back to 100%.
Nuno Santos is fine. The only problem with Nuno is he has been out for so long, is that it will naturally take him some time to be at his best. The decision making is there, the quality is there, but then the physical and fitness part is missing. Time and training will give him that and, fortunately, he is feeling better and better, he is training well, so he is available to play.
In terms of Pedro Gonçalves, we have already played great games with Pote and now we had a good game without Pote. Above all, there are different players who have played in that position. More recently Luís Guilherme played, and Trincão has also played there. They are players who give us different things, but they are all important in the team's dynamics, either playing from the start or coming off the bench.
Luís Guilherme has an over 70% completion rate passing and dribbling. Pote is the player who shoots the most and second for creating the most chances. Therefore, they are different players, but I have no doubt that they are important in the team's dynamics, regardless of whether they are starters or not. Most of all, I'm happy to have more solutions available."
Luís Guilherme
"It's difficult to say whether Luís Guilherme performs better on the left or on the right. He has been playing more on the left and it is natural that he performs better on the left. Above all, he is a player who gives us quality on both sides. It was something that we had already identified and knew it could give to us. He is growing up, he is very focused and is understanding more and more quickly the dynamics of Sporting CP. He is a player who I have no doubt will be very important in the future at Sporting CP and will have a bright future, due to his quality and, above all, his intellectual capacity.”
Weeks without European games
"This time was important for us, allowing us to train a little more. Normally we don't train as such, we just rest and recover. When we have a lot of games it's “play, recover, play, recover.” These weeks gave us a little more training stimulus, intensifying some dynamics, because I really believe that repetition and day-to-day life help to internalise individual and collective behaviours. We took the opportunity to work on some defensive and offensive aspects that we haven't had the opportunity to work when there is an abundance of games. It helped stimulate some things within our idea of the game, without straying from who we are."
Racism in football
"Racism is a problem in society, not just in football. We all have to be aware of this and do better. Fortunately, I am a father, and within what is possible in terms of education, in the growth of our children and grandchildren, we have to make the world and society evolve in this direction. I think it was Pep Guardiola who spoke about teachers too, and nowadays teenagers and children are taught at school, but I think we parents have this obligation to demonstrate that we are all equal and, little by little, evolve over time and with the growth of generations -so that there is less and less racism."
The coach thanks the fans for their presence in Moreira de Cónegos
In a press conference after the 0-3 win over Moreirense FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the victory in Moreira de Cónegos (0-3).
Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult playing surface, a bit soft, but the team didn't back down from the beginning to the end of the game. We wanted to show quality against a good team – a team that, if given space and time, would gain confidence playing at home – and we didn't stray from our game plan.
The support of our fans was very important: they made us feel as if we were at home, I only saw Sporting CP fans everywhere in the stands, and it was very important for the team to feel this ambition from the fans, which carries over to the team. We've had this ambition regardless of the scoreline. We could have done more, as Moreirense FC only had two chances after we made it 0-2, but the story from beginning to end of the game was that Sporting CP, thanks to our own merit and the winning mentality that the players showed today, dominated."
The trickiness of the game
"It was a difficult game; it was 0-0 at halftime. We controlled the contesr, we didn't let Moreirense FC get close to our goal, and they only had one free kick of any danger near the end of the first half. We controlled possession, but increasingly all of the teams defend well; they want points. In the second half we came back out strong, looking for goal more, and were more dynamic. The game unfolded as it did, but we earned the win. The victory is beyond dispute; the team didn't hide and the energy was always high. We never let up, against great opponents, at a difficult ground for us to visit in recent years.
We made the game easy because of our ambition and quality. Above all, I'm happy to see the team, even while we are winning, not giving up, focused defensively and going on the offensive. This speaks of the family spirit and unity of this team."
A special game for Rui Borges
"For me, it's clearly very special. I will be grateful to Moreirense FC and the people in the club's structure for the rest of my life. They gave me the opportunity to reach the top flight, and we had a great season there.
I felt at home there, and because of the friendship I have with everyone that gratitude will always be present."
Pedro Gonçalves' place
"Pote is another solution and has to be prepared to play or not play, like anyone else. Within each strategy and against each opponent, we will think about what makes the most sense. Pote is a difference maker. Above all, he is a player who can decide the game at any moment. Having everyone back makes the team stronger, more alive, more demanding, because they know that anyone can play at any moment."
Fotis Ioannidis' return
"I'm very happy to see Fotis back. Very happy indeed. He, too, is special and different. In terms of character and personality, he's fantastic. He deserves to be with the group and helps the team."
His family being at the game
"I went to celebrate with my goddaughter, who brings me good luck; we always win when she's there. I went to give her a kiss. I also went to give a kiss to all my family. My father wasn't there, but I send out a kiss for him too. I think it was the first time my nephew came to a football ground to see his uncle, and it makes me happy to have my family around."
His message at halftime
"The only difference in the pressing is that Geny [Catamo] was dropping back. We had Luís Guilherme high up the pitch, and Moreirense FC were gaining superiority. We were trying to adjust, but even so, Moreirense FC couldn't link up.
We were strong and, with a medium-high block, we recovered more balls, but if we adjusted, we would be even closer to being aggressive in closing down the defence. Geny didn't need to drop back so much, because that could create a 3-on-2 advantage in an intermediate area for them, and we didn't want that to happen. Even with that small advantage, they did very little to connect, due to the team's intensity."
Speed in the channels
"We were expecting it, because it happened at Alvalade: We improved in the second half because we were more dynamic and didn't stop with the ball as much. If we gain superiority on one side, we have to insist on it. Moreirense FC were hesitant in their marking, which gave us space to make decisions, whether it was with Maxi Araújo or Luís Guilherme. Whoever wasn't on the wing had to cut inside.
We needed more players getting into the box, and [Francisco] Trincão ended up in the penalty area. They gave us space for crosses, we had to exploit that and get more players forward. At halftime I said we had to insist on that, but be quicker, because we were giving Moreirense FC time to adjust."
Sporting Clube de Portugal bested Moreirense FC 0-3 in their 23rd Liga Portugal game of the season, overcoming one of the breakout sides in division.
The team were missing Pedro Gonçalves for the game at the Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, and coach Rui Borges made two changes to the starting XI that faced FC Famalicão last time out: Luis Suárez, returning from suspension, joined the attack alongside Geny Catamo, with the Mozambican positioned on the right side.
Sporting CP quickly took control, comfortably establishing themselves in the home team's defensive midfield aeres. Using attacking play from the wings, Luís Guilherme and Geny Catamo created problems, but it was Francisco Trincão who had the first clear goalscoring opportunity. In the 8th minute, he found himself one-on-one with André Ferreira, forcing the Moreirense goalkeeper to make the first big save of the match.
Shortly after, Luís Guilherme broke down the left and tried his luck with a shot straight at the goalkeeper. In the 15th minute, Maxi Araújo found Trincão in the middle of the box. The Portuguese international's header was well-placed but lacked power.
Under considerable pressure, Moreirense FC only managed to create their first attacking move in the 22nd minute. Rui Silva, a mere spectator up until then, easily caught Rodrigo Alonso's shot.
With the clock approaching the half-hour mark, and a thin fog descending on the pitch, Sporting CP's difficulty in finding passing lanes persisted: in the 31st minute, Araújo broke through on the left and crossed for Catamo, but the home defence deflected it for a corner.
Just before halftime, Guilherme shot only slightly over the crossbar, then set up Suárez for a low strike inches wide of the post.
Following the interval, Sporting CP stepped up the pace again at the start of the second half and, in the 49th minute, came very close to opening the scoring: Hidemasa Morita found Guilherme on the left, the Brazilian combined with Trincão, and the Portuguese crossed into the six-yard box. André Ferreira couldn't meet the ball, but nor could any of the Sporting CP forwards, and it went out of play.
Finally, after a move down the left flank, following a recovery by Morten Hjulmand, the Luís Guilherme-Maxi Araújo combination broke through, and a delivery into the box was finished off by Trincão to make it 0-1.
The second goal was a work of art by Geny Catamo, four minutes later. The Mozambican received the ball on the line, cut inside and shot into the back of the net for one of the most beautiful goals of his career to date.
In the 64th minute, Borges brought on Daniel Bragança to replace Morita.
Moreirense FC's best opportunity of the match saw the debuting Nile John shot low and seemingly off target; however, it deflected capriciously off Morten Hjulmand, gained height and crashed against the woodwork.
Sporting CP would get their third goal in the 75th minute. After a corner kick, the ball fell to Luis Suárez, and with a first-time shot on the half-volley, he added his name to the list of goalscorers.
The Colombian made way for Fotis Ioannidis, returning to action approximately a month and a half after the injury he sustained in the Taça da Liga semifinal. The Greek came in along with Souleymane Faye and Giorgios Vagiannidis, and could even have scored in the 84th minute, after a quick counter-attack. André Ferreira made the save.
Sporting CP, who hadn't won by such a large margin since January, took the three points from their away trip. They now turn their attention to a home game against GD Estoril-Praia in Liga Portugal next Friday.
At the end of the game against FC Famalicão, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his analysis of the 1-0 victory.
A 13th consecutive home win
“I don't care much about that, but I'm happy because I'm pleased to be at Sporting CP and enjoying every day with a great group.”
Analysis of the game
“In the first half, FC Famalicão had two dangerous moves, off two transitions. They are a competitive team, they contested duels and forced us to make more mistakes than usual in terms of our passing. We kept trying, but it was noticeable that we lacked a reference point in the area when it came to making better decisions in the final third. In the second half it was all Sporting CP and FC Famalicão didn't create anything. We had possession, created some chances, had 15 corner kicks and ended up scoring from one, but we could have scored earlier from a set piece. The story of the game was this: One team always looking for a goal and the other defending well, who were organised and competent, and waiting for transitions."
Using Pedro Gonçalves at centre forward
“He was one of the players available for the position. We had [Rafael] Nel as well, and Fotis was an option until the last minute to be a solution and if possible, we would maybe have started with Nel to have a reference point. Without Fotis and using Nel in the initial phase of the game, if we had this difficulty later in the game, we wouldn't have had anyone else to bring on. At times we lacked that target to link up and finish better, and even in our crossing there were hesitations because we lacked that reference point.”
The ideal composition for a mobile attack
“‘Pote’ and Trincão are players who link up and finish, and we needed someone to create space, so we opted to bring Maxi forward. He has good timing in attacking spaces, and we needed that from both him and Luís Guilherme, to create depth.”
The disallowed goal for FC Famalicão at the beginning of the game
“For me, it's a clear foul, plain and simple. It was off a move that preceded an offside, so that finish shouldn't have even happened. Besides, for me, after that it's a foul."
Another goal scored near the end of the game
“Football is played from the first to the last minute. We've also conceded two late goals; that's four points and, perhaps, I would have the same points as the first-place side if that weren't the case. It's always subjective. Above all, the team's ambition is enormous. The game is 90 minutes long, so why worry? We won, that's what we want and the games will get harder and harder. We played against a good team who were very competent, and that makes our victory even more valuable.”
The ‘big three’ all winning by the narrowest of margins
“We didn't play badly, the opposition also deserve credit, and I'm sure the games will get harder and harder. For us and for everyone, especially for the teams that are at the top, because the other teams have quality, are well organised and need points. The difficulty is evident and we have to be prepared.”
Rafael Nel's first appearance for the first team in 2025/2026
“I'm happy for him, because he deserved it. He worked very hard with the B team. He has to keep working, he has grown a lot and he is a very competitive kid. I believe he will have more opportunities because he is very focused, works hard and wants to succeed.”
Fotis Ioannidis being available against Moreirense FC?
“I don’t know the answer, but I believe so.”
Daniel Bragança’s goal and first steps in his return to competition
“He is an important player, one of the captains and has Sporting CP DNA. He is still looking for full fitness, but he is happy and motivated and will be an important player -as he was today, fortunately. He scored a header, which is not very normal for him. He is a player who sees things differently and that’s why he came on. I'm happy to see him score. It is also important to talk about the fans. The energy of the fans has been phenomenal and on Saturday, in Moreira de Canons, in another difficult game, we need that energy.”
The second half substitute scores late in the second half
Sporting CP defeated FC Famalicão 1-0 on Liga Portugal Matchday 22, with Daniel Bragança scoring the winning goal of the game in the 82nd minute. The victory keeps everything unchanged at the top of the table, meaning that Rui Borges' Lions (55 points) are four points behind leaders FC Porto (59) and three ahead of SL Benfica (52).
Borges made two changes to the starting eleven from the Clássico against FC Porto, replacing Geny Catamo and the suspended Luis Suárez with Ricardo Mangas – as a full-back, with Maxi Araújo moving up to the attack – and Luis Guilherme. Answering the conundrum regarding the forward line, Pedro Gonçalves was moved to centre-forward, with youngster Rafael Nel also coming into the squad.
Sporting CP caused the first scare of the game, after a dangerous cross that went unchallenged and a touch by Hidemasa Morita that was blocked, but FC Famalicão had the ball in the net first: In the eighth minute, Ibrahima Ba took the ball from Maxi Araújo and unleashed a powerful shot. The goal was disallowed for a foul on the Uruguayan.
In an immediate response, Maxi entered the area and shot straight at Lazar Carević, the FC Famalicão goalkeeper. It wasn't until near the half-hour mark that Sporting showed more attacking sharpness and began to put their opponents on the back foot. Their combinations improved, and Francisco Trincão carved out space for a cross-shot that went wide. Maxi also struck off-target shot shortly after from a central position. Ricardo Mangas then had the best opportunity up to that point, but his finishing touch hit the post.
A frenetic series of minutes at Alvalade was suddenly followed by a very dangerous warning from FC Famalicão's Hugo Oliveira. Forward Simon Elisor slipped behind the defensive line and, completely isolated, shot wide in a one-on-one situation with Rui Silva. Sporting CP, wasting no time, responded immediately, releasing Luís Guilherme down the right wing. The Brazilian, inside the area, forced Carević to parry away his attempt for a corner.
From Luís Guilherme's free-kick into the area, Morten Hjulmand headed slightly over the crossbar and, subsequently, 'Pote' worked the ball into the area but missed the goal with his shot. Before that, he picked up his fifth yellow card in the league this season, and will miss next weekend's game.
At the start of the second half, a scramble in the opposition area could have given Sporting CP a chance on goal, but neither Mangas' deflection nor Maxi's subsequent shot led to a change in the scoreline.
Rui Borges' men continued to relentlessly pursue a breakthrough, and the coach made a change in the 62nd minute, bringing on Geny Catamo for Mangas. More than ten minutes later, he brought on Rafael Nel – making his first senior appearance this season – and Daniel Bragança for Morita and Fresneda.
FC Famalicão team no longer ventured forward and increasingly retreated into their own half. Sporting CP's crosses continued, but did not bear fruit until a corner kick in the 82nd minute: Trincão placed the ball to the near post, where Bragança rushed in to head home and make it 1-0.
Georgios Vagiannidis and João Simões came on – replacing 'Pote' and Luis Guilherme – to rebalance the team. The score remained the same, and led to Sporting CP's 13th consecutive victory at Alvalade -the the third-best streak of all time, behind only the 15 wins under Joseph Szabo (1953/1954) and the 16 under Mário Lino (1973/1974).
In the next fixture for the side, Sporting CP play Moreirense FC on Saturday evening.
Sporting CP and FC Famalicão face off this Sunday at 8:30pm
Sporting Clube de Portugal host FC Famalicão this Sunday on Liga Portugal Matchday 22.
In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges previewed the contest.
Facing FC Famalicão
"Above all, I expect a team that's true to themselves. They have their own style of play, and likes to maintain it throughout every game, regardless of the opponents, and they adapt well to each moment in the game.
They are a good team, very competitive, and very intense, a team that commit a lot of fouls. You can clearly see the intensity they put into the game, and their defensive organisation is also very competent.
They make a lot of moves down the flanks, a lot of one-on-one situations, and many passing combinations. They put in a lot of crosses, looking for men in the box.
Above all, I think it's they are very competent side and one of the best teams in the league. They're having a good season, despite having a less successful result or a less successful performance here and there. Overall, they're a good team."
Attacking options
"We have tried out some solutions. Fotis [Ioannidis] is doubtful for the game. We'll see if he can contribute or not. Honestly, I still don't know who will play. But, within the available options, we will look for some individual characteristics. Of course, we will do that whilst never straying from our idea and what identifies us collectively.”
Post-Clássico reactions
"I think that we, and the media, should value the players, the teams, the game and our football much more.
I also agree that we shouldn't relativise some things that happened, because it seemed like we were going back to the last century. We are in 2026, I think we shouldn't relativise like that.
I'm not going to get into that fight. I'm much more focused on trying to value football itself, the game, the players of one team and another -not just Sporting CP, because there were great players on the field. Above all, we have to value those who play football and those who make it such a spectacular sport."
Sporting CP relying on Luis Suárez
"It's natural to think that way, because Luís has been very important and scored many goals. He manages to score thanks to a great collective effort and not just individual quality.
That's why we focus on that daily: our collective strength. And within a strong collective, individual talent comes to the fore.
It's impossible to say he isn't an important piece of our side and he will always be missed when he doesn't play. But, as I always say, only those who are there are missed. I will concentrate on the 11 I choose and the others I have on the bench. And, without a doubt, we will be competent, so as not to stray from what we have been as Sporting CP, to maintain a good quality of play, a very unique dynamic, and to defeat a good FC Famalicão side."
The performance in the Clássico
"You had two great teams; two very competent teams. There are some things we could have done differently, but not just in this game, rather in all of them. After reviewing the games, we always find things that could be different.
Above all, we had a very competent game. We played against the team with the best defence in the league. They're a team that defend very well.
Could we have done more? We could have. But we can always do that after looking back at things. Watching the game on television is always easier, as we can see things differently, but any problems were never due to a lack of ambition from anyone."
Geny Catamo's availability
"Geny is doubtful for the game."
Souleymane Faye playing in the attack
"Any forward can play up front, not just Faye. We'll try to figure out what the best option will be and what makes the most sense. But he's not the only one who can give us that solution. I think any forward can play there, and several have trained in that position."
Killing off games earlier
"That's what we all want, to score early. Sometimes we can't do that. There are two teams in the game, there are 11 players on each side, and there are competent coaches on both sides. We always want to score as quickly and early as possible, but it won't always happen.
The ambition and the team's will to win is what drives us to score in any minute of the game, whether it's the first, the second or the last. That really shows the character and personality of this team.
We want to do better, of course. If it's the 96th minute, no problem, as long as we win. We want to win, more than anything else. I understand the emotional side, but it's a football match and it's a show. That's why football is so spectacular. The emotions you create around a game are enormous and not everyone can handle them.
Above all, it's the team spirit that's really there, and the players are ambitious. They are born champions."
Trincão as an option up front
"He's clearly a player who can also play there. As I said, any forward can play as a striker. So, it doesn't worry me. They will all have different characteristics, but we'll fight, that's for sure. And we'll be competent. We'll do everything to win.
Above all, let me praise Trincão. He's always there for the team, and I've said that a lot. I think he's one of the players who has given the most for the team.
At the end of the game against FC Porto, I was asked a question [about the player's positioning in the Clássico], and I explained it a little. It's about understanding the circumstances, because being a coach from the outside is sometimes easy. You say "Oh, I would play these eleven players and I would win this game." Sure. But you need to understand many things.
Trincão was sacrificed in the last game, playing on the left, because Pedro Gonçalves is coming off an injury and physically isn't prepared for the demands of playing as a winger and defending. There are nuances that we have to understand and, without straying too far from the team's idea, try to get the best out of each player.
Trincão is someone who has already played on the left, in the middle, and on the wing. Before he was a winger. Now, if he doesn't play as a number 10, people say that's Trincão's best position. Therefore, I must highlight his ability to be committed to the team and to what the coach asks of him, for the sake of the collective, first and foremost.”
Zeno Debast's return
"Zeno is out for the game."
Competition between Hidemasa Morita and João Simões
"It's a good competition. It's part of the coach's job: to understand each player's current form as part of the strategy, depending on the opponent and what we will face, both individually and collectively.
Simões had two or three games where he wasn't at his best. Morita has emerged, again. It's a good battle, and they are two great players.
Dani [Bragança] is also coming through, improving his fitness, which is important after a long break, and gives us other solutions. He already played 10 minutes against FC Porto and was important; we ended up drawing the game with Dani already on the pitch. These are players who clearly give us several solutions and, as a coach, it gives me a headache, but I prefer to have them all available."
Geovany Quenda's return
"I believe Quenda will be back soon. I can't say exactly when, but I believe it will be in a few weeks. At least, that's what I hope. It's another solution for this final stretch and he's clearly a very high-quality player who will help us."
Nuno Santos' return and Matheus Reis' departure
"Nuno's arrival has nothing to do with Matheus' departure. Matheus, with everything he gave to the club, everything he gave to the group, the influence he has on the group, and hom being one of the captains, with his mentality and daily competitiveness, deserved what he wanted.
He deserved, at this stage of his career, to make a decision and understand what was best for him, regardless of what the coach or the club thought.
He was an important player for us, a player who gave us a lot, especially in these last few months, with so many injuries. And for the person that he is, he deserved to be able to make that decision.
It was a good offer for him. And he deserved to make that decision, regardless of whether the coach said he wanted him until the end of the season or even that he wanted him for more seasons.
He deserved that respect for everything he gave to Sporting CP and for everything he achieved for Sporting CP, and I'm happy. I'm sad on one hand, because he was an important player, because of his energy, but happy because it's his future."
Rafael Nel
"He's been called up. He's been training with us, he's even been part of the squad available for games, and he's another option.
He trained in his position and, considering what we plan for the game, we'll see what the best starting option will be: Whether it's Nel or any other player who plays in the attacking line."
SL Benfica being level on points
"I only look ahead of us. I don't know how to be any different. Regardless of everything. I came from the bottom of the table. When I was at other clubs, I would say: I'm in sixth place, so I want to be fifth. I'm in fifth place, I want to be fourth. I'm in second place, I want to be first. My only thought is always this."
Farewell interview with the player who won six trophies at Sporting CP
Bidding goodbye to the club, Matheus Reis spoke to Jornal Sporting and Sporting TV to remember the 222 games he played for Sporting CP, and express his gratitude for a wonderful spell at Alvalade.
Leaving Sporting CP
Happiness is the feeling that sums up these five years. There have been many achievements, many battles. I have great faith in God, and every time I arrived at the training ground and stepped onto the pitch, I did so with my right foot and asked God to help me win here at Sporting CP. Every day I asked to be a winner, and I believe I leave here a winner. Not just for the achievements and trophies, but for the friendships, camaraderie, and stories.
I don't like goodbyes and I've realised this is the last time I'll be doing certain things, but when you have a sense of accomplishment, everything becomes easier. I fought for everything I could for the club, I leave with my head held high. For a player, that's the most important thing.
His relationship with the club
I never imagined I'd feel this sense of unity that there is here. All the players who leave miss this feeling of being part of a family, of being so well cared for and respected by everyone. In away games in the UEFA Champions League, for example, having our family with us is something indescribable. There's no greater motivation. All the care from the staff, everything. That's what makes this club different. It's no coincidence that the results show on the pitch.
Breaking records for appearances
It's a spectacular legacy. I tried to pass on what I can to the young people who work with the first team every day. It's one of the roles of the older generation, to pass on what we've created in these last five years. It's about dedication, professionalism. Being a champion with Sporting CP is an inexplicable feeling, and I try to explain that hard work, dedication, and sacrifice will be rewarded.
The decision to join Sporting CP
In my career, my time at Sporting CP has been the greatest peak so far. I don't know what will happen from now on, but it was here that I won the most trophies, played the most games, debuted in European competitions, and got to the place where every kid wants to be. Sporting CP is everything to me.
The team's chances of winning a third consecutive title
I believe in it very, very, very much. With faith and hard work, we will win the third title. Attitude will never be lacking for us. We might misplace a pass, or miss a shot, which is normal, but we can never stop running and fighting. We have shown that we fight until the end in these last few games. This group already had that, and continuing like this will bring us the title.
Being captain
It was a unique experience. The first time was in the UEFA Champions League, at a difficult time when we had several players out injured and many games to play. When I received the news, it was incredible. I looked back on my career and thought about everything I had gone through, everything I fought for to get to that moment. I was prepared for it, I knew that one day it could happen. I always had the humility to listen and learn a lot from our captains. I gave my best, both on and off the pitch, and it was an honour. It was the icing on the cake for me.
His legacy
I can't quite grasp the magnitude of it yet, but I get emotional thinking about bringing my children here in the future and telling them that I was part of this winning team and that I won these trophies. It makes me happy. The story has been written and will last forever. The club is an extension of my family and of myself. Everyone has already seen how I am always sincere and fight for the club's objectives and for the well-being of my family. Sporting CP represent everything in my life.
A message for the fans
When I arrived, I was coming off a very difficult time in my life, and many didn't believe in my potential. I fought hard to prove my worth, and my achievements reflected that, but the legacy I leave is this will to win and represent the club. All the players who come here have to have that; they have to want the best for the club. May we never lose this aura that has been created in recent years. Thank you for all the messages, all the affection shown to me. I fought hard, I gave my all, and I did everything I could for the club, and I leave with my head held high. I have eternal gratitude, and may the club continue to be victorious.
The coach reviews the O Clássico draw with FC Porto
Following the 1-1 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and FC Porto, coach Rui Borges held his press conference at the Estádio do Dragão and answered questions from journalists.
Analysis of the game
"Over the 90 minutes, we were a much more balanced team than FC Porto and were in control of the game. We lacked aggression in our pursuit of a goal, but we always kept the game under control. It was a game of expectation, which is natural, but we were on top. We started very well, with personality, had possession and pushed FC Porto back. From the 15th minute onwards, FC Porto evened the game out. We improved again towards the end of the first half and started the second half better, but we lacked aggression in the final third. FC Porto scored from their only shot on our goal in the second half. After that, we chased the equaliser and deserved the draw, despite us not creating many clear-cut chances, because we were closer to FC Porto's goal than FC Porto were to ours.
"We are two great teams, and it was a good game. We knew that, through small details, either team could decide the game. We were very good in both defensive and offensive movements to neutralise the opposition. Luis [Suárez] wasn't at 100%, and he played the second half with some problems, but he wanted to continue and thankfully he did -because he scored the goal."
The league title
"It's a point for our journey. The remaining games will be difficult for everyone. We will try to have an extraordinary second half of the season. The first half was good, but it wasn't enough for us to be in first place and we have to do better."
Late goals
"Is it a lucky streak? We are the team with the most attacks, goals scored and actions in the opposition areas. It's natural that we would score goals in the first or last minute. We create more than chances the other teams and we are closer to doing that."
The result
"I'm not satisfied, as I wanted to win. We were better in every aspect. A draw, for me, is already too little a reward."
Francisco Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves
"Great players play anywhere and gave a fantastic response. We are changing things up, understanding some things and talking to the players. They are exceptional players who respond anywhere on the pitch."
Luis Suárez
"He had some muscle discomfort."
Injuries
"Geovany Quenda has been out for a while and the team have performed well. It's not about the absences. Of course, the injured players are important and give us more options, but the team's performances have been very good. Sometimes they have not been so intense, but the quality, ideas and behaviour of each player is always there. I am very happy with what the team have produced."
The fans
"I want to give a word of thanks to our fans. Thank you very much for supporting us, as always. I hope they believe in our victories as much as we do."
Sporting CP score a late equaliser against FC Porto
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 away against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 21, as Luis Suárez hit another stoppage time goal to earn his team a share of the points.
As the top two teams faced each other in a Monday showdown, coach Rui Borges made several changes to his starting lineup from the Taça de Portugal match against AFS: João Virgínia, Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Luís Guilherme and Daniel Bragança were replaced by Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita, Geny Catamo and Pedro Gonçalves.
It was a very rainy and foggy night at the Estádio do Dragão, but Sporting CP began with clarity, dominating possession and passing the ball around well. The first dangerous attack came in the 9th minute, when FC Porto's clearance was responded to by Gonçalves and then blocked.
Both teams took a cautious approach, without clear chances in the areas. The closest that Sporting CP came to breaking into the box was a Suárez pass to Gonçalves, but the last defender intercepted to stop 'Pote' going through on goal. In response, Alan Varela shot wide of the post for FC Porto.
In the 24th minute, Catamo tried to finish off another counter-attack, but his shot lacked accuracy. Shortly after, Gonçalves used a clever touch to free Fresneda, and he in turn tried to set up a teammate unsuccessfully. At the other end, from a long way out, Alberto Costa missed the target close to the 40-minute mark.
The final minutes of the first half saw a slight lift in Sporting CP's play, which translated into an excellent move in stoppage time: Maxi Araújo exchanged passes with Francisco Trincão before crossing into the area, where neither Suárez nor Catamo managed to turn the ball in.
The score remained 0-0 at halftime in O Clássico.
Just like at the start of the match, Sporting CP started the second half better, pressing high and eager to have the ball. They won several corner kicks in the opening minutes, although without creating much danger from them. FC Porto focused more on defending solidly and beginning counter-attacks. On 57 minutes, Fresneda managed go get a shot off, but the ball deflected off an opposition player and Diogo Costa made an easy save.
The match then lost intensity and speed, with the ball rarely leaving the midfield areas and a lack of chances.
Unexpectedly, FC Porto took the lead at 77' through Seko Fofana, after a persistent attack.
Immediately afterwards, Rui Borges substituted Hidemasa Morita, replacing him with Luís Guilherme.
Sporting CP began to search for the equaliser and came very close to achieving it on 82', when Francisco Trincão shot just wide.
Geny Catamo and Pedro Gonçalves were switched out for Daniel Bragança and Souleymane Faye.
Luís Guilherme also tried his luck on goal, but missed the target, and Sporting CP had another great chance in the 90+7th minute, which Morten Hjulmand only failed to score because Alan Varela made a reaction save.
However, following the recent trend of Sporting CP goals in stoppage time, the team won a penalty due to a handball in the 98th minute. Suárez stepped up to take the spot kick, and although his shot was saved by Diogo Costa, he put away the rebound to make it 1-1. It was the Colombian's 26th goal of the 2025/26 season.
The game ended 1-1, leaving Sporting CP still 4 points behind FC Porto in the title race.
The defending champions will play again on Sunday, hosting FC Famalicão at Alvalade in Liga Portugal.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Luís Guilherme, 79'), Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 84'), Pedro Gonçalves (Souleymane Faye, 84'), Francisco Trincão and Luis Suárez.
