The coach reviews the 1-1 draw away from home

Following the 1-1 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and AVS Futebol SAD, Rui Borges gave a press conference to answer questions from journalists.

Analysis of the game
"We had a reasonably good game that should have been enough to leave here with a victory. There were several opportunities for us, we just lacked accuracy in front of goal. AVS Futebol SAD were fortunate from a move that happens more and more in football, and we were penalised in that sense. There's not much we can do, it's as simple as that. We didn't finish the opportunities we had in the best way and we were punished.

The first half was very slow in terms of our variation. AVS Futebol SAD used a very low defensive block, and we entered the game very slowly. In the second half, we focused our play more around Zeno Debast. We tried to speed things up, we managed to create goal-scoring situations, but we didn't finish them off."

The maths for the title race
"I'm not throwing in the towel, but it's no longer down to ourselves for second place even. FC Porto have the path open to win the title, and we have to be serious until the end to at least secure second place."

Recent performances
"We've had many demanding games, and the fatigue is real. It was impossible for us not to make changes to the team or rotate the squad. The team gave everything, but we weren't able to win the game. We knew we would pay the price somehow, but we were confident that, with the group's commitment, we would overcome the difficulty. At this stage, it was necessary to have the squad at full strength, but we have some absences, which has caused an overload of minutes for some players. I'm proud of what they've done, they've given everything for the team, but of course they're not as fresh as they were at the beginning. They are switched on and committed."

Os Leões push hard but fail to find a late winner

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 away to AVS Futebol SAD on Liga Portugal Matchday 31, putting a dent in their title chances. A Rafael Nel goal was cancelled out by an equaliser from the penalty spot.

Rui Borges fielded a team with six changes for the trip to Vila das Aves, with Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand, Geny Catamo and Luis Suárez being replaced by Georgios Vagiannidis, Zeno Debast, Ricardo Mangas, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Pedro Gonçalves and Rafael Nel.

Sporting CP started at full throttle and, just 6 minutes in, after a corner from the right taken by Pedro Gonçalves, Zeno Debast had a shot that forced a good save from goalkeeper Adriel. This was followed by a pacy run from Geovany Quenda and an attack from Ricardo Mangas, who tried to set up a teammate but had his delivery cleared.

Georgios Vagiannidis came close to scoring, shooting wide in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, Hidemasa Morita found Gonçalves in the area, and his drive required another save from Adriel. Rafael Nel also enjoyed a chance in the early stages.

Sporting CP were dominating, and AVS Futebol SAD were completely on the back foot. However, the visitors managed to react with a dangerous cross from Mateus Pivô that ended up in Rui Silva's hands in the six-yard box. Shortly after, Diego Duarte advanced in determined fashion, but Diomande made a brilliant interception.

At the other end, Sporting CP launched another counterattack to play Nel through, but Adriel managed to beat him to the ball. In response, Pedro Lima shot from distance over the crossbar.

On 36 minutes, from a well-executed free kick, the ball fell to Francisco Trincão, who lacked accuracy to finish off the move. Guilherme Neiva, in the AVS Futebol SAD attack, obliged Rui Silva into a save shortly after.

Quenda's hit a strike into the side netting before halftime, and what seemed like a foul on Rafael Nel in the AVS Futebol SAD area was not given as a penalty, leaving the score at 0-0.

The deadlock was broken in the second minute of the second half. Vagiannidis advanced down the right and crossed into the middle of the area, where Devenish tried to clear but sent the ball towards his own net. Nel managed to get a touch on it before the ball completely crossed the line, giving him his third goal of the season.

The lead could have been doubled almost immediately, but Gonçalves' curling shot from outside the area hit the post.

Before the hour, Rui Borges replaced Quenda and Nel with Geny Catamo and Luis Suárez, and Sporting CP had two consecutive opportunities: Within seconds, Adriel denied both Morita and Kochorashvili with two great saves.

There was, however, a setback for Sporting CP: From another VAR review, referee Pedro Ramalho awarded a penalty against Sporting CP. Pedro Lima converted to make it 1-1.

After a free kick from the left, headed by Diomande into Adriel's hands, Gonçalves and Mangas were substituted to bring on Luís Guilherme and Maxi Araújo, with just over a quarter of an hour remaining.

In one of AVS Futebol SAD's rare attacks, Diego Duarte gave Rui Silva work to do.  That was followed by, in 76th minute, a Zeno Debast cross that Catamo headed. Adriel made another save to keep out the effort.

The visiting goalkeeper made another intervention to deny Guilherme, whilst on the break it was up to Rui Silva to gather Tunde Akinsola's shot.

In the 82nd minute, an unbelievable series of actions saw a  shot by Araújo saved by Adriel, a second attempt by the Uruguayan hitting a defender, and the third going to Catamo, who sent the ball against the post.

For the final moments, Giorgi Kochorashvili came off and Daniel Bragança came on.

Before the final whistle, Luis Suárez shot wide and AVS Futebol SAD had a great opportunity that saw Oscar Perea hit the post. Morita had a chance to win it late, as did Suárez -who was denied by Adriel in a tremendous save. The game concluded 1-1.

Sporting CP will now host CD Tondela on Wednesday, April 29th, in a postponed match from earlier in the season.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis, Ousmane Diomande, Zeno Debast, Ricardo Mangas (Maxi Araújo, 73'), Giorgi Kochorashvili (Daniel Bragança, 84'), Hidemasa Morita, Geovany Quenda (Geny Catamo, 56'), Francisco Trincão [C], Pedro Gonçalves (Luís Guilherme, 73') and Rafael Nel (Luis Suárez, 56').

The coach warns of the danger of Sunday's opponents

Rui Borges looked at Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Liga Portugal trip to AVS Futebol SAD in his pre-match press conference.

Previewing the game
"It's a stadium where we dropped points last season. We had that difficulty, which we also had in the Taça de Portugal at home, which shows what AVS Futebol SAD can do. They have improved a lot in the second half of the season, especially defensively. They are a very competitive side and the fact that they are already relegated liberates them from the pressure of the game. They will be up against a big team, the current champions. They will be very motivated and have nothing to lose, which will make them even more eager to demonstrate their true individual and collective value.

Morten Hjulmand’s injury
"We understood the seriousness of the injury at the time; so much so that he was supposed to come off at half-time -but the coach was stubborn. His foot was in a difficult condition and we possibly won't have Morten back until the end of the season. There is that risk, unfortunately. It wasn't a very pretty challenge, but we have to move on from it and think about the game against AVS Futebol SAD."

Believing in having a team to fight for the top spots
"We have demonstrated this at various points in the season. The entire squad has responded and given confidence to the coaching staff. Everyone counts, they are willing to play and want an opportunity. We have already won without Morten and without other players. Mathematically, the title is still possible and that's what we're focused on. My level of hope is still very high."

Hidemasa Morita
"He is a very important player. Before coming to Sporting CP, I had already said that I was a fan of his qualities. Now that I’m here, I'm an even bigger fan of his. A contract renewal isn't just about the club and the coach, it's also about the player. There are several parties involved. Of course, we would like to continue to have him, but there are things that, sometimes, are not possible on one side or the other, because an understanding cannot be reached. Players may want other challenges and we have to understand all of that when we get to the end of the season. We believe in him a lot and he's loved by everyone.”

Statements from the FC Porto coach
"I haven't seen or read anything. I'm only concerned about AVS Futebol SAD. We won't play against FC Porto anymore this season."

"Fortunately, I'm at a club where they give me the freedom to always speak as I want. At other clubs, perhaps, the coaches just say what they're told. Not me; I always say what I want. My freedom of expression is down to what I think and feel. I don't waste time on things that don't make sense to me. I'm focused on AVS Futebol SAD and I'm not going to comment on statements from a coach of a team we've already played against. Naturally, they've been worried about Sporting CP for a long time. It's a good sign, a sign that Sporting CP are truly great."

Gonçalo Inácio
"He'll be out for two or three weeks. He's out of tomorrow's game and the next few fixtures."

The Clássico
"There's selective memory. I could talk about the game at Alvalade where Alberto could have been sent off, or several other things. There are mistakes in every game, everywhere, and I'm focused on AVS Futebol SAD. We've reached the final of the Taça de Portugal, which was our objective, and we have to be happy about that."

Geovany Quenda
"He had a fantastic game against FC Porto. He's returning from injury after a few months out, and we have to understand how we need to manage his condition. He responded perfectly. He's a very important player. I hope he helps us a lot in this final stretch; he's another great option for our attack."

The team’s motivation
"We’re a team that alway demonstrates this ambition and always want to win. The players understand that, at times, things won't go as planned, it's part of the process, but they have a different mentality. They are champions, which says a lot about the human and sporting quality of all of them. I am immensely proud of my team and they demonstrated their ambition at the Estádio do Dragão. Tomorrow I believe they will give a great response again."

SCU Torreense reaching the Taça de Portugal final
"I’m happy for SCU Torreense. I've been on the other side, at lower-level teams, and I know very well how much people dream about this. I hope it’s a beautiful final against a team that are having a great season. Within their capabilities, they will make it as difficult as possible for us. It will be a difficult game against a highly motivated team."

Fotis Ioannidis
"He is recovering and training on the pitch, but not with the team. He is going through the stages he needs to go through. He is doing better and I believe he will still help the team before the end of the season."

Players out
"Iván Fresneda and João Simões are also unavailable for the game tomorrow."

The final stretch of the season
"The workload has been immense due to all the setbacks we've had. Injuries have taken away a lot from us. The motivation is there, they will want to finish the season in the best way and fight for whatever is possible. We have to do our part, and there's no point in thinking about the other teams. We are motivated by being in the final of the Taça de Portugal. There is fatigue -we can't escape that- and it's noticeable in some players, but the motivation to play and desire to help has been greater than this busy period. I believe that's what will lead them to get through this difficult stage.”

The Brazilian midfielder joins through to 2031

Sporting Clube de Portugal have completed the signing of Pedro Lima for the first team squad, on a deal through to 2031 with an €80 million release clause. The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder joins from AFS Futebol SAD, where he made 29 appearances, scored six goals and provided two assists.

Brought up through the youth system at SE Palmeiras, Lima also played in England and Croatia before arriving in Portugal last season.

"It's an immense joy and a source of pride to reach this level and represent as great a club as Sporting CP. I can't wait to get started. I've worked hard since I was a child to have an opportunity like this, and it's a recognition of all that I've done since then. Reaching this level is a dream come true," said the new signing in his official presentation.

Whilst at AFS Futebol SAD, the Brazilian Under-20 international experienced the atmosphere of the Estádio José Alvalade, and even scored a goal there.

"This is an incredible club, with an unbelievable atmosphere. I've had the opportunity to play twice at Alvalade. The fans are amazing and it's a very difficult environment for opposition sides. Now I'm very happy to be here again, but representing Sporting CP."

Lima identifies himself as a defensive midfielder by nature, but believes he can perform different roles in the centre of the park.

"I've played in every midfield position, and I'll give my all in any role. You can expect someone who will give their all throughout the game and will do everything for this club, to bring a lot of joy to everyone. Regardless of where I play, I will fight hard and always give my best."

"My personal goals are to establish myself within the group, earn opportunities, take advantage of them in the best way, bring joy to the fans and the team, and fight for trophies," he stressed, also explaining that the possibility of playing in the UEFA Champions League represents another target to tick off the list.

"I always dreamed of reaching this level, I worked very hard for it, and knowing that next season I will have this opportunity is a dream come true. It's very gratifying to be able to represent a club of this size in the Champions League," he acknowledged.

"I would tell that boy who started out in Brasilia to keep doing what he was doing then. It was difficult to get here, I had many good and not-so-good experiences, but in the end it was all worth it and I've managed to realise my dream," he said.

To conclude, Lima left a message for Sporting fans.

"I promise the utmost commitment and dedication, in training and in games, to help this club win everything, because that's why we're here and that's what we represent. You can be sure that in every game, whether at home or away, I will give my all to win."

The coach reacts to the 2-2 draw at home to CD Tondela

Following the 2-2 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and CD Tondela, Rui Borges answered questions from journalists at the press conference.

His first reaction
"We weren't the best in the world 15 days ago, and we're not the worst side in the world now. Frustration exists; it's part of the demands of this club. We never doubt ourselves, because then we can't improve and overcome the less positive times. In the last two games, we could have scored more goals, and we didn't. That's football, and we have to deal with the frustration of those moments. We have to believe in what we do and in the quality that brought us here. This less positive moment doesn't erase what's happened before. We have to support each other to overcome this less good phase."

Fans
"The fans' frustration is natural. It's part of the demands of representing Sporting CP. We always want to win, and we're going through a less positive phase. I understand their frustration, and we have to deal with it. I only ask that they continue to support the team during the game. At the end of the game, if there is frustration, we have to understand that and deal with it."

What he demands from the team and himself
"I demand to be better and better and overcome this less positive phase of the season. Things aren't going as we want, but it's not due to a lack of attitude or will. If it were, it would be a serious problem for me. They want to give everything for the team, but things aren’t going as they want, and you can see that the confidence isn't the same. In these five years of great achievements for Sporting CP, there have been some less good moments, and we have to be able to overcome them."

The consequence of the draw
"The dialogue between all of us is a daily one, and all scenarios are always there. I understand what it's like to be second or third. We really want to be second, and now it's difficult to get there. We know the difference between us third place, and we can't run away from the consequences. I know, the structure knows, and the players know. We all know."

Pressure
"I've been under pressure since I arrived at Sporting CP. I work at a great club, with the highest demands, and that want to fight for trophies. When we're far from them, it's natural that there's frustration. The pressure doesn't affect me."

Fatigue
"It is down to several factors over time. We’ve lost important players who could have responded. At times, we had to overload some with minutes. In this phase, we’ve lost some important players, and it's difficult to manage. There are players who clearly aren't at their best physically, but they want to give their all. We knew very well the situation we were in and what we wanted to compete for, but there were several injuries that imposed an overload on some players."

Daniel Bragança
"He was limited in what he could do, but he had a great game. He wanted to be with the team, like the good captain he is. He gave it his best and he was very good."

What he will do in the coming weeks
"I’ll work. It's what I've always done, believing in the players I have. To increase their confidence and make things a little lighter mentally. We have to help them free themselves from this lack of confidence."

A late pair of goals prevent a win for Os Leões

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 at home against CD Tondela in a rescheduled Liga Portugal Matchday 26 game. Two late goals from the visitors meant they claimed only a point from the encounter.

Rui Borges made some changes to his starting lineup for the game, replacing Ousmane Diomande, Ricardo Mangas, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Francisco Trincão, and Rafael Nel with Eduardo Quaresma, Maxi Araújo, Daniel Bragança, Geny Catamo, and Luis Suárez.

After a dangerous attack for each side in the first two minutes, Sporting CP didn't take long to assume control. Geovany Quenda had a chance in the 2nd minute, when he shot just wide, but the move was ruled offside in any case.

Shortly after, Catamo also struck wide, and Os Leões began to apply considerable pressure, preventing CD Tondela from playing out from the back and recovering several balls in the attacking area of the midfield. Zeno Debast played a brilliant long pass to Catamo, who tried to set up Pedro Gonçalves -the Portuguese international missing by centimetres.

On 21 minutes, a quick, collective transition by Sporting CP culminated in Quenda's pass to Araújo, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Bernardo Fontes. Shortly after, Suárez appeared in a dangerous area, but couldn’t get his shot off.

The game continued practically one-sided. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Catamo found Suárez, who tried for goal, but Bernardo Fontes blocked him once more. The Colombian striker tried again immediately afterwards, but this time, with his weaker foot, he missed the target.

Before halftime, Bragança, with a half-volley, shot straight at the opposition goalkeeper.

At the start of the second half, CD Tondela were the more aggressive team, and had efforts from Rony Lopes and Tiago Manso go wide. Sporting CP continued to dominate in terms of possession, setting themselves up in the attacking half and regularly approaching goal, albeit lacking decisiveness.

The visitors sought to exploit counterattacks, as happened in the 54th minute through a Pedro Maranhão shot that was poorly finished.

The first sign of danger from Sporting CP in the second half came in the 56th minute, with Gonçalves taking advantage of a sliced clearance by the defence to shoot first-time, forcing a good save from Bernardo Fontes for a corner.

Subsequently, Francisco Trincão and Salvador Blopa replaced Geovany Quenda and Georgios Vagiannidis.

Sporting CP had a clear chance to open the scoring with an Araújo break down the left, as he played the ball in to Catamo at the far post. The Mozambique international, unfortunately, shot over the bar.

The opening goal finally arrived in the 62nd minute: A good cross from Blopa on the right was met by Suárez, who got ahead of his marker and finished with class for his 34^th goal of the season.

Buoyed by this, Sporting CP continued trying to score. From distance and with power, Blopa struck wide, and Gonçalves also lacked accuracy with his attempt. The number 8 would be substituted in the 74th minute to make way for Luís Guilherme.

From a free kick, CD Tondela’s Makan Aïko tried to threaten, but without success, and the game, despite the minimal advantage and low intensity, seemed to be under Sporting CP's control.

A second goal arrived in the 78th minute, with possession recovered in attack, a linkup and a Catamo shot. In an attempt to clear, defender João Silva sent the ball into his own net, to make it 2-0.

With the game nearing its end, Nuno Santos and Giorgi Kochorashvili came on for Catamo and Bragança.

CD Tondela stepped up in the final stages. Tiago Manso threatened in the 89th minute, and referee Fábio Veríssimo awarded a penalty in the 90th. Makan Aïko took the spot kick, but Rui Silva made a superb save.

However, from the ensuing corner, Salvador Blopa turned the ball into his own net. Shortly after, from another corner kick, Cícero Alves headed in another goal, making it 2-2 and denying Sporting CP the three points.

Os Leões play again on Monday, May 4th, hosting Vitória SC at 8:15pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis (Salvador Blopa, 56'), Eduardo Quaresma, Zeno Debast, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança [C] (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 85'), Geny Catamo (Nuno Santos, 85'), Pedro Gonçalves (Luís Guilherme, 74'), Geovany Quenda (Francisco Trincão, 56') and Luis Suárez.

The coach reviews Sporting CP's progress to the Taça de Portugal final

After the final whistle at the Estádio do Dragão, Rui Borges spoke about Sporting qualification for a 32^nd Taça de Portugal final.

Rui Silva's save and the team's unity in a difficult week
"It's natural, but it's not just the celebration after the save that reflects the strength, friendship, and family atmosphere that this group have. This season we've had some misfortunes in terms of injuries, which has somewhat affected us in this final stretch, with the demanding games we've had. Even so, the team have given a fantastic response. It was a good first half, in which we were better than FC Porto, and a second half in which FC Porto were the better side. We had to suffer at times, were always very well organised, cohesive, competitive, with a lot of helping each other out and communication, and we defended well. In the first half, we controlled the game with the ball.

Injuries to Gonçalo Inácio and Morten Hjulmand
"They are very important players, two leaders on and off the pitch, important to the collective and who make their presence felt in their own way. But we've won with 'everyone' and without 'everyone,’ so to speak. We've played without Morten [Hjulmand], without [Gonçalo] Inácio, without Luis [Suárez], and won anyway, with greater or lesser difficulty along the way. You lose some things, you gain others, and that's football.

That's why I always say I never complain, because I always start with eleven players and, each in their own way, everyone will perform. They believe in each other a lot, there are no egos, everyone respects and recognises the value in everyone. That's the great strength of this group: the respect and friendship they have. The team have demonstrated this maturity throughout the season and that makes me happy."

The Taça de Portugal
"As I said yesterday, being in the final is not ‘salvaging the season’ at all. I am guided by the greatness of the club I represent, by the happiness I have in representing us, and I focus on my job. The primary objective of a great club is to be in the final stages of competitions. Winning the league is more difficult now, but mathematically it's still possible. I never give up, and within what's possible, we'll fight. We're in the final and we had a great performance in the UEFA Champions League.

This is not salvaging the season, but rather the achievement of an objective. For now, the trophy is still ours, and we very much want to keep it. We’ve achieved our first objective -reaching the final- and we still have a game ahead of us."

His preferred opponents in the final
"I don't know who it will be, but regardless, I have enormous respect for them because I've been on the other side of the equation. I know where I came from and how much I dreamed of playing in a final. I know well the difficulties we will face. I remember well that in the first game we had in this competition this year, we won in extra time against FC Paços de Ferreira, a team fighting for survival in Liga Portugal 2.

It's a final, with two teams that deserve to be there, and I have no doubt that it will be a hard-fought game, and a very well-fought one, by both sides."

Tension in the game and Rui Silva's stoppages
"Rui Silva ended the game with problems, simple as that. Otherwise, the tension is natural; these are two great teams competing for a place in the final. It's natural that there's intensity on both sides. These are natural things in the game, as long as it doesn't exceed reasonable limits."

Not taking Suárez off
"I wanted to win and the first half demonstrated that. It’s natural that we dropped off in the second half. We were hampered by the two forced stoppages due to injuries. There was only one more stoppage for three substitutions, many of the players were exhausted, and I could only bring on three players. I spoke with Luis [Suárez] and he said he could go to the end, he fought hard for the group and he did very well, giving everything on the pitch."

Difficulties in the final stretch of the season
"The difficulties will be there for everyone. Games against teams fighting for survival, others for European qualification, others for the title. The closer we get to the end, the greater the demands. The price of points is inflated for everyone, the games are difficult, and there will be times when we play well, and others not so much. It's part of the game. There are many setbacks happening to everyone in this final stretch, but we have to be able to fight against them and always give our best."

Geovany Quenda’s starting role
"Honestly, his performance was even surprising for us. He had a beautiful game with and without the ball, and it was expected that he would play less time, but his energy was good and we kept him on for a few more minutes. Strategically, FC Porto press and rotate on the right, and the idea was to maintain width. We managed to block the press there most of the time, and he's a player who gives us more speed, regardless of not yet having that much energy. He was important, and he has different characteristics from Pedro Gonçalves, who is the one who has played more in that position.

The outcome of the tie influencing both teams in Liga Portugal
"I don't know how to answer that. I speak for my team and my only concern is to get them recovered. This month was out of the ordinary, not only because of the quantity of games, but because of the demands of the games we had, the opponents we faced, and the injuries that we couldn't control. These are traumatic things that have happened quite a lot this season. It leaves us frustrated, because we can't manage or control a large part of the injuries we've had. It affected us at times, but I repeat, the team spirit is fantastic. I am immensely proud to be the coach of these players. They deserve this recognition."

Sporting CP giving FC Porto space to link up their play
"It's noticeable what FC Porto do, although it's difficult to neutralise, but I think in the first half we always hindered them, we won the ball and didn't let them create any danger, except for one move in stoppage time. That was FC Porto's only real chance. It's a difficult job for the line of two, but we were competent at that moment. More than just preventing them from getting through, it was important to affect Pablo Rosario's decision-making, and we managed to do that. It was fantastic work from Luis [Suárez] and Francisco [Trincão]."

Sporting CP go through against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal reached the final of the Taça de Portugal with a 0-0 draw away to FC Porto, as a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the semi-finals took the team through.

The Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão marked the return of Geovany Quenda to Rui Borges' starting lineup, in the only change made by the coach.

Seeking to overturn the aggregate score, it was FC Porto that took the initiative in the opening minutes of the match, although without creating dangerous opportunities.

On 5 minutes, with Sporting CP struggling to get into the opposing half, Borges was forced to make a change: Gonçalo Inácio cleared an attack down the right, but was injured in a collision with William Gomes and ended up being replaced by Zeno Debast.

Despite the setback, Sporting CP managed to progressively balance out possession. On 23 minutes, alone in a central area, FC Porto’s Deniz Gül tried to trouble Rui Silva, but the ball flew over.

Looking to break through the lines on the counterattack, Sporting CP also threatened shortly after, in the 26th minute, but Quenda arrived a little late to the cross and couldn't finish the attack spearheaded by Catamo on the opposite flank.

FC Porto had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring in the 43rd minute. Debast's spectacular clearance from the ground deflected a shot from Gabri Veiga that looked destined for goal.

Seconds before halftime, and following a persistent attack that began with a through ball, the home team again put Sporting CP to the test. Latching onto the second ball, Pablo Rosario unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area that went over.

Upon returning to the field for the second half, Rui Borges immediately faced another challenge. In the 50th minute, captain Morten Hjulmand requested a change due to discomfort, and made way for Daniel Bragança in midfield.

FC Porto, who continued to dominate the game, tried unsuccessfully to break through the defence: In the 55th minute, William Gomes drove in from the right and shot wide; in the 59th minute, debutant Alan Varela also tried his luck from distance, but without success. Then, in the 65th minute, with the hosts growing stronger, Ousmane Diomande put his body on the line for another great clearance.

Sporting CP responded in the 67th minute with a good move by Francisco Trincão that went off target, and three minutes later it was FC Porto who shook things up: Oskar Pietuszewski made a run and passed to Victor Froholdt at the far post, but he couldn't reach the ball.

In the 79th minute, Borges made a triple substitution to refresh the team and counter the changes made moments earlier on the Porto bench: Pedro Gonçalves, Ricardo Mangas and the returning Luís Guilherme replaced the exhausted Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Maxi Araújo.

Sporting CP entered the final minutes of the game aware of the need to defend well, only allowing danger in the 82nd minute when Terem Moffi rose high and headed wide of goal.

With one minute remaining in regulation time, and after a VAR review, Alan Varela was sent off for tripping Luis Suárez.

In the second of nine minutes of added time, Guilherme had the opportunity to kill off the game. Alone in front of Diogo Costa, the winger was thwarted by the goalkeeper, and the uncertainty continued until the final whistle. Sporting CP managed to hold onto the advantage they had from Alvalade and secured their place in the final of the competition.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio (Zeno Debast, 10’), Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 79’), Morten Hjulmand [C] (Daniel Bragança, 50’), Hidemasa Morita, Francisco Trincão (Luís Guilherme, 79’), Geny Catamo, Luis Suárez e Geovany Quenda (Pedro Gonçalves, 79’). Treinador: Rui Borges. Disciplina: cartão amarelo para Morten Hjulmand (34’), Rui Silva (83’), Ricardo Mangas (90+6’).

The coach looks at the Taça de Portugal semifinal second leg against FC Porto

Sporting CP head to the Estádio do Dragão to play FC Porto on Wednesday, in the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semifinals. The team hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Alvalade.

Coach Rui Borges held a pre-match press conference to preview the game.
 
The strategic approach to the game
“We can expect a very competitive game, above all. FC Porto will be true to their style, intense in the initial moments of their press -especially with them being at home. They lost the first leg of the tie, and it's natural that they will intensify that pressure even more. They are a team that press very high and are also well organised as a unit when they can't do that. I think they won't stray too far from FC Porto's normal image, as a team strong physically and tough in duels. It will be a competitive game, and Sporting CP will also be true to our style. Both teams will want to win and get to the final.”

His possible contract renewal
“I'm only afraid of death, because I really enjoy living. I'm focused on the game. I've spoken many times about the renewal. I'm happy, I have a contract until 2027, there is everyday confidence shown in me, and therefore I'm very calm about my future.”

Opportunities remaining in 2025/26
“I won’t dwell on ‘ifs’, because we are focused on what we are still competing for. In Liga Portugal there is still no champion crowned, in the Taça de Portugal we are fighting for a place in the final and, therefore, that is what we are focused on. We know very well how our journey has been. We are in the fight for trophies, which is the first objective for a great club, and we have done that very well. 

This has been a typical week for a big club. Even though we went out of the Champions League, it’s a sign that people look at us with that greatness. It’s good, and it shows the value of our work. I think we have dignified Sporting CP in the best way and the players have had a fabulous season. In the league we are further off the top, but there is still no champion crowned and, therefore, it’s about always believing. The first-placed team have had a great season -better than ours, unfortunately. We are very motivated and calm, because we know what we have to do and what the game means.”

The penalty missed by Luis Suárez 
“The penalty takers are well defined and will not change. The game against SL Benfica is in the past and we are focused on FC Porto.”

Visiting the Estádio do Dragão
“Whether or not we will be received well, you have to ask the opponents. What I know is that FC Porto have always been very well received at Alvalade, and we expect to be received that way too.”

Squad depth 
“I’m not going to compare us with our rivals. Logically, I would like to have the entire squad available, with Quenda, Luís Guilherme and Fotis [Ioannidis] at one hundred percent, because it would give us other solutions and depth to manage some of the workload in these surreal two months in terms of the number of games we will play. We haven’t been able to manage the squad as well as we wanted, but that’s part of the game. Whether there is greater or lesser difficulty, we have to do our best; that’s what we’ve been doing and tomorrow will be another game in that sense. There has to be a fantastic level of commitment, with or without us suffering fatigue, and we have to give everything on the pitch.”

Injuries
“João Simões, unfortunately, is out until the end of the season. Iván [Fresneda] remains a doubt, as his is very much a day-to-day issue, but he may be out of the game. Nuno [Santos] is out. Regarding the injured players, I believe they will be available before the end of the season, because they are already working on the pitch.”

The mental impact of the derby
“Sometimes physical fatigue is compounded by mental fatigue. At the moment it's quite noticeable, both for the fans and for us, but we have to be balanced. A while back, people were asking about how we won four games past the 90th minute, and now we've lost two important games in stoppage time. That's football, and we have to be balanced and deal with it, understanding how it happened. The team gave everything, both against Arsenal and against SL Benfica, where suddenly we went from almost going 2-1 up to losing 1-2.”

"A big club want to be in the final stages of competitions, and tomorrow's game gives us that possibility. We really want it, and I feel the players are very focused and calm.”

Luis Suárez's current form
“We have to make a cold assessment of things. He's a player who has given everything for the team. His commitment has been incredible; he's lacking some things, but he's still an important player. He'll have fewer opportunities in some games due to the demands and fatigue, perhaps, so he has to focus on making the most of them. That's what he's focused on, and he knows the confidence he has from all of us.”

Preparing the starting XI
“A coach has to consider many scenarios, so it's difficult to make decisions. It has a lot to do with the moment and understanding how the players are, with a lot of dialogue and communication, in terms of their physical and mental condition. We don't think about extra time, because we really want to reach the end of the 90 minutes and advance to the final.”

The Taça de Portugal ‘saving’ the season
“I don't look at things that way. Sporting CP have to compete for trophies until the end, and we have done that. We’ll analyse the season when it’s over, to understand where we failed and what we can improve. Now, it's not about saving anything, but about being in the final of a trophy that, fortunately, we won last season. We want to have the opportunity to defend it; it depends on us.”

The coach reviews the loss to SL Benfica

After the derby defeat against SL Benfica, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse how the match unfolded and its impact on the Liga Portugal table.

Positive conclusions despite the result
“I take as a positive the team's commitment and ambition from the beginning to the end of the game. I think we paid the price for our ambition to win from the first minute to the last. We started very well, SL Benfica were reasonably intense, but then the issue of penalties -our misses, and them scoring and taking the lead- affected the team's morale. We became somewhat anxious, made mistakes in our passing, and gave SL Benfica what they wanted: The chance to counterattack. The only dangerous chance they had in the first half was a good save by Rui from a corner, and Otamendi's header. In the second half, we came out more calmly, looking for a goal, and SL Benfica counterattacked, where they had two dangerous chances.

Belief for the remainder of the season
“It gets more difficult, but we really want to keep fighting and doing our job. We will strive to be happy and fight for what we can still win. If it's still mathematically possible, we'll do what we can. The group have shown that. Despite all the fatigue along the way, nothing erases that. We have to lift our heads up and move on. We have another crucial game on Wednesday to compete for another trophy.”

The impact of UEFA Champions League 
“It was immediately shown that the Champions League didn't affect the team; on the contrary, it motivated us, because of everything we were able to do against a great Arsenal side. Regarding today, our sadness is natural, we have to deal with it, but from tomorrow we have to think about the next game, which determines the possibility of playing in another final. We have to get the team 'switched on' and capable of giving a great response. I have no doubt that we will respond well.”

Results in the 'big' games
“That's football. We have to understand how we lost these games and why. One year we win them, another year we don't win as much against the 'big' clubs, and it's part of the game. If we had won both games against SC Braga, we could be fighting for the title, and SL Benfica would be behind us because they weren't winning against mid-table teams. It's very subjective, so we have to understand why we couldn't win.”

The importance of Suárez's missed penalty in the outcome
“He knows the confidence we have in him and he has given a lot to Sporting CP. It's not a single chance that defines Luis, because the shots that hit the woodwork could also have gone in. Since SL Benfica ended up scoring from a penalty, it affected the team mentally a bit. Luis remained committed to the team and the confidence we have in him is total. That's the cruelty of the game, but he has given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so.”

The decisive details in the final minutes
“Today we weren't happy with the draw, the team really wanted to win and that was demonstrated on the pitch. In terms of energy, I noticed that SL Benfica became fresher by changing their three forwards, but I don't think it was really that. We wanted to win. Perhaps we were too exposed at times and we paid for it. That's the cruelty of the game. I said that exhaustion wouldn't be an excuse, and it isn't, because the team gave a fantastic response. I repeat, I'm proud of everything the players were capable of today. They had a good game, we didn't deserve the defeat, but that's football.