The club earn their 24th such honour in their history

​The Sporting CP coach's review of the victory against Portimonense SC

Following the 3-0 triumph over Portimonense SC in Liga Portugal, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim was satisfied with the performance from his players, and considered that they were always “very competent and serious” in the game.

“We barely let Portimonense SC reach our goal and we didn't commit many fouls in the offensive midfield, which was one of the ideas for the game, because the opposition have scored a lot of goals from set pieces and are very strong from them. At times we should have moved the ball around more, and there was a period in the first half where we split possession and didn't need to. But we created several opportunities to score, we just weren't as effective as we have been,” said the coach in his post-match press conference.

“In the second half it was more of the same. Even when at a disadvantage, Portimonense SC did not want to break their low block. We controlled them, scored the second goal and then I think everyone in the stadium relaxed a little. The best team won."

He then praised Paulinho, who was named Man of the Match after scoring the first goal and setting up the third.

“Today Paulinho gave what he always gives, but he added goals. It's his best season at Sporting CP in that aspect, but he always offered us a lot because of the way he works. In difficult moments, I highlighted what he gave to the team. He is a very important player for us, and it is always a pleasure to be his coach – that's why I insisted on him coming – and today he once again showed that he has improved. Sometimes he plays less than he deserves, but whenever we have needed him, he responds.”

Amorim also made a point of thanking the 49,557 fans who sold out the stadium, stating that he wants to “win the title to help Sporting CP and also give joy to the fans."

“The wave of support has a huge meaning. When we reach the end of the season, it is normal for there to be enthusiasm. What is not normal is the way in which, since preseason, the fans have backed us from the beginning, after a very difficult season last time. They have played a very important role so far and I want to remind people that, in the year of COVID-19, everyone said that one of the reasons Sporting CP became champions was that there were no fans. They had to respond to this and they responded in the best way possible, but it's not over yet. We need their help to get two more points, and there is a lot to do.”

Despite admitting that winning the title is getting closer and closer, Amorim also noted that there are other objectives remaining.

“We have everything well on the right track. Everyone at Sporting CP already sees and feels the objective. But there is one small step left and we have to focus on that. Furthermore, we do not yet have the best defence in the league. We have two games left and we could do that. I think we will be the best attack, but we'll see. There are milestones that are important for the players and the entire club. We can break the points record, which is important in order to leave a mark at such a big club with such a vast history. The record belongs to Jorge Jesus and it's always good to break records from someone who had a lot of influence on my growth as a player and coach. It would give me great pleasure to break that record.”

​The team triumph 3-0 at home, with the Liga Portugal title soon to be decided

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Portimonense SC 3-0 in Liga Portugal action, as their persistence paid off and their complete domination in the second half was reflected in the scoreline. The team now move closer to a possible league title, with just two games remaining.

Missing Jeremiah St. Juste, due to injury, and Marcus Edwards, through suspension, coach Rúben Amorim made three changes to the starting XI fielded away against FC Porto. Back in were Viktor Gyökeres, Nuno Santos and Ricardo Esgaio, whilst Matheus Reis returned to the squad after injury.

Before the game, the players were welcomed onto the pitch with a choreography in honour of legendary club captain Manuel Fernandes, who is currently hospitalised. In the 9th minute of the match, he received another huge ovation from the sold out capacity crowd.

Sporting CP started at full force, establishing their presence early on in opposition half, and it did not take long to threaten an opening goal. The first big opportunity came from Ricardo Esgaio, who went across and set up Gyökeres, but the forward was denied by the goalkeeper.

After that, there was the second warning, by Paulinho, who headed wide, but the third time was a charm. With 13 minutes gone, Nuno Santos received the ball behind the defence, crossed into the heart of the area and Paulinho provided a first time finish to score.

Sporting CP did not give relegation strugglers Portimonense SC a chance to settle, and they rarely had the ball except for some frustrated counterattack attempts. At the other end, Sebastián Coates, Pedro Gonçalves and Gyökeres all had opportunities.

From the middle of the first half onwards, the pace dropped and the visitors started to have more of the ball. However, it was a short-lived spell, as once again it was Sporting CP who created a lot of danger, this time with Paulinho heading onto the post from a corner on the left side.

Paulinho forced Nakamura into a save before the break, and soon afterwards the goalkeeper upped the ante even further, denying Gonçalo Inácio off a header that seemed destined for goal.

In the second half, Sporting CP again pushed up very high and were patient in looking for spaces, against a Portimonense side with six at the back. The first big opportunity came on the hour, with Nakamura once again stopping Paulinho's attack.

The second goal ended up arriving, more than deservedly, in the 70th minute, from Francisco Trincão. After excellent work on the left side, Paulinho crossed towards the penalty spot and the winger appeared to turn the ball into the net.

Sporting CP continued to go on the attack and, whilst Trincão and Gyökeres had two excellent chances beforehand, it was the latter who made it 3-0 in stoppage time, thanks to a pass from Daniel Bragança that he turned home.

The 3-0 result means that Sporting CP could be crowned champions on Sunday if SL Benfica fail to win away to FC Famalicão. In the penultimate match of the campaign, scheduled for next Saturday, Sporting CP visit GD Estoril Praia.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Ousmane Diomande (Eduardo Quaresma, 80'), Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio (Geny Catamo, 67'), Morten Hjulmand (Hidemasa Morita, 80'), Pedro Gonçalves (Daniel Bragança, 67'), Nuno Santos (Matheus Reis, 89'), Francisco Trincão, Paulinho and Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting CP play Portimonense SC on Saturday

​Strikes in the closing moments give Sporting CP a 2-2 draw with FC Porto

Two late goals from Viktor Gyökeres earned Sporting Clube de Portugal a 2-2 draw against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 31, in a game held away from home at the Estádio do Dragão. The stalemate extends the team's unbeaten run in the league to 18 games, although their lead over SL Benfica in the table is now reduced to 5 points with three matches remaining.

The gap between Sporting CP and FC Porto at the start of play was 18 points, with the team from Oporto unable to finish higher than third this season. The home side were on a run of two consecutive victories, although they had not won at home for two fixtures.

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim made two changes too the lineup fielded in the 3-0 win over Vitória SC: Defender Ousmane Diomande at centre back and striker Paulinho were included, at the expense of Nuno Santos and Gyökeres (it was in doubt). Antonio Adán and Matheus Reis remained out of action due to injury.

The start was a tough one for Sporting CP, who conceded for the first time in three games at an early stage in the contest. After just eight minutes, a mistake in the buildup left the ball on the edge of the area, and a pass from Pepê put Evanilson through on Franco Israel to open the scoring.

Despite this, an immediate shot by Pedro Gonçalves that went slightly wide started the reaction. After a quarter of an hour of play, a header from Paulinho went just over the crossbar.

From the outset, it became evident that Sporting CP would look to take the initiative with the ball, but they experienced several difficulties dealing with FC Porto's more direct strategy.

A Francisco Trincão effort ended up in the hands of goalkeeper Diogo Costa, whilst at the other end Evanilson shot into the side netting.

In the 40th minute, the home team increased the scoreline to 2-0, as Martim Fernandes sprinted off following a throw-in and, benefiting from a slip by Morten Hjulmand, found Pepê in the area to finish off.

Shortly afterwards, another Sporting CP player slipped in the vicinity of the area and only Franco Israel prevented Francisco Conceição from making it 3-0.

For the second half, Amorim took a risk with the introduction of Viktor Gyökeres -still not fully fit after an injury- for the final 45 minutes at the Estádio do Dragão. He came on for Daniel Bragança, whilst five minutes later, Jeremiah St. Juste made way for Eduardo Quaresma.

It would be FC Porto who provided the first threat, from the feet of Francisco Conceição. In contrast, Sporting CP were looking for their fresh striker, but without success.

Amorim made another change and Hidemasa Morita and Nuno Santos came on at the hour mark, meaning Pedro Gonçalves returned to the frontline and Inácio moved into the midfield trio.

Off a sequence of Sporting CP set pieces, Morita had his header blocked by an opposition player. Then, Gonçalves had a look from distance that Diogo Costa saved.

With the clock ticking down, FC Porto began to defend deeper. That, combined with Sporting CP's pressure and relentless attacking, would provide the opening for a way back into the game.

In the 87th minute, a beautiful cross from Nuno Santos found Gyökeres for a precision header, taking the score to 2-1.

Neither Sporting CP nor Gyökeres stopped there. Galvanised, they attacked again and in less than a minute they pulled level. Geny Catamo recovered the ball in the opposition midfield, the team streamed forward towards Diogo Costa's goal and, inside the area, second half substitute Marcus Edwards provided a gorgeous assist for Gyökeres, who only had to tap the ball into the net. His 26th goal in the league brought Sporting CP level, 2-2.

Before the end, Edwards was shown a straight red card, but FC Porto were unable to capitalise and O Clássico ended in a 2-2 draw.

The two teams will face each other again this season, in the Taça de Portugal final at Jamor. Before that, the final stretch of the league season continues next Saturday at home to Portimonense SC.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Jeremiah St. Juste (Eduardo Quaresma, 50’), Ousmane Diomande (Nuno Santos, 60’), Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Daniel Bragança (Viktor Gyökeres, 46’), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Marcus Edwards, 86’), Paulinho (Hidemasa Morita, 60’).

​The Sporting CP coach looks at the game against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio do Dragão this Sunday, for an 8:30pm local time 'Clássico' against FC Porto.

Ahead of the game, which could see Sporting CP clinch the title if SL Benfica lose on Saturday against SC Braga, coach Rúben Amorim stressed that he is not expecting an easy game.

“Regardless of the league table, a game between Sporting CP and FC Porto always has great meaning. I think it will be the most difficult game of the season, due to all the conditions surrounding it. We know the club we are going to face, their coach and the pride they have. They are not in the fight for the title and we are, and we want to win, but we still have to take at least six points to become champions. It’s about getting them quickly, and that’s the focus," he began by telling journalists at the press conference.

Amorim also reflected on the differences between this game and the first of the season, which his side won 2-0.

“FC Porto have been playing 4-3-3, but they could change their characteristics because perhaps Pepê will have to return to right-back. Taremi could come in and play alongside Evanilson, or Baró could come in. Zaidu is completely different to Wendell, who has a different way of finishing in the final third, plays more inside and isn't as fast. Francisco Conceição has improved the team a lot, made them more dangerous, more aggressive and very strong in one-on-ones. It's a different FC Porto, but they are still strong. In the first game we had the same points coming into it, but now it’s different.”

The coach also considered that the 18-point gap in the standings does not reflect the difference between the two teams.

“We experienced this last year. We played better than in our first season when we won the title, but as time went by we started to create a gap and, for teams that are used to winning, it is much more difficult to turn things around. The table does not reflect the quality of the teams, neither how close nor far away they are. FC Porto will be very strong and aggressive, there should be a full house and the fans will support their club. Sérgio Conceição is very proud, so I know it will be a very difficult game."

In terms of his squad, Amorim revealed that "Matheus Reis is not fit, Antonio [Adán] is not fit and Viktor [Gyökeres] will be called up to the squad but it is still a doubt, because he has a small problem."

Amidst interest in his trip to England earlier in the week, the coach wished to clarify that "Sporting CP were aware of this, which is important and changes the context, but obviously it was a mistake and the timing was completely wrong. It didn't seem like it to me at the time. It was inappropriate, even more so when I am so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each person's problems cannot come ahead of the team. I have withdrawn players from the squad for much less. It was my mistake, and I have to accept it and live with it. It didn’t seem that serious to me at the time, but thinking more coldly, of course it was,” he said, before continuing.

“I gave explanations to the players and staff, but now it’s time to move on. I want to apologise to Sportinguistas, the staff and, above all, the players for the mistake I made. I also want to talk about the part where I broke my word that there would be no meeting. Things are not always black and white. In the same way that I broke my promise at home, because I said I would coach for another year and then stop to spend time with them, I will always disappoint someone. It happened, but now we have to focus on the game”, he reinforced.

​With Gil Vicente FC between coaches, Sporting CP are up against an unknown quantity this Friday

"We have one player who is a doubt. There was a player who felt some pain during training. I'm not going to say which one it is, and we're still going to evaluate him. Otherwise, everything is fine. Antonio Adán is already back training on the pitch, and he is much better than he was last week, but we still don't have a firm date for his return."

The coach looks forward to the Friday fixture against CF Estrela da Amadora

After the international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal are back in action on Friday, to face Estrela da Amadora on Liga Portugal Matchday 27.

Coach Rúben Amorim held a press conference on Thursday and assured journalists that the break “enabled us to recover some players, to rest up, whilst others went away with their national teams.”

“[Gonçalo] Inácio played 90 minutes in the last game and, due to the recovery period and the injury to his hamstring he had recently, we may have to take precautions there. The rest of the squad are ready for the game. We had a mishap with Sebastián Coates, but he has recovered, Marcus Edwards has already done more or less two days of training, and at the last minute we have Francisco Trincão back from injury. At this moment we have to take everyone, because we know it will be a difficult game."

He also confirmed that Pedro Gonçalves will miss out due to injury, saying that "We are going to do our best so that he can be with us next week."

Regarding coach Sérgio Vieira's CF Estrela da Amadora, currently 13th in the table with 26 points, Amorim highlighted that they are a team with “very fast players up front” and recalled the “problems” experienced in the first meeting this season, in Alvalade.

“I think we will improve. We have to be cautious and as strong as we were, for example, against Moreirense FC with stopping the transitions. We need to be very focused. On set pieces there is a specific player from CF Estrela da Amadora who, when he is playing, makes this aspect even more important."

“We have to get back to the mentality of knowing that we can't drop points, we have to win, we know that the season is coming to an end. We are ready for the game," he stressed.

With a game in hand, Sporting CP are the outright leaders with 65 points, one ahead of SL Benfica. They play their local rivals in consecutive derbies, beginning in the Taca de Portugal semifinals on Tuesday.

Before next weekend's league derby, the squad have a total of six players one yellow card away from serving a suspension: Morten Hjulmand, Ousmane Diomande, Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards, Luís Neto and Ricardo Esgaio. Despite this, Amorim highlighted that the “only squad management that will be done is tactical and physical, as always."

“It's not because there are two derbies coming up, but because there are many players who could be left out of the next game and we don't know which will be the most important game of the season. We have to play every game at 100%," he highlighted, before reinforcing that transfer rumours are not affecting his players.

“Right now, everything is focused on the league. We really want to win trophies and we know the importance of these upcoming games. Anything can happen until the end of the season. We experienced this with our last title, and when we least expected it we dropped six points in four games. I think this game with CF Estrela da Amadora is even more important. It’s about preparing for a different kind of game."

“It was harder to get the message across last year when we were in fourth place. In those stages of the season it is more difficult to make the players believe in the idea and the project, and they always have done. That's not the case this time. We are nine games away from being champions at a club that doesn't win that many titles in a row, so the message is always there."

The comprehensive result keeps the team top

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Boavista FC 6-1 in a Sunday night home fixture on Liga Portugal Matchday 26, thanks to a hat trick from Viktor Gyökeres, a brace from Paulinho and a goal from Nuno Santos. The win maintains the team's perfect home record in the league after 13 games at the Estádio José Alvalade.

To face Boavista FC, who started the game in tenth place (28 points), coach Rúben Amorim made five changes to the starting eleven from the match against Atalanta BC. The injured Pedro Gonçalves and Marcus Edwards were out, with Sebastián Coates and Hidemasa Morita returning directly to the starting lineup and Nuno Santos, Geny Catamo and Paulinho also selected.

Although the away team had gone two games without losing (1-1 with FC Famalicão and 1-0 against Moreirense FC), as visitors they were on a run of four games without a victory (2D 2L).

Before the action got underway, Matheus Reis was honoured for reaching the milestone of 150 games for Sporting CP.

The game had a difficult start, as after the third minute, at the edge of the area, Gaius Makouta took advantage of a ball cleared by Franco Israel to make it 0-1 to Boavista FC.

A few moments later, Sporting CP had a goal flagged offside to deny Francisco Trincão. Soon after, Paulinho and Matheus Reis both called goalkeeper João Gonçalves into action with crosses that swerved towards goal, and Viktor Gyökeres struck an effort over the crossbar.

Little by little, Sporting CP pushed Boavista FC back and began to impose their game. In the best opportunity of this spell, Ousmane Diomande and Paulinho combined and Gyökeres' shot failed to find the target.

In turn, the visitors from the city of Porto started to waste time, and also did not shy away from accumulating fouls and breaking, whenever possible, the rhythm of the match.

After half an hour, referee António Nobre decided to show a yellow card to each side – for Salvador Agra and Morten Hjulmand – which provoked strong protests from the hosts.

After much insistence, Sporting CP equalised just before halftime. After Paulinho narrowly missed a cross from Gyökeres and Trincão shot from distance to produces a good save from João Gonçalves, the deserved goal to make it 1-1 finally came.

The roles were reversed and this time it was Paulinho, on the left, setting up his Swedish teammate, who sent the ball into the net.

Amorim immediately brought on midfielder Daniel Bragança in the second half in place of Hjulmand, and Sporting CP went out in search of completing the turnaround, maintaining the total dominance with which they ended the first half. In the 49th minute a double opportunity came their way, but Coates' header was saved and on the rebound Diomande hit the ball badly and missed the target.

The goal to take the score to 2-1 didn't take much longer in coming, and in the 54th minute, Geny Catamo sent a perfect, arcing cross into the area and found Paulinho for the finish.

Gonçalo Inácio replaced Matheus Reis after the goal, as the home side pushed for more.

In the area, Gyökeres pulled inside and shot low into the back of the net in the 68th minute and, around ten minutes later, sealed his hat trick by converting a penalty for his 22nd league goal.

Between Gyökeres' two goals, Paulinho had also had an attempt with a header, but was denied by João Gonçalves.

With Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Esgaio and Koba Koindredi on the pitch, the action continued with further goals.

It was Nuno Santos' opportunism inside the area, pushing a ball across the line, which made it 5-1, then Paulinho rounded off the night with the final strike.

With the final score at 6-1, league leaders Sporting CP reinforced their status as the most successful attack in the league, with 75 goals scored.

After the international break, they travel to take on CF Estrela da Amadora.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Geny Catamo, Ousmane Diomande (Eduardo Quaresma, 72’), Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis (Gonçalo Inácio, 55’), Morten Hjulmand (Daniel Bragança, 46’), Hidemasa Morita (Koba Koindredi, 84’), Francisco Trincão (Ricardo Esgaio, 84’), Paulinho e Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach laments the elimination from the Europa League

After a 2-1 defeat for Sporting Clube de Portugal to Atalanta BC, which led to their elimination from the UEFA Europa League, coach Rúben Amorim held a press conference and began by explaining what motivated the substitution of Pedro Gonçalves shortly after scoring in the first half.

“Pedro felt some pain in his leg. He is in pain now, even when he is walking, it is likely a muscle injury. We will evaluate him and see how long he will be out. He knows that we are nine games away from the end of the season and one away from reaching the final of the Taça de Portugal. But given the form he is in, he knew he could be called up for the national team as well”, he told journalists in Bergamo, before analysing the loss.

“It's a night that didn’t go well for us. We had chances to score and we matched Atalanta's physicality. There was a lack of precision to reach the last third in the first half, but not in the second. We pushed up on the opponents. The moments in which the goals were scored made the difference. We conceded the second in our best phase of the game. We will be strong in the next match”, he promised.

Asked if anxiety had been the biggest reason for not taking advantage of their opportunities, the coach rejected the idea.

 “It can't be anxiety. Marcus [Edwards] perhaps even thought too much. Paulinho wanted to chip the ball, then Marcus struck it badly. We couldn't score and that's one of the big reasons why we were eliminated, as well as the timing of the goals. We can't concede the goal to make it 1-1 like that. The game would be totally different if they were at a disadvantage. We paid dearly for it. It wasn’t pressure, because we deal with that every day”.

Finally, the coach assured that “there is always something to take away from every game”.

“We have to grow in key moments of games. We are growing, but in a tie where we were ahead and comfortable, we cannot concede goals at the beginning of the second half. (…) We had the ability to progress and we couldn’t”.