​The coach talks after the 0-0 draw with Gil Vicente FC

After the 0-0 draw against Gil Vicente FC, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim analysed the match in his press conference, highlighting the poor offensive effectiveness that proved costly.

“We needed to score goals and be better in our decision-making, not only in terms of shots but also in our passing before the shots. We recovered a lot of balls high up the pitch, and we could have made better decisions. We managed to control Gil Vicente FC, who are very dangerous in terms of breaking through with Navarro and Murilo coming inside. But when you don't score, you don't win games", he told journalists.

Asked about the importance of striker Paulinho's absence, the coach said "he would be a useful part of the team, because of the form he is in, but Youssef Chermiti did his job".

“There was a lot of space in transitions and we have to be better in those situations, because that way we will facilitate our play. In the first half, they tried to break up the game, but then in the second we had control, but we couldn't score".

“Is there a lot to grow? There is", he continued. "We lack that killer instinct. We have grown a lot, but we need another level of maturity and we will have it. I'm frustrated today, it's been a difficult year, but when we have to go back to square one, we do it”, emphasised Amorim, before assessing how the result will affect his side's chances in the league.
“It brings us down a bit from the form we were in and gives our rivals a chance, so we have to be aware of that".

A 0-0 draw with Gil Vicente FC denies Os Leões the three points

Sporting Clube de Portugal were held to a goalless draw by Gil Vicente FC in a rescheduled Liga Portugal Matchday 25 encounter, played on Wednesday night. The draw concluded a run of five consecutive wins in the league and, whilst they were the better side, the team were unable to convert their chances.

Coach Rúben Amorim made five changes to the starting XI from four days prior, with Ricardo Esgaio (returning from suspension), Jeremiah St. Juste, Sebastián Coates, Hidemasa Morita and Youssef Chermiti coming in at the expense of Arthur Gomes, Ousmane Diomande, Nuno Santos and Francisco Trincao. Paulinho was out due to injury.

Gil Vicente FC came into the contest in 13th place in the league table and had not lost at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos since November.

Sporting CP had three excellent opportunities in a row to start the game: First, a shot from square on by Pedro Gonçalves went out. Chermiti's backheel forced goalkeeper Andrew into a save. Finally, Esgaio benefited from a recovery on the edge of the area, but would also be denied.

From then on, they managed to impose their game more unequivocally. Chermiti was narrowly denied a run through on goal, Gonçalves failed to convert a shot at the back post and Andrew responded with a save from a shot by Matheus Reis. Despite an attempt by Murilo, the danger was practically one-way traffic in the first half.

At halftime, Nuno Santos was brought onto the wing to replace Gonçalo Inácio, and Matheus Reis dropped into the trio of centre-backs.

In the beginning of the second stanza, Gil Vicente FC created their best opportunity, but Antonio Adán rushed out quickly and decisively to stifle a one-on-one with Marlon.
Marcus Edwards appeared to have made it 0-1, but his goal would be disallowed by VAR for offside against Chermiti at the start of the move.

Gonçalves forced another save from Andrew, then had a goal of his own ruled out for offside. Morita, in the middle, would shoot wide and Coates was very close to making the decisive glance on a Nuno Santos cross, as Sporting CP continued to dominate.

Amorim decided to introduce Trincão and Arthur Gomes for Ugarte and Esgaio, as the game closed in on its conclusion. Gil Vicente FC played more and more compactly, making offensive fluidity difficult for Sporting CP. 

In the last opportunity, Edwards had a shot inside the area blocked, and the score remained deadlocked at the end. Despite keeping a fifth consecutive clean sheet in Liga Portugal, they could not claim the three points. 

Sporting CP now have a total of 54 points and have another away trip this weekend, playing against Casa Pia AC on Sunday at 6pm local time.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Ricardo Esgaio (Arthur Gomes 76'), Jeremiah St. Juste, Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio (Nuno Santos 46'), Matheus Reis, Manuel Ugarte (Francisco Trincão 76'), Hidemasa Morita (Mateo Tanlongo 85'), Marcus Edwards, Pedro Gonçalves and Youssef Chermiti.

The Sporting CP coach speaks before the midweek game against Gil Vicente FC

Rúben Amorim previewed Wednesday night's Liga Portugal game against Gil Vicente FC in a pre-match press conference, in which he addressed the team's current form and rumours about his own future.

“We are in good form and, obviously, the results help. We are playing better and we are more consistent. Now we are up against Gil Vicente FC, who are a very well prepared team, with a very good dynamic, and I think it will be an excellent game for testing our consistency, but I would say that the main objective is to win again and maintain our way of playing, with our offensive quality and, mainly, a lot of defensive consistency," he said on Tuesday.

"We are aware that in the past we have also come off a good series of results and suddenly had one problem or another in a game that cost us in the table. We have to be aware of all this and go into the game confident. We are prepared."

Amorim noted that coach Gonçalo Inácio is fit for the match, although Paulinho has a problem with the sole of his foot and will miss out.

With Benfica and FC Porto meeting on Friday, a win on the road could bring Sporting CP closer to the top of the table, but Amorim said that nobody is doing the maths just yet.

“My players don't look at it much. They are very focused on getting into the starting lineup and playing. That's their main objective and I can feel this in training. As there are rotations and we have more and more options, their main concern at the moment is to earn their place and win the game. They know that wins take us closer to the Champions League places and, as they got to experience the Champions League this year, they really want to play in it again. They know how important this factor is for us."

This April Sporting CP will play eight games, two of them in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Their coach explained that he has no doubt that "it is an important moment in which a lot of things will be decided."

“This week we have three league games and then the Europa League, but nobody is thinking about the Europa League right now. We just think a little further ahead to manage the situation and help ourselves. Our priority is the league and it always has been. We really want to win in the Europa League, and we've already proved that we can beat any team, but we know the difference in that competition."

Amorim also commented on the interview given by Frederico Varandas on Monday night, saying that he considers that everybody should want justice to be done in cases involving Portuguese football.

“The president spoke and I would say that it's not just the president who thinks that way, but all the fans, be it supporters of SL Benfica, FC Porto or Sporting CP: All the fans want justice and fair play. I don't draw any conclusions about what is happening, but if I was at a club that has a problem in the courts, I would want justice to be done, regardless of whether I was harmed or not. That's why I say that it's not just the president who wants it: I say that everyone wants fair play. That is the main objective for all of us."

In recent days there has been talk of yet another club interested in the Sporting CP coach taking charge, but he batted away any suggestion of his departure.

“The main reason why I want to stay is because I really like being here. I've seen many coaches move to other leagues and not be happier. It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but it's an important factor in the decision we have to make and I'm not looking for anything. I already had contact with other clubs, Sporting CP even know this, but I always wanted to stay because I like being at Sporting CP. If I ever have to leave, either because I've been pushed out with white handkerchiefs or because I've gone to another club, then what happens, happens. But I won't be leaving the door ajar because I think Sporting CP deserve another level of respect. If I ever want to go, I'll tell the president and Hugo Viana and I'll go. At this time, I want to stay here and I want to fulfill my contract. I have very clear objectives for what I want to do. In addition, any club that wants me -just like Sporting CP wanted me- will have to pay the buyout clause, because my way of doing things requires that. I am very happy where I am and I want to continue here,” he concluded.

The coach gives his opinions on a win against CD Santa Clara

In the aftermath of the 3-0 triumph over CD Santa Clara, coach Rúben Amorim analysed that his team started well, but warned that they switched off slightly when in front.

“What I liked most was the complete way we began the game. We showed good offensive dynamics and also a very strong reaction when we lost the ball. We didn't let CD Santa Clara create opportunities or connect with the players up front. We were strong in aerial duels and we often made it three against three," he started by stating in his post-match press conference.

“What I liked least was that we turned off our intensity a little, and the fact that CD Santa Clara had many shots on goal, which is not normal for our team. Some of them weren't  dangerous, but others, like the ball hitting the post, they could have scored from. Players have to learn to enjoy the good moments more, when we are winning comfortably in the game. We have to play better in the easier moments."

Amorim then spoke on the return of Luís Neto, who came on in the second half to play for the first time in almost seven months, after recovering from a prolonged injury.

“Players are not only important for what they do on the field, but also off it, and Neto is an example of that. Even at his age, he has grown a lot in the quality of his game and was always an example in the dressing room during his time on the sidelines, for the way he recovered from a very serious problem and grew in fitness and maximum speed. He has many years to go in his career, he has won a lot and is comfortable in life, but he is still hungry to be an important person on the team. That is a very important factor, especially in a team with a lot of young players."

Questioned about Arthur Gomes, who started on the right wing, he said that the Brazilian performed very well in a new position.

“Offensively, it's easy for him because he has good timing. Maybe he's one of the best on our team in attacking behind the back of the defence. Even so, in the second half we had some difficulties in constructing play due to the way they pressed us higher, as he didn't track back as quickly as usual. There are good and bad things, but he cut out two transitions and had a very complete game."

As for Afonso Moreira, the 18-year-old winger who was on the bench but ended up not making his debut, the coach spoke highly of the young talent.

“We believe in Afonso Moreira a lot. He has very good characteristics. He could do what Nuno Santos does, not just because of his physical ability and speed. He has to start feeling what the first team is all about. He didn't come on today because it wasn't necessary; if we need a replacement for Arthur he could play that position or go further forward. I really believe in Afonso Moreira, he plays well with both feet and has a lot of quality."

Amorim also commented on the rotation that he has been using, whether in his starting eleven or during the course of the game.

“It doesn't matter who plays, the ideas and positions are there. Everyone has to feel important and in this team, with so many young players, either everyone feels that they are important or they end up getting down. But the team are growing in this aspect, and hunger for the ball sometimes works miracles."

Sporting CP cruise to victory on Liga Portugal Matchday 26

Back in action after a two-week international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat CD Santa Clara 3-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade on Liga Portugal Matchday 26. Paulinho, Trincão and Marcus Edwards scored the goals in a routine win for the team.

Rúben Amorim made some changes to his starting lineup: In defence, Matheus Reis joined Diomande, who moved to the right side, with Gonçalo Inácio at centre back with Coates out of the squad. On the wings, Nuno Santos occupied the left and Arthur Gomes the right, replacing the suspended Ricardo Esgaio.

The game started with total dominance from Sporting CP, and they were rewarded with a goal just 13 minutes in. Pedro Gonçalves hit a free kick into the area, and Paulinho rose highest to head home the opener.

Arthur Gomes came close to scoring a second with a long-range shot that went slightly over the crossbar, but it didn't take much longer for Sporting CP to make it 2-0. On 22 minutes, a ball through on the left flank allowed Trincão to break free from the defence and line up a strike to score.

It was only after that that the Azoreans, currently bottom of the Liga Portugal table, managed to see some of the ball and produced their first move of note, when Gabriel Silva headed over. Right after, at the other end, Gonçalo Inácio met a free kick and smashed his effort against the crossbar.

In the final stretch of the first half, despite the rather languid pace, Sporting CP continued to control things and could have extended their lead. After a beautiful team move, Nuno Santos crossed into the penalty area to feed Paulinho, who scuffed the ball over just before the whistle went for the interval.

After the break, Jeremiah St. Juste came on for Gonçalo Inácio, moving Diomande to the center of the defence.

In the 52nd minute, Paulinho recovered the ball high up the pitch, gave it to Marcus Edwards and the Englishman, after taking a defender out of the equation, struck into the back of the net to take the score to 3-0.

Trincão forced goalkeeper Gabriel Batista to make a good save, and Sporting CP were so comfortable that Amorim made a series of substitutions. Morita, Mateo Tanlongo, Rochinha and Luís Neto were all introduced, with the latter returning to action after seven months out.

Two attempts by Paulinho and a shot by the visitors that hit the post were the only moments of excitement before the end, and Sporting CP ran out resounding winners with a 3-0 triumph that extended their unbeaten run to nine.

On Wednesday they play at home to Gil Vicente FC on Matchday 27.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [C] [GK], Gonçalo Inácio (Jeremiah St. Juste, 45'), Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis (Luís Neto, 69'), Arthur Gomes, Manuel Ugarte (Mateo Tanlongo, 69'), Pedro Gonçalves (Hidemasa Morita, 69'), Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards (Rochinha, 70'), Francisco Trincão and Paulinho.

Sporting CP prepare for their game against CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal trained on Thursday afternoon at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, to prepare for their Saturday home game against CD Santa Clara.

The session featured the return of the club's internationals, who worked under the guidance of coach Rúben Amorim.

Several youngsters from the youth system - Afonso Moreira, Vando Félix, João Muniz, Jesús Alcantar, Flávio Nazinho, João Ferreira, Miguel Menino, Diogo Cabral, Francisco Canário, Joelson Fernandes and Diogo Abreu, all participated as well.

Amorim will speak in a pre-match press conference after training on Friday.

Sporting CP keep sharp in a practice match

Sporting Clube de Portugal held a training game against UD Vilafranquense on Friday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, which ended with the team winning 7-0.

Rúben Amorim lined up the following eleven players for the session: Franco Israel, Ricardo Esgaio, Ousmane Diomande, Luís Neto, Matheus Reis, Arthur Gomes, Mateo Tanlongo, Sotiris Alexandropoulos, Rochinha, Francisco Trincão and Paulinho. In addition to the starters, Jeremiah St. Juste, Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos and Marcus Edwards all played minutes.

The goals were scored by Sotiris Alexandropoulos, Paulinho, Francisco Trincão, Ricardo Esgaio, Rochinha, Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Santos.

The next training session for Sporting CP is scheduled for Monday, in Alcochete, behind closed doors.

The coach speaks after a sensational night for Sporting CP

At the end of a glorious night for Sporting Clube de Portugal, as they eliminated Arsenal from the UEFA Europa League, coach Rúben Amorim analysed a performance that saw his team progress to the quarter finals.

"There was a lot of maturity on the part of the players. We started both games going behind, and we always managed to turn things around and remain very compact, understanding what the game required," he said.

"We had the physical, technical and tactical capacity to match a team with a different pace. We had to play very well in both games and the players did that. More than the result, it's about the way we played. Today was an important game for the visibility it had, but we have got through to the next round."

The coach also justified his decision to make his substitutions late on.

"The team were doing so well that I didn't want to change any position to change the game. Any player could have been in the starting lineup, but nobody seemed tired. The players were very motivated and I didn't want to change the dynamic. All the young players we have can reach the level of Arsenal players, but they have to grow," commented Amorim.

"I won't forget what we went through this year, which is something that can happen again. I don't deceive myself about anything. I'm very happy here and my objective is to win, at least, one more title for Sporting CP."

After describing Pedro Gonçalves' equalising strike from distance as "a special goal from a special player," he admitted that "extra time was very difficult" for Sporting CP.

Questioned about what this triumph could mean for the younger players, he explained that "it has the impact that they want to have and that the people around them want to have."

"We have to praise them and then get back to work. I'm not crazy and I know the impact this game had on the players, but everything can change. It's a good moment for them, they played well and they got through to the next round, but we can't forget what happened before," he stressed.

Regarding the future in the UEFA Europa League, the coach stated that Sporting CP can "win any game or lose against any team."

"If we go from this starting point, we are on the right path. Liga Portugal is our priority. Difficult games are coming, anything can happen and that is our focus. When the UEFA Europa League comes around, we will see what happens. Of course, this game helps the players to believe."

Finally, Amorim thanked the Sporting fans for their support in London.

"We're used to it. It was the same in Frankfurt and against Tottenham Hotspur. The fans believe because the team believe. It's contagious. The fans feel proud of their team."

'Os Leões' eliminate Arsenal on penalties in London

Sporting Clube de Portugal progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in a thrilling game against Arsenal, which required penalties to decide who would make it out of the Last 16 after a 3-3 aggregate result.

After the 2-2 draw in Alvalade, Os Leões went to the Emirates Stadium, in London, with around 3000 Sportinguistas accompanying them in the English capital.

Five changes were made to the starting XI, as Antonio Adán, Jeremiah St. Juste, Gonçalo Inácio, Francisco Trincão and Paulinho all came in.

Sporting CP's began with authority demonstrating that they hadn't come to London with the intention of playing for a draw. On 13 minutes, the first sign of danger came when Francisco Trincão cut in from the right, shooting slightly wide. In response, Reiss Nelson of Arsenal crossed for Gabriel Jesus, with Antonio Adán blocking well.

Without doing much to deserve it, Arsenal made it 1-0 after 19 minutes. Adán had denied Gabriel Martinelli, but Granit Xhaka snatched the rebound to score.

The Gunners took advantage of the momentum to grow in strength, and could have scored a second shortly after, when Gabriel Jesus' shot forced a tremendous save by Adán.

Closing in on halftime, Sporting CP had two chances: First, Jeremiah St. Juste went on a long solo run and shot wide. Then in stoppage time, Manuel Ugarte tried his luck from afar and was centimeters away from Aaron Ramsdale's goal.

In the second half, Sporting CP started even better, and converted this into attempts by Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho, the latter off a very dangerous cross by Ricardo Esgaio.

A much deserved equaliser came in the 62nd minute, in spectacular style. Sporting CP recovered the ball in midfield and Pedro Gonçalves, close to 52.5-metres out, shot past the Arsenal goalkeeper to level the game and the tie.

Right after the historic goal, Paulinho headed the ball over the crossbar, then Esgaio set up Marcus Edwards perfectly for a shot saved by Ramsdale.

A free kick by Arsenal's Fábio Vieira, kept out by Adán, and Youssef Chermiti coming in for Paulinho, made no change to the scoreline at the end of regulation time, and the game went into extra time.

In the opening moments of the additional half-hour, Gonçalves and Matheus Reis made way for Dário Essugo and Nuno Santos, respectively.

Adán was again the protagonist in the 97th minute, when a mistake by Sporting CP left Trossard with the ball right in front of the Spanish goalkeeper, who made a quality stop.

Arthur Gomes came in for Trincão as the first half of extra time ended. In the second period, Arsenal pressed harder and in the 117th minute it was only an outstanding response to Gabriel Magalhães' header by Adán that prevented a goal.

Soon after, Ugarte saw his second yellow card, reducing Sporting CP to ten men, but with no goals in extra time, penalties would decide who would go through to the next stage.

The coin toss dictated that the goal to be used was the one closest to the Sporting CP supporters. The first seven penalties were all converted: Jeremiah St. Juste, Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio and Arthur Gomes all dispatched for Sporting CP; Ødegaard, Saka and Trossard for the Gunners.

Everything changed on the eighth spot kick. Gabriel Martinelli struck and Adán guessed correctly, leaving the responsibility to put Sporting CP through to Nuno Santos. He kept his cool, sent the ball into the net and sent his team into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

The draw for the next stage, semi-finals and final of the UEFA Europa League is scheduled for this Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [C] [GR], Jeremiah St. Juste, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio, Manuel Ugarte, Pedro Gonçalves (Dário Essugo, 93'), Matheus Reis (Nuno Santos, 93'), Marcus Edwards (Mateo Tanlongo, 119'), Francisco Trincão (Arthur Gomes, 105') and Paulinho (Youssef Chermiti, 79').

April 13th in Italy, April 20th at the Estádio José Alvalade

After progressing from the Round of 16 stage in the UEFA Europa League at the expense of Arsenal, Sporting Clube de Portugal were entered into the quarter final draw that took place on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland:

The team will face Italian giants Juventus. The first leg, in Turin, Italy, is scheduled for April 13th, with the second leg taking place exactly a week later, on April 20th, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The team who go through will play the winners of the tie between Manchester United and Sevilla.