The team draw 1-1 with Bologna FC 1909

A 1-1 draw for Sporting Clube de Portugal with Bologna FC 1909 was enough to take them through to the playoff round of the UEFA Champions League. Conrad Harder scored a 71st minute equaliser to take the required point on the league phase's final matchday.

The game was played amidst torrential rain and cold temperatures in the Lisbon area, especially before the teams went out to warm up. Rui Borges made four changes to his starting XI: Rui Silva, Hidemasa Morita, Geovany Quenda and Viktor Gyökeres were rotated out, with Franco Israel, Zeno Debast, Geny Catamo and Conrad Harder taking their places. On the bench were young players Afonso Moreira, Mauro Couto, Rafael Nel, Alexandre Brito and Eduardo Felicíssimo, the latter two seeking their first team debuts.

Bologna came very close to opening the scoring after just four minutes, when Sam Beukema headed the ball against the crossbar off a corner. The initial pace, however, was somewhat slow, with Sporting CP only threatening for the first time when Francisco Trincão passed to Harder. After taking an opponent out of the equation, he unleashed a shot that was saved by Federico Ravaglia.

Another hit from the Dane followed, from distance that went wide. Bologna managed to make it 0-1 in the 21st minute: From another corner from the right, a header from Beukema deflected in off Tommaso Pobega.

Sporting CP reacted with a free kick, from which Debast narrowly missing the target. On 40 minutes, he found Harder with a through ball, resulting in a shot that was again saved by Ravaglia. Geny Catamo also picked out Maxi Araújo and he, up against the opposition goalkeeper, did not get the best possible shot away. The Uruguayan tried to follow up with a backheel, but to no avail.

Just before halftime, the highlight was a great chance for Morten Hjulmand with a header, but referee Benoît Bastien blew for an offensive foul.

A new obstacle emerged in the early stages of the second half, when Debast picked up an injury and was replaced by João Simões.

Bologna FC 1909 attacked through Dan Ndoye, who missed the target, whilst Catamo had another effort denied by Ravaglia. Soon after, at the other end, Franco Israel denied Pobega with a great save.

Iván Fresneda's powerful shot distance was met by Ravaglia later on, as Sporting CP continued to search for an equaliser. A header from Hjulmand sent the ball into the hands of Ravaglia in the 73rd minute and Pobega hit the side netting shortly afterwards.

Finally, in the 77th minute, Sporting CP levelled with a very well-worked move: Geovany Quenda picked out João Simões and he fed a pass to Conrad Harder, who got ahead of a defender and the goalkeeper to make the crucial touch and take the score to 1-1.

Off a very dangerous counterattack, the visitors could have scored again immediately afterwards, but Dan Ndoye shot wide.

The game dipped off and Sporting CP safely made their way into 23rd position in the league phase. The draw for the playoff for the Round of 16 is scheduled for 11am on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland. Rui Borges' team will meet either Atalanta BC or Borussia Dortmund.

Sporting CP are back in action at 6pm on Sunday, hosting SC Farense at Estádio José Alvalade in Liga Portugal.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast (João Simões, 50'), Morten Hjulmand, Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão (Matheus Reis, 87'), Daniel Bragança (Geovany Quenda, 61') and Conrad Harder.

The Uruguayan previews the Champions League game

Maxi Araújo fielded questions from the media ahead of the meeting with Bologna FC 1909, scheduled for this Wednesday at 8pm local time.

The winger highlighted the importance of the game, on the eighth and final matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

"Playing in this competition is a dream of mine and my whole family, so I make the most of every game. The team are doing very well and our recent victory in the league is important for the group. We come into this one well. Winning against CD Nacional was very important, as was keeping a clean sheet. In the last few days, we have prepared well for the game against Bologna FC 1909," he commented.

"UEFA Champions League games are different," emphasised Araújo, who warned that the opposition's lowly position in the table will not make them easier to beat.

"We recently played RB Leipzig, who at the time had zero points in the competition, and we lost in Germany. That game was a learning experience. It helped us to be even more focused on tomorrow and take better advantage of our opportunities," he explained.

Asked about adapting as a left-back, the Uruguayan said he was "happy with the new position," but recognises the need to improve "with the last pass and with my decision making."

The player, who has been a starter for five consecutive matches, concluded by saying that he was "very happy to have minutes."

“The coach, my teammates and the entire coaching staff have given me confidence, and the most important thing is for me to be at 100%, continue learning and help the team."

The coach looks at a Champions League meeting with Bologna FC 1909

This Wednesday, at 8pm local time, Sporting Clube de Portugal host Bologna FC 1909 in the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Before a decisive game for the team, coach Rui Borges addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, saying that progressing in the competition "is everyone's desire."

"We will try to play at our best. I am convinced that we can reach the playoffs and that they will play to win, despite a draw being enough for us to go through."

Bologna FC 1909 are already out of the running for the next stage, but the coach does not anticipate an easy game.

"They have only one defeat in the last 12 games, and are a very competitive team who are very physical. It's going to be difficult. It's a UEFA Champions League game, in a competition where the best teams in Europe compete, hence the difficulties of every match," warned Borges.

Regarding his squad's fitness, with several players at less than 100%, Borges insisted that "Sporting CP will go into any game or competition to win. We want to be competitive; the club and its history demand this. We will do well with any XI we put out. I have complete confidence in my players."

However, he acknowledged that Viktor Gyökeres and Hidemasa Morita have "accumulated fatigue” and are in doubt for the match.

“They have to be managed on a daily basis. We have done our best, with a lot of dialogue between the departments, players and coaches, so that the interests of the team and Sporting CP are always prioritised," he explained.

Finally, when asked about the transfer market, Borges gave a message of optimism, confidence and ambition.

"We have a willing, capable squad that have given a good response in games. I'm very happy with the players we have. We all really want to be back-to-back champions. That's the focus, the objective. Regardless of the position and how long they play, everyone wants to help the team, and as a coach nothing makes me happier."

The Sporting CP coach looks at the win over CD Nacional

After the final whistle in the 2-0 win against CD Nacional, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse the game.

“Above all, it was a very competent showing on our part. The opposition played with a low block, with one line of 5 and another of 4 that are difficult to penetrate. It was a difficult first half in terms of creating chances, but otherwise we controlled it. I knew that the game could be decided by a moment of inspiration, and so it was,” he began saying before praising scorer Francisco Trincão.

“I’m very happy with what he did, and for this moment of inspiration. The game was unlocked by that.”

“The second half was kind of more of the same, but with more chances to score again. We controlled things, but at 1-0 it is always dangerous. The team were serious, rigorous and happy to make it 2-0, and I’m happy for João Simões, because he’s a kid who deserves a lot.”

With this triumph, Sporting CP increased their advantage over SL Benfica in the standings to six points. Despite this, Rui Borges reaffirmed that the focus is exclusively on the games that his team have ahead -and not on their rivals.

“We were going to be top, regardless of SL Benfica's result. All we have to do is think about ourselves, and that's what we did. We are more concerned about being competent in our game. There’s no point looking at other matches. The team want to be champions and today they proved that.”

“Of course, the more points we have, the better, but I know there will be difficult games ahead. If we are competent, we will be champions.”

Borges also made no secret of the fact that the team still have a lot of room for improvement.

“Clearly I want to see many aspects improved, but we haven’t had much time. I’m lucky to have very intelligent and switched-on players. I'm very happy with the team. In terms of our speed moving the ball around: More than tiredness, it’s a question of habits rather than the way of playing with three defenders. I don’t want to take that away, but against a team with a very low block, like today, if we don’t force them to move and wear them out, they will always be comfortable,” he considered

Finally, asked about Viktor Gyökeres' return to the starting lineup, the coach highlighted that the Swede was “taken care of in previous games” to achieve this.

“We know what we can do and the risks we can take. Gyökeres will be available again on Wednesday if nothing happens.”

Francisco Trincão and João Simões get the goals in a 2-0 victory for Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat CD Nacional 2-0 on Liga Portugal Matchday 19, and continue to lead the way in the standings. The first home game of 2025, held in front of 42,420 spectators, saw goals from Francisco Trincão and João Simões.

To face CD Nacional, a side in 13th place (with 19 points) and boosted by two recent victories - one of them against FC Porto- Rui Borges made five changes to the team he fielded in the Champions League in midweek. Rui Silva – debuting at home-, Gonçalo Inácio, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança and Viktor Gyökeres returned to the starting lineup, occupying the places of Franco Israel, Jeremiah St. Juste, Zeno Debast, Geny Catamo and Conrad Harder.

Captain Morten Hjulmand entered the pitch accompanied by two neurodivergent people, and the names on the shirts of all the players were written in Braille. This, among other details, were to highlight the inauguration of “The Green Box”, an inclusive space equipped with specific technologies to provide the best experience for disabled, blind, deaf and neurodivergent people.

Os Leões started off determined, but CD Nacional managed to stifle all of the initial attempts. After a more lukewarm phase of play, a series of fouls from the opposition spiked the atmosphere, then Gonçalo Inácio had the first opportunity with a header -but it was saved by Lucas França.

The action in the first half took place entirely in CD Nacional's defence and midfield, however it proved to be an impossible task to break through and cause real damage. Just when it seemed like the score would remain 0-0 at half-time, Sporting CP finally opened their account.

In stoppage time, from very far away, Francisco Trincão unleashed a powerful shot for his eighth goal of the season, making it 1-0.

Afterwards, there was still time for another great chance, but Lucas França blocked Gyökeres' cross-shot.

During the break, there was lots of applause from the stands for the club's triathlon athletes and women's swimming team, who went out onto the pitch to celebrate their most recent achievements in national competitions.

When the action resumed, Quenda went on a mazy dribble but was unable to finish well, then Trincão shot slightly over the crossbar in an attempt to repeat his first half goal.

Iván Fresneda was very close to getting his side's second, but his flick on ended up being saved by the goalkeeper.

Rui Borges refreshed the midfield with the entry of Zeno Debast in place of Morita, having already brought on Geny Catamo for Daniel Bragança.

Sporting CP would take the score to 2-0 just after the 90th minute, when Catamo crossed low and João Simões -also recently introduced to the action–  appeared in the area to bury his effort. It was the academy graduate's first senior goal for the club.

With their 2-0 win, Sporting CP took advantage of SL Benfica's slip-up away to Casa Pia AC and are now six points clear of their rivals.

Next up is a meeting with Bologna FC 1909 on the final day of the UEFA Champions League league phase, and then follows the clash with SC Farense in Liga Portugal.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 89'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Zeno Debast, 68'), Francisco Trincão (João Simões, 89'), Geovany Quenda, Daniel Bragança (Geny Catamo, 60') and Viktor Gyökeres (Conrad Harder, 89').

The coach talks after the 2-1 loss to RB Leipzig

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference to analyse the game.

"With everything the team were able to do, they didn't deserve to leave here with no points. Overall, we were the better side. We managed, especially in the second half, to be more proactive and intense, and we didn't let them focus play inside as much. We started well in the first half, then didn't do so well, and in the last 10 or 15 minutes we took control of the game again with more clarity. We finished the first half on top," he explained.

"At the start of the second half we didn't do well, but after the first five minutes and the substitutions, we ran play. We pressed, were strong in duels, but, after our goal, we conceded a second goal from a situation in which we have to be much more mature and practical -and we were penalised. Then, we still had two or three more chances on goal."

According to the coach "Sporting CP were ambitious from start to finish" and Viktor Gyökeres "was on the bench for tactical reasons, like in the last game."

"He's the best player in the league at the moment, the most sought after. If he was at 100%, of course he would play. He's tired, but Sporting CP are very good in all departments. There's a lot of communication between everyone and the time set for him was the time he played, so as to not worsen the problem. If he played from the beginning, we could lose Viktor for a long time -and that's not what we want," Borges stated.

After confirming that Jeremiah St. Juste went off in the first half it due to injury, Borges addressed the issue of the January transfer window.

"For someone to come in, someone will have to leave. For now, the most important thing is to feel that Daniel Bragança and Hidemasa Morita came on for longer periods and gave a good response. We are, little by little, getting everyone back to 100% fitness," he said.

Sporting CP fall 2-1 to RB Leipzig in the Champions League

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost 2-1 to German side RB Leipzig on the seventh matchday of the UEFA Champions League league stage.

A cold night, with temperatures close to zero degrees, greeted coach Rui Borges' debut in the competition. Sporting CP wanted to mathematically guarantee a place in the playoff stage, whilst their opponents were looking to score their first points in the competition this season.

Borges made two changes in the starting lineup to that fielded in Vila do Conde, including  Franco Israel coming in for Rui Silva (ineligible to play until the next stage). Alexandre Brito and Denilson Santos were called up on the bench.

Sporting CP started strongly, showing great personality in the opening minutes. In one of their first attacks, the opening chance arrived: A beautiful passage of play on the left, with Geovany Quenda feeding Maxi Araújo, who in turn served up the ball for Conrad Harder, but the Dane shot over. Soon after, the striker tried his luck from long distance, but goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt saved.

In response, RB Leipzig had shots through Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda. They made it 1-0 shortly afterwards, when David Raum appeared in space on the left and set up Benjamin Šeško, who finished at the far post.

The German team continued to apply pressure, as seen in the attacks from Amadou Haidara and Xavi Simons, although both did not result in anything dangerous. At the other end, Sporting CP threatened again when Geny Catamo picked out Maxi Araújo on the far side with a great pass, the Uruguayan denied by Christoph Baumgartner.

Gonçalo Inácio replaced Jeremiah St. Just in the 29th minute, and RB Leipzig put the ball in the back of the net again at the half-hour mark -this time with a goal by David Raum that was disallowed for offside.

Towards the end of the first half, Harder shot over with a deflection off a defender, and there was almost an own goal when Geovany Quenda's hit from a corner clipped Xavi Simons, but the ball went narrowly wide.

Just before the break, Inácio played upfield for Catamo and the Mozambican looked for Harder, but it was Iván Fresneda who found a shot -blocked by David Raum. The Spaniard repeated the feat on the next attack, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu using his head keep the strike out.

In stoppage time, after a great move by Francisco Trincão, a rebound fell to Zeno Debast, who powered a chance very close, but a RB Leipzig defender deflected the ball out for a corner.

In the second half, it was RB Leipzig who began better, and had the first chance when Xavi Simons took advantage of Franco Israel's run out to aim for the goal -shooting over. Shortly afterwards, Amadou Haidara hit the post and Manfredas Lukjančukas went close from a free kick.

In response, Borges brought on Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança and Viktor Gyökeres into to replace Zeno Debast, Geny Catamo and Conrad Harder, and there was an almost immediate impact, as the Swedish striker received a cross from Trincão and tried to head home. Then it was Morten Hjulmand's turn, shooting hard and wide.

Sporting CP continued to get closer and closer to pulling a goal back. Bragança made a dangerous cross to the first post that Maarten Vandevoordt grabbed and Maxi Araújo, from distance, shot well over the top.

Finally, 15 minutes from the end, the goal came: Bragança launched a ball forward to Viktor Gyökeres and the striker snaked away from Willi Orbán before smashing the ball into the net.

RB Leipzig took the lead again thanks to Yussuf Poulsen's goal, and in the closing moments Benjamin Šeško forced a straightforward save by Franco Israel. Sporting CP had two headers wide, from Gyökeres and Inácio, but fell 2-1 on the night.

Sporting CP now play CD Nacional at home in Liga Portugal on Saturday night.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Iván Fresneda (Ricardo Esgaio, 76'), Ousmane Diomande, Jeremiah St. Juste (Gonçalo Inácio, 29'), Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast (Hideasa Morita, 54'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 54'), Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Conrad Harder (Viktor Gyökeres, 54').

The midfielder looks ahead to Champions League action

Daniel Bragança spoke to the media on Tuesday, previewing Sporting Clube de Portugal’s game against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

"The team feel good and are motivated to achieve a good result. We are coming off a very good victory in a game that was very well played on our part. The team are back to feeling confident, but these are different competitions. We need and want to get more points in this competition, and tomorrow we will fight for it.”

The midfielder, who returned from injury in Vila do Conde in Liga Portugal this past weekend, assured that he is now working to get back to his best level.

"I've already recovered 100% and it's always good to return. I'm prepared and looking to get into the best shape as quickly as possible."

Admitting that there is quality competition for the midfield spots, he said that "it's no surprise at Sporting CP, where there are always excellent players. The team got used to the new coach really quickly and I will try to do the same.”

Finally, he spoke about RB Leipzig, commenting that "We analysed RB Leipzig very carefully. People can look at the zero points they have at the moment in the UEFA Champions League, but I look at the fact that that they are fighting for the top places in the Bundesliga.”

The coach speaks before the Champions League tie with RB Leipzig

Sporting Clube de Portugal face RB Leipzig on Wednesday, on the seventh matchday of the UEFA Champions League.

After the team's arrival in Germany, coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his press conference and started by emphasising that his debut in the UEFA Champions League "only has real meaning if the victory that guarantees access to the playoffs comes -and that's the goal."

"RB Leipzig are dangerous all together. I look at their team and the formation they have fielded, which has been different between the UEFA Champions League and the Bundesliga. I'm focusing on that to get my players ready for tomorrow," he told reporters.

"At a team like Sporting CP, we only think about winning. We know that there are opponents who will cause us more problems and make us suffer more, but we will always fight for victory. Our objective is clear: To reach the playoffs. To do this, We have to win tomorrow against a great team," he continued by saying.

The coach admitted that reaching UEFA Champions League level "is a dream come true."

"Maybe a year, or a year and a half ago, I was on the couch watching the games and dreaming of being there. I'm very proud of what brought us here as a coaching staff, which was hard work."

"I feel that the team are very well prepared. We've had some very difficult games since taking charge, and the team gave a fantastic response. With few training sessions and a change of formation, we could have had more difficulties, but the players are intelligent and have a lot of quality, as you can see from the response on the pitch," he told the media.

For Borges, fitness "could be crucial, especially because the RB Leipzig press a lot and are competitive in the individual duels. We will have a lot of duels and we have to be able to match their physical and athletic capacity. So, we have to be smart to understand what the game is giving us in terms of space, to be able to be on top of the game. We are going to have a nice challenge, but I think we will be prepared."

Finally, Borges addressed the Sportinguistas.

"We know that physically they are not here, but that they will be cheering and suffering a lot for us at home, so that we can leave here with victory."

The coach talks after the win against Rio Ave FC

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-3 victory at Rio Ave FC, coach Rui Borges reviewed the game for the media.

"We could have scored more goals, with the quality we had from start to finish. We were always switched on and could have scored more from transitions. We could have been calmer in that regard, but we controlled things from start to finish with a lot of quality. We had a huge spirit and a great ability to understand the game in strategic terms. The game against Vitória SC served as an example," he explained.

On Rui Silva, who debuted in goal, he said "he had a good game, with the little he had to do. He always gave peace of mind to the team. I want to mention Franco Israel, who has played some wonderful games. I'm happy about Rui's debut and I hope that, in the future, when he has work to do, he shows that he is present."

In relation to Zeno Debast, who occupied a midfield position, Borges considered that the Belgian "had a great game and only went off due to fatigue. I work with him every day and I know what he is capable of. He is very intelligent in reading the game and has above-average decision making. He has a fantastic personality and he wants to learn. We talked and found out if he was comfortable and available to take risks to help the team. He was always willing and responded brilliantly."

He also commented on the returns of Gonçalo Inácio and Daniel Bragança.

"I'm happy to be able to have Daniel Bragança with us again, and Gonçalo Inácio had a great game. Above all, I'm happy with the response that everyone gave," he said.

Asked about Conrad Harder, Borges reiterated that the Danish striker "worked hard and had a great game, even though he didn't score. He did everything we asked, even at a tactical level. He will grow and gain maturity and we all believe in him a lot, because he has a lot of potential."

Finally, Borges talked about Iván Fresneda, who "has had opportunities and has responded. The group like him and he likes the group and the club. I'm very happy with what has happened there, and I believe he can have a very good second half of the season, at the level of what people expected from him."