The coach talks to the media after the 3-1 win

Rui Borges talked about the 3-1 victory over SC Farense for Sporting CP in his post-match press conference.

“I'm happy with the game we managed to play, that we were competent in what we could control, which is our game, and continued to defend our place in the table, which is what we want. I said yesterday that we would have to be calm and patient and we did that. We were very competent, except in the last 5-10 minutes of the first half.  I feel that, because of everything that we did, we could have made it 3-1 earlier, but I'm happy with the competence that the team had," he began by saying.

“SC Farense never had the initiative, we never gave it to them. We only lowered the intensity at the end of the first half, perhaps because we were winning 2-0. We were very soft when it came to the goal conceded. These games are very dangerous, but we also forget the age of most of our players.”

“Given their age, I couldn’t be happier with what they have done. It's not easy to play against such low blocks. I wish teams would try to share the play more with us. These games will never be very pretty, but the team did well, were very competent and I am very happy with what the players did,” continued Borges.

The coach also spoke about Geovany Quenda, saying that “he has been very competent playing on the left” and praised Iván Fresneda.

“He is, little by little, regaining his confidence. He is 20 years old and spent almost a year and a half without playing. Maybe the expectations on him were huge and he didn't live up to that because he didn't play. It's normal for confidence to drop, but he has had our trust and has played well. He will grow and gain maturity.”

Conrad Harder also won plaudits from Borges, who said that the Danish striker “gives different things” to the team.

“He's like a kid playing street football. There are very good things in his game. At times he lacks a little maturity, but he doesn't feel a lot of pressure and he doesn't feel the weight of replacing Gyökeres. He made a huge effort and worked hard.”

The Sporting CP coach commented that winter signing Rui Silva brought “maturity and experience,” but that he is satisfied with all the goalkeepers at his disposal.

He concluded by talking about the injured players, saying that “I want them to recover. I don’t know if anyone else will come in during the transfer window. I hope that Geny Catamo isn't out for long, but the injury meant that he had to go off."

The team accomplish their mission against SC Farense

Sporting Clube de Portugal continued their winning league run with a 3-1 victory at home to SC Farense on Matchday 20, as Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande and Conrad Harder all found the net.

For this meeting between first and 17th in the table, coach Rui Borges made just one change from the team's Champions League commitment the previous week, bringing Rui Silva in instead of Franco Israel.

The lineup was completed by Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Daniel Bragança, Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Conrad Harder.

Sporting CP started with a forceful press and imposed themselves on the game, with Trincão enjoying the first chance when his header went over, just five minutes in.

Next up was Harder, trying to open the scoring with a mid-range cross shot, but opposition goalkeeper Ricardo Velho was alert and held the ball.

Harder turned provider for the first goal of the game, when he crossed into the heart of the area and Fresneda finished off to open his account for the club.

Playing with an advantage in a game that was expected to involve 'patience', due to SC Farense's low block, as Rui Borges had said, Sporting CP became more comfortable. Trincão had another shot that went wide of goal.

SC Farense tried to take advantage of some of Sporting CP's mistakes high up the pitch, but off their best chance, from the feet of former Sporting CP player Miguel Menino, Hjulmand got across to intervene.

Catamo went off injured in the 23rd minute, having to be replaced by João Simões.

Sporting CP managed to make it 2-0, as Trincão took a corner from the right and Diomande found space in the middle of the area to head home.

Ricardo Velho once again denied Trincão, as Sporting CP chased a third goal, and it was SC Farense who scored before the interval: A cross from the left was headed in by Lucas Áfrico to make it 2-1.

From the restart, SC Farense came close to an equaliser but, after Rui Silva's save, Elves Baldé was ruled offside anyway.

Sporting CP controlled possession and SC Farense tried to surprise on the counterattack, becoming more offensive at the beginning of the second half.

Velho again denied Trincão from a first-time shot off Harder's ball inside, then plucked a cross from Quenda out of the air later on.

After receiving the ball from Maxi Araújo inside the area, Inácio shot wide, as the chances continued.

At the start of the last 15 minutes, another substitution was made with the departure of Daniel Bragança and the entry of Matheus Reis.

Quenda, with a low shot, called Velho back into action, then Harder tried again, but his shot went wide.

The Danish striker managed to get the final goal close to the 90th minute: Reis crossed from the left and Harder finished with his chest, as Velho stood rooted to the spot.

With their 3-1 win, league leaders Sporting CP play again on Friday, at 8:15 pm, away at FC Porto.

The Sporting CP coach sets out his gameplan for SC Farense

Sporting Clube de Portugal hosts SC Farense this Sunday in Liga Portugal, and coach Rui Borges says that he believes it will be an identical game to that against CD Nacional just a few weeks ago.

“SC Farense are a team that, despite not being in such good form for the last five games, are like their coach,Tozé Marreco. They are very well organised offensively and defensively. He has been more concerned with the defensive process since he took over, when they were in relegation places, and has played with a medium/low block, with his players committed,fast and strong in offensive transitions. Furthermore, they are a very strong team from dead balls, because they have so many strong and tall players. Therefore, we have to be focused on this and concerned about this," the coach Leonino began by saying.

“We know that these games are difficult, as it was with CD Nacional when we needed a moment of inspiration to break through. I think it's going to be a game a little like that. Therefore, we have to make quick, good decisions in the final third, be fast to react to turnovers so as not to let SC Farense get away with quick counterattacks, and we need to have a lot of individual inspiration."

“Just like in the game with CD Nacional, this one will require us to have more calm and patience. I know that, therefore, sometimes it doesn't become a pretty game for those who watch, but that's what football is and we have to adapt to what the game gives us and asks of us, in addition to respecting the opponent so as not to have any problems," continued Borges.

“Those on the outside may think that we are comfortable with having a six-point advantage, but I don't see it that way. We have an advantage and the difficulty is in maintaining it. Therefore, we have to do our part, be competent and win. My focus is very much this. It's always on the next game, on trying to pass on the best possible information to the players to face the difficulties that the opponents pose for us. The team are very motivated, more because of being top than because of the advantage, and because we are where we want to be -but we know it will be difficult to maintain this position. Even so, I believe they will be true lions and I believe we will have a good final stretch of the season.”

For this match, Eduardo Quaresma has recovered and Zeno Debast is available, whilst Viktor Gyökeres and Hidemasa Morita are in doubt.

 “It's very much a matter of going day by day, feeling how they are, seeing if we can have them available and seeing if it's worth taking the risk or not. These are players who are fatigued, just like Quenda. We have to try to manage this. Some are easier to manage, others not so much. It’s about going day by day, seeing what the player says and making decisions based on the game.”

Borges also spoke about Pedro Gonçalves, not giving a deadline for the Portuguese international's return.

“He will return and will help when he is 100 percent fit. He is focused on his recovery and we are very committed to getting him back -both him and any other injured player,” he said.

He then commented on the UEFA Champions League playoff draw, expressing his satisfaction with the date of the games.

“Borussia Dortmund may not be doing very well in the Bundesliga, but in the Champions League they have had great games and they have a very strong attacking frontline. They changed coach and that will change something; mentally at least, it always changes, so it will be a very difficult tie. Any opponent would have been difficult. More than us being with the opponents we were given, I was happy with the dates of the games, with us playing first at home on a Tuesday and then away on a Wednesday. At this stage, it is important to gain vital hours to be able to rest, and because we have a lot of tired players."

The two sides will meet in a two-legged playoff

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face BV Borussia 09 Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League playoff, for a place in the Round of 16.

The pairing was made in the draw held in Nyon, Switzerland, and is a rerun of a meeting from 2021.

Sporting CP, who qualified in 23rd place, will compete for a place with the German side who finished the league phase in 10th place. In domestic competition, BV Borussia 09 Dortmund are currently 11th in the Bundesliga.

The first game is scheduled for February 11th/12th, at the Estádio José Alvalade. The second return leg takes place a week later at Signal Iduna Park.

Played over two matches, the playoff represents a novelty in the format of the most renowned European club competition, which has been revamped for the 2024/25 season. If they get past this stage, Sporting CP will face either LOSC Lille or Aston Villa FC in the Round of 16.

PLAYOFF CALENDAR FOR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 ENTRY:
First leg: February 11/12, 2025 (Estádio José Alvalade).
Second leg: 18/19 February 2025 (Signal Iduna Park).

The coach speaks after the draw with Bologna FC 1909

Rui Borges reacted to Sporting Clube de Portugal's 1-1 draw with Bologna FC 1909, which took his side into the playoff for the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

"Above all, for the club it means a lot, due to what the UEFA Champions League represents -even more so in the first year with this format. I'm happy for the collective objective achieved, but that's all. Now it's time to focus on Liga Portugal and the next game," he told the media after the match with the italians.

"It was a difficult game, but we already knew that it would be. We knew it would be a game of duels, intensity and mobility. The fear for us was about the physical side, and we had to have tactical nous too. The strategy was to have Simões and Quenda on for the second half, regardless of the scoreline, and it ended up working. We were not very proactive in the first half and we talked about it at halftime; we felt more dynamic and we managed to equalise," he said.

"We could have finished chances better, but we weren't able to. Bologna FC 1909 were happy off a set piece, but that wasn't the tone of the game."

Regarding the injury problems within the squad, Borges admitted that there are "many players who are not 100%.

"Today we did it our way. I'm happy with what the team gave. It's been difficult to manage because we need everyone to be fit, but we have to be prepared. I'm very positive, I take whoever is available and they will do well in response," he continued.

"The accumulation of games doesn't worry me, but of course we would have liked to have more time to train and improve. However, when I came to Sporting CP I already knew that I wouldn't have that, because we are in the UEFA Champions League. The players have been fantastic and they have given a superb response. I am lucky to have very intelligent players, who are trying to do some things even without training as much as we would like," he added.

Reinforcing that the focus "has to be on SC Farense, a team in need of points and that will make life difficult for Sporting CP with a medium-low block" on Sunday, Rui Borges also spoke about João Simões, who came on in the second half and assisted for Conrad Harder's goal.

"He has above-average maturity. He will have a bright future. He has a passion that is needed within a collective, like Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Santos. These players are necessary and, in a different way, João Simões also has that passion. At 18 years old, he is a leader and is very communicative, attentive and hardworking."

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').