​Sporting CP fall 0-5 to the English giants in the Round of 16

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a heavy defeat at home in the Champions League Round of 16, beaten 0-5 in the first leg of their tie against Manchester City.

Rúben Amorim once again adjusted his starting XI for the contest, fielding Antonio Adán, Matheus Reis, Sebastián Coates, Gonçalo Inácio, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Ricardo Esgaio, Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves.

The opening goal arrived on 7 minutes, from a move that initially appeared to be offside. A cutback from Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne found Riyad Mahrez, who slotted the ball into the net. A long check of VAR followed, with the goal eventually given.

City made it 0-2 in the 17th minute, following a corner. Rodri knocked the ball back for Bernardo Silva -one of four Portuguese players to feature for the visitors- and he hit a shot on the bounce past Adán.

Although trailing 0-2, Sporting CP were not intimidated and tried to stay true to their identity, but could not reach the opposition goal. In the 21st minute, Pedro Gonçalves reached the edge of the area and, with no pass available, ended up shooting wide.

On the half-hour, Ricardo Esgaio also had a good opportunity, after a long ball from Pedro Porro to Paulinho; he crossed to the left side of the area, but Esgaio's shot blazed over the crossbar.

Whilst Manchester City were frequently giving the ball away, they proved to be effective in front of goal. In the 32nd minute, Phil Foden ran in from behind Sebastián Coates and poked the ball into the net. Just before half time, Bernardo Silva hit a deflected shot on the break, taking the score to 0-4 at half time.

At the beginning of the second half, and after a goal was disallowed for offside by Bernardo Silva, Rúben Amorim made a change: On came Manuel Ugarte, in place of Pedro Gonçalves.

The scoring was completed in the 58th minute, as the visiting team made it 0-5 through a Raheem Sterling shot from the edge of the area.

Slimani and Bruno Tabata would replace Paulinho and Pablo Sarabia before the end, then Pedro Porro's made way for Luís Neto, but there was to be no consolation goal. Despite the support of 48,129 fans at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting CP would suffer a tough defeat.

The team return to action on Sunday, in Liga Portugal, against GD Estoril Praia.

​The coach is philosophical about the 0-5 defeat to Manchester City

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim was naturally dissatisfied with the defeat against Manchester City FC, but said that he was “proud” with the players and also with the Sportinguistas for the support given to the team.

“The fans always support us, but today was really different. I had never seen anything like this. I think people are aware of the differences between the two teams and know what we are doing -and that it takes time. We already knew it was going to be a difficult game against what could be the best team in the world,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“I think we started well, but we conceded the first goal in a moment in which we switched off. Then we tried again, but City always scored whenever they went forward. That demonstrates what a team they are. From the third goal onwards, it became about suffering and not about football."

“They scored five goals from six shots. For me, that is to the opposition's credit, but we could have performed better and not had lapses. There was a ball in which we slipped up, for the third goal. You have nights like this. It happened to us against AFC Ajax and it happened to us today, but in the same way that we turned things around after that game, now we can turn around for what's left of the season and work for the future, because this doesn't end here. It's a constant process and we have to make Sporting CP a better club.”

“I don't see any similarities with the game against Ajax. Today the team were not nervous, and we have grown a lot since that match. We have to take away the good things from this game even though it was tough and the second leg will be too, but we will grow from it."

“I am proud of the players and also the fans,” stressed the coach. “Although we lost in the way that we did, the support we received has a big effect and allows us to see that what we are doing makes sense. The leap up we made from one point to the next has consequences, and we have already paid two or three times for that growth. Nothing will stop us from achieving our goals. One thing is for sure: Sporting CP will be better in the future and the club will fight for trophies."

“All clubs needed time and to spend money to grow and become the great European clubs they are today, and we are going the same way. We are doing so without the same amount of money, but we have our fans and players with a lot of potential, and we've also been working well. We all need to evolve. It will take time, but we have already proven that we are fighting for trophies. It's not just any team that can reach this stage of the Champions League," Amorim expressed.

​The midfielder talks to the media before the game against Manchester City

Manuel Ugarte previewed the match against Manchester City, which takes place on Tuesday at the Estádio José Alvalade, in a press conference before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

The Uruguayan international began by acknowledging that "City are favourites and are a great team," but assured fans that Sporting CP are also strong.

"We are very united, which is important," he said, remarking that the game is "the most important" of his still short career.

"It's an experience that makes me very happy," Ugarte added, before praising how his teammates have helped his development.

"We have four midfielders, and there are no starters or substitutes, which makes everything easier. I have learned a lot and I continue to learn from [João] Palhinha. The most important thing is that the team wins, no matter who plays". 

"We have to have a great game. At this stage, details are very important. The remaining sides are teams with great quality and details matter. Sporting CP will have to be up to the challenge and pay attention to those details," he concluded.

​The Sporting CP coach talks about the fixture against Manchester City

Rúben Amorim was present in a press conference ahead of the match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City FC, in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The game takes place on Tuesday at 8pm local time, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach began by explaining that "one of the great facets of the group is faith and belief," when questioned about his side's chances against one of the favourites to win the competition.

"We work hard and believe in our idea. We will be facing one of the best teams in the world and the best coach at present, but with a very strong base. Faith makes special things happen and that is what we will expect tomorrow. We want to make Sportinguistas proud," he told journalists at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"It is very difficult to take focus away from the players. For the second time in history, Sporting CP have reached this stage of the competition, and we are playing against the Premier League leaders. The FC Porto game will not have any influence on this match," he added, later praising City coach Pep Guardiola.

"There is a big difference between the teams, but I'm happy. I have players who can reach a level of play that City have at the moment," he promised.

Again asked about the controversial game against FC Porto last Friday, the coach admitted "what happened at Estádio do Dragão was not pretty. The players are very much to blame. However, it is time to talk about a Champions League game, the Round of 16, against the best team and the best coach in the world. We have to change the way we look at football and focus on the game. Players and coaches have to improve, but a lot of people around football also have to do so."

In terms of strategy to achieve a good result, Amorim considered that "it is impossible to draw up a plan to cover Manchester City," but insisted that he will not change the team's identity.

"We base our style on what we do well and we will try to take the game into that terrain. When we look at City, we think we could do more of this or more of that. Sporting CP players can reach that level. We might be more careful in our pressure, but we will not change our idea or our identity."

On whether Pep Guardiola is one of the coaches he most admires, Amorim said that "my big reference has always been [José] Mourinho, "Guardiola is, at the moment, the best coach in the world. City are the most technically and tactically evolved team. Guardiola is the opposite of us; he has great flexibility. He's a reference for all coaches."

The coach confirmed that Pedro Gonçalves is fit and available for the game, and reiterated that his side have a chance to cause an upset.

"It is possible. I'm not going to give percentages or probabilities. My players have surprised me many times and performed miracles. It's more important that they believe a lot."

A tense Clássico ends in a stalemate at the Estádio do Dragão

Playing for almost the entirety of the second half down to ten men, Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 with FC Porto in O Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão. Paulinho and Nuno Santos both struck for the team to establish a 0-2 lead, but the hosts responded with two goals to share the spoils.

Sporting CP made changes to their starting XI, Rúben Amorim fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Nunes, Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Reis, Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho and Nuno Santos.

As expected, FC Porto started well and pressed high, but Sporting CP's response was immediate. Paulinho recovered the ball on the edge of the area, turned and shot at Diogo Costa, in a warning of what was to come.

Paulinho's opener came off a quick move by Os Leões, involving a cross from the right by Matheus Reis into the six-yard-box and the striker heading in on 8 minutes.

Opportunities for both sides followed, but without significant danger until the last ten minutes of the first half, when Sporting CP scored again: Another cross from Matheus Reis was not cut out by FC Porto defender Pepe, and Pablo Sarabia cut back to Nuno Santos. With only Diogo Costa in front of him, he picked his spot to make it 0-2.

The two-goal lead at the Dragão would not last long, however, as three minutes later FC Porto's Fábio Vieira received a pass from Vitinha and pulled one back with his strike.

An intense first half concluded with the score at 1-2.

The second half picked up from where the first left off, and Sporting CP found themselves reduced to ten men due to the sending off of captain Sebastián Coates. The centre back had previously been booked in the first half, after reacting to a poor challenge from Evanilson, and saw a second yellow for a tangle with the same player.

His side outnumbered, Amorim brought on João Palhinha at the expense of Sarabia, to shore up the midfield.

On the hour, FC Porto threatened to equalise, but Zaidu's shot hit the post. 

Some 65 minutes in, Amorim introduced Slimani and Luís Neto for Nuno Santos and Paulinho. Sporting CP looked to hold their lead, but also wanted to score a definitive goal.

Unfortunately, it was FC Porto that, in the 78th minute, found the net. Taremi headed in with a controversial goal, having left Zouhair Feddal laying on the pitch and having to receive medical assistance.

At 2-2 the game became even more intense, with both sides looking for the winning goal. FC Porto created more danger, but Sporting CP remained compact defensively. Late on, Adán made a massive save before the final whistle to ensure that the team took a point back to Lisbon.

The Clássico ended with a series of expulsions in a fracas after the final whistle. Bruno Tabata and João Palhinha were sent off and will miss the next Liga Portugal game against Estoril Praia, as will Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio, who saw his fifth yellow in the league this season.

The coach talks in the run-up to O Clássico against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal plays FC Porto this Friday at the Estádio do Dragão, and coach Rúben Amorim is expecting a different game from the 1-1 draw in the first half of the Liga Portugal season. He spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference to preview O Clássico.

“It will be a somewhat different game. Both teams have improved in some aspects and the players have changed. FC Porto have lost some players, but they are in better form," he explained.

"We're also going to present a slightly different eleven. It will be a different game. The previous meeting was very early on in the season, and now we are six points behind them. That changes the characteristics of the game. We're also going to play away from home, so the circumstances are completely different. We have taken reference of how FC Porto play and what they have been doing. We have done normal preparation for an important game."

"I predict an excellent game and I know that our team are prepared," he told journalists, before confirming that neither Pedro Gonçalves nor Pedro Porro will be available for the game.

“We have solutions and we have already proved this. The other players are prepared to give a good response.”
Sporting CP are currently six points behind league leaders FC Porto, making victory imperative.

“It's an opportunity to take points away from FC Porto, and it's about much more than that as well. This is a direct clash that can make the difference between a gap of nine points or three points. We have to treat this game as a final, like how we faced the game with FC Famalicão. We cannot drop points. Sporting CP fans have sold out our section of the stadium and we will do our part," expressed Amorim.

“It is our obligation to win. A loss would take the gap to nine points, and a draw would keep it at six, but we can't forget that we still have another side behind us. We have to win, as we cannot reduce the advantage that we have over SL Benfica. If we want to fight for the title,  we have to win. Nothing is decided in this game, but I've been on the other side and I know it gets harder later on. The obligation for this club is always to win; we are not obliged not to lose, but rather to win."

The coach said he expected a Sporting CP showing at the Estádio do Dragão similar to what he saw at the Estádio da Luz against Benfica.

“It's our identity. We know that we will be up against an equally aggressive team. It will be a very competitive game. We will have to be very strong mentally, physically and tactically to respond to the requirements of the game, knowing that we have a responsibility to win because we are the ones who are at a disadvantage in the table."

"I can't say it's a beneficial pressure, but this pressure will make us grow, it's part of the players' lives and it's a good thing. Sporting CP are where we should be. We are fighting on all fronts."

Sarabia and Reis score in a 2-0 triumph

Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated FC Famalicão 2-0, at the Estádio José Alvalade on Liga Portugal Matchday 21, as Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Reis both found the net.

The victory came at the expense of the only side that coach Rúben Amorim had yet to beat as Sporting CP coach in the league, and he was wary of the threat posed by the visitors. With a full squad available, he returned Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis and João Palhinha to the starting XI.

After observing a minute's silence in honour of Eduardo Hilário, Sporting CP member season ticket holder no.1 who passed away last Thursday, the match got underway. It did not take long for Sporting CP to make it 1-0: Just three minutes in, Paulinho was fouled in the area and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. For the third consecutive game, Sarabia took advantage of the opportunity to score.

Out in front, Sporting CP took control and showed patience to build from the back, looking to create space in the organised opposition defence. However, they were unable to finish off their chances in the final third when transitions did arise.

FC Famalicão registered only two shots on target -both of which were saved- before they were presented with a great chance when awarded a penalty of their own. Thankfully for Sporting CP, Antonio Adán flew across for a great save in response to Simon Banza's spot kick.

In the second half, Amorim brought Ricardo Esgaio on in place of Feddal, who had picked up a yellow card, and dropped Matheus Reis back into the defence. The left winger had the first two chances to score after the restart: First with a shot that went straight at goalkeeper Junior, then an attempt with a more difficult save required by the custodian between the sticks.

From the resulting corner, Os Leões made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute. A shot by Sarabia was deflected with a header by one of the opposition players, and fell to Matheus Reis, the defender loading up a piledriver into the net.

In the 74th minute, one of the most awaited moments of the night took place. A recent returnee to the club, Islam Slimani came on to replace Pedro Porro and received a huge ovation from the Sportinguistas in attendance, who saw the Algerian debut for the second time.

FC Famalicão enjoyed moves near the area, but the home team's defence was solid. Sporting CP claimed the three points, and set up O Clássico with FC Porto on Friday, February 11th, with the two teams separated by 6 points.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adan [Gk]; Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Ricardo Esgaio, 45'), Pedro Porro (Islam Slimani, 74'), João Palhinha (Manuel Ugarte, 59'), Matheus Nunes, Matheus Reis, Pedro Gonçalves (Bruno Tabata , 63'), Pablo Sarabia (Nuno Santos, 74') and Paulinho.

The coach comments on the win over FC Famalicão

Following the win over FC Famalicão in Liga Portugal, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim spoke to the media about the result, and rejected the idea that his players had gone onto the pitch thinking about Friday's Clássico against FC Porto.

“Just because we were less fluid with the ball, doesn't mean that the players were thinking about another game. We knew that FC Famalicão had been conceding few goals and they are a well put together team, with very talented youngsters who sometimes play even better in these games with the big clubs. We fielded the players we thought were the best for the game, and I didn't see anyone thinking about O Clássico. We could have played better, but we should be congratulated because the victory was a fair one,” he began by saying.

Asked about the debut of Islam Slimani, who came on in the 74th minute, Amorim stated that the Algerian's introduction was motivated by the way that the match was going, rather than sentimentality.

“We know that the fans are very fond of Slimani, but he came on because we lacked some energy due to our run of games, and he gave us that. With Slimani in the middle and Paulinho on the other side coming in for crosses, we were able to open up the game. FC Famalicão were putting pressure on us up top and, more than it being a case of giving Slimani minutes, it was what the game required. Slimani still has room to grow, and that is noticeable physically, but he works hard, he has adapted in the best way and is a great asset for us,” he said.

As for Pedro Porro, who picked up a yellow card and will miss the game against FC Porto, the coach stressed that he likes “that the players don't take it easy.”

“He was going racing for the ball against Ivo Rodrigues, who is a fast player, and we don't know if that would have ended up being a dangerous move or not. He stopped the move when he had to and didn't let the player go past him, because he's on the field to defend for the team and maintain the result."

Finally, Amorim justified the departure of Zouhair Feddal at half time, which brought Matheus Reis back into the defence.

“Feddal went off because he was on a yellow card and Matheus Reis is faster. We wanted to control the long shots that the opposition had two or three times from the left side in the first half, as that was the only way for FC Famalicão to reach our goal. Matheus did not play against Belenenses SAD and was fresher, so he could give us more during the second half,” explained the coach.

​The Sporting CP coach prepares for the game against FC Famalicão

Sporting Clube de Portugal host FC Famalicão at the Estádio José Alvalade on Sunday, on Matchday 21 of the Liga Portugal season.

In the lead-up to the match, coach Rúben Amorim warned that Os Leões have not yet managed to beat this weekend's opponents in the league with him in charge, and rejected the idea that the players are already thinking about the upcoming game against FC Porto.

“This is the most important game, not least because we haven't won against FC Famalicão yet and we know the quality of their players. They have a new coach, with whom they are conceding far fewer goals, and they play with a line of five that includes Ivo Rodrigues dropping in, which then moves to a line of four,” the coach began by saying in his pre-match press conference.

“As for the game against FC Porto, the best way to go to the Estádio do Dragão is off the back of a win over FC Famalicão. That's what we want to do, in a very difficult game. We want to maintain our way of playing and our dynamic, and improve compared to the game we played against them away from home. We will treat this game like another final."

Amorim will be able to use the entire group, including the returning Islam Slimani, who is part of the matchday squad.

“I didn't know him well, but he's better in his link-up play than I thought. He has to get back into the rhythm of things, because he has only played a few minutes recently, but he's already in the squad because he has different characteristics to our other forwards. I am very satisfied with him; he has integrated easily, and we are lucky in that regard, but at the same time we already had this information from everyone here at Sporting CP. I am very pleased to have Slimani in the group,” he assured, without clarifying whether the Algerian international would enjoy minutes on Sunday.

“It depends on the game. I don't know if we're going to need Slimani or another player, but he's an option. He won't be a starter."

Asked about possible rotations, due to the fact that Ricardo Esgaio, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, Pedro Gonçalves and Pablo Sarabia are all at risk of missing the Clássico with FC Porto if they receive a yellow card against FC Famalicão, Amorim stated that now it was not the time to be thinking ahead.

“We have solutions for every position. The most important thing is that we get to the game at the Estádio do Dragão with a maximum difference of six points. If a player can't play there, then he won't, because we have to win a very difficult game and we haven't been able to beat FC Famalicão. Therefore, we will not keep any player in reserve. We are able to win games with any starting XI,” he underlined.

​The forward rejoins the club for a second spell

Islam Slimani has returned to Sporting Clube de Portugal, six years on from the end of his first spell at the clib. The Algerian forward has put pen to paper on a contract through until 2023, and was presented officially on Thursday afternoon.

“I've come back because the fans like me and because the club like me. For me, that's the most important thing in football. I missed Sporting CP, the fans and Alvalade, so the decision was very easy. It feels very good to be home,” Slimani began by saying.

“It was at this club that I was happiest. Sporting CP is my home, I feel good here and I'm happy here."

He will once again be Sporting CP's No.9. Since leaving Alvalade the first time around, he has played for Leicester City FC, Newcastle UFC, Fenerbahçe SK , AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais.

Slimani will be reunited with some teammates with whom he has already played, such as Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio, and he commented that “It was great to see them and Paulinho again. I'm back to help the team and the club."

“Sporting CP play very good football. I know the club well and I also know the style of play used by the coach, Rúben Amorim."

At the age of 33, the forward, who scored 57 goals in his first spell at the club, says he is in top form.

“I hope to score many goals. I am a more experienced Slimani and, in my opinion, a better Slimani than the first time around."