The coach reflects on a 1-3 win away at Vitória SC

After the final whistle in Guimarães, where Sporting CP beat Vitória SC 1-3 in Liga Portugal action, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the match in his post-match press conference.

"We started the game well, with a lot of possession, getting to the line to cross and controlling how Vitória SC's brought the ball out. We ended up conceding a goal that they hadn't really deserved, but we got back to being the team we wanted to be. We had opportunities to equalise and we did so with a penalty before halftime, which was very important," he began by telling journalists at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

"In the second half we didn't begin things so well, but then we had an excellent period in which we pegged Vitória SC back, with good balls between the lines and playing with quality. Pedro Gonçalves coming on helped us in that sense, and we scored the second goal. We could have had more of the ball, and the stoppage didn't help us."

"Marcus Edwards's goal, killed off the game. It was a fair victory," summarised Amorim, who again hailed the impact of Gonçalves."

"We had an idea of what we could change, but the game required things and we tried to get the substitutions right. I felt that Slimani was lacking energy, so we changed the characteristics and Gonçalves is very strong between the lines."

Of the title race, the coach emphasised that "it's important to be in the fight until the end, but only one team will win. It's not easy for FC Porto to drop points, but the team always believe that it's possible, because there are still many points up for grabs. It's a roller coaster of emotions, we have our hopes and last year we were on the other side of the equation. we are looking to see who slips up first. What we have to do is win our games to have hope."

"It's not worth thinking about it too much, we have to get better. Today we were more complete than in Moreira de Cónegos and that makes me happy. It was an important and fair victory."

The team recover from a first half goal to win 1-3 on the road

In their final game before the international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal won 1-3 away to Vitória SC on Matchday 27 of the Liga Portugal season.

Despite going behind, the team left Guimarães with all three points after an extremely demanding game. Pablo Sarabia made it 1-1 just before the break and Paulinho, in the 70th minute, confirmed the turnaround, which would be completed in stoppage time with a great goal from Marcus Edwards.

With an almost full squad available, minus the suspended Zouhair Feddal, coach Rúben Amorim made four changes to his starting XI: Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Santos, Ricardo Esgaio and Pablo Sarabia began the match, with Luís Neto and Marcus Edwards - facing their former team - returning to the substitutes' bench and Pedro Porro a late withdrawal.

At the always demanding Estádio D. Afonso Henriques – where Vitória SC had only lost one of their last nine games – no easy task was expected for Os Leões. Their opponents were the sixth-placed team in the league bolstered by victories achieved in their two previous rounds.

Before kick-off, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st), the two teams combined for a joint photo as part of the league's "Racismo Não" campaign, which will run throughout the matchday. In addition, each player appeared on the pitch with two stripes on their face – a symbol of equality.

Comfortable with the ball and taking the initiative, Sporting CP alternated between patient build-ups and long shots to break down the defence. They monopolised possession in the first ten minutes, but it would be Rochinha, from the home team, who enjoyed the opening opportunity, saved by Antonio Adán.

In response, Sebastián Coates headed over off a corner kick, and Sporting CP upped their opportunities: Sarabia had two good chances, shooting straight at Bruno Varela and then running the ball too long.

Vitória SC opened the scoring through Óscar Estupiñan, who broke inside from the edge of the area and sent the ball into the net.

The match picked up pace, with Slimani having an effort saved by the goalkeeper. As the intensity also increased, a tangle between Abdul Mumin and Paulinho saw the home team's coach Pepa sent to the stands before the half-hour.

The siege of Vitória SC's area would be rewarded when Sporting CP won a penalty for handball by Alfa Semedo. Sarabia converted from the spot for his 14th goal of the season, putting his side back on terms.

In the second period, Amorim introduced the returning Pedro Gonçalves in place of Slimani, and the impact was immediate. First, Paulinho – who moved to the centre of the forward line – came close to scoring through a lob of the goalkeeper. Then, on the next move, only a touch of a promising low cross by Matheus Nunes was lacking.

Clearly on top, Sporting CP pushed the home team back into the final third, creating opportunities in a fluid way, but without the effectiveness to take full advantage.

It was not until the 70th minute that the reigning champions took the lead, and Paulinho was the man to provide it. Assisted by Pedro Gonçalves, the forward successfully struck to make it 1-2.

After a delay due to an incident in the stands, the dynamic of the contest changed, due to Vitória SC's need to find an equaliser. They accumulated crosses into Adán's area, which the goalkeeper fended off successfully.

In turn, looking to kill off the match, Amorim introduced Luís Neto, João Palhinha and Marcus Edwards onto the pitch in one fell swoop, accompanied later by Daniel Bragança.

In one of the nine minutes of stoppage time, Edwards put the result beyond all doubt, striking beautifully from outside the box against his former club.

The 1-3 win takes Sporting CP to 67 points. After three consecutive away games, they return to Alvalade to face FC Paços de Ferreira on April 3rd, after the international break.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Nuno Santos (Luís Neto, 85'), Manuel Ugarte (João Palhinha, 85'), Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 90+6'), Pablo Sarabia (Marcus Edwards, 85'), Paulinho and Islam Slimani (Pedro Gonçalves, 54').

The coach prepares for the game against Vitória SC

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques this Saturday, for an away game against Vitória SC.

In the pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim began by responding to a question about the possibility of Os Leões reaching four consecutive games without conceding in Guimarães -their best run of the season.

"Not conceding goals, and the fact that we usually score, brings us closer to winning. Everything matters, such as how we attack and preparing for transitions. The focus should not be on not conceding goals, but rather on scoring and playing the way we want. We defend well, and most of the time play high up the pitch, and we are very focused", he said.

Amorim also revealed that he had not asked Marcus Edwards, the player signed from Vitória SC in the winter, for information about the opponents.

“I left the scouting to the coaching staff, because we already know Vitória SC well and we've played several times against Pepa's teams, which have their own identity. Of course, players change and the fact that Edwards is on our side now also helps, because he was a very dangerous player whenever we went up against them. There was no special talk with Edwards, because the focus is always on our team. Edwards is still in his adaptation phase and that has been our focus," underlined the coach.

All of the squad are available for the game, making selection tricky for the coach. "It is perhaps one of the most difficult games in terms of picking the side. Obviously, everything becomes a little clearer as the week progresses, but we take into account the last game, the characteristics of Vitória SC and how training has been during the week. There are many players who should be starters, but they won't be,” he stated, before adding that: "Another factor to take into account, and which this year has already been proven, is that we also need to think about how we are going to handle options on the bench. Now we have more solutions and we will field the best team for this game."

Finally, Amorim reaffirmed his confidence in the team for the remainder of the season. "We know that we are at a disadvantage in Liga Portugal, but it is not worth us doing a lot of maths right now. We want to play better and better and win every game that remains. We have to win practically all of them to still have a chance at the title. In the Taça de Portugal, anything can happen, so everyone's focus is on enjoying success, knowing that in the end it may or may not happen. But we have to do our part, play well and get better."

The squad prepare for their latest league contest

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to work this Thursday at the Academia in Alcochete, in order to prepare for Saturday's match against Vitória SC. The 8:30pm local time kickoff takes place away at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

Gonçalo Inácio took part in the training run by coach Rúben Amorim.

The preparation work for the Liga Portugal Matchday 27 contest continues on Friday. The pre-match press conference will be held at 3:00pm at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach's verdict on the 0-2 win against Moreirense FC

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-2 triumph over Moreirense FC, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the and noted the shift in mentality following elimination from the Champions League.

"We know that we have to win our games and play better and better. We were better in the first half. We scored two goals and could have scored more. In the second half, three passes were enough for us to reach Moreirense FC's goal. Our reading of the game was better in the first half. The team were a little tired, we took a while to push our lines higher up, and we weren't so agile when going back. Overall, however, it was a good performance", he told reporters.

For the coach, winter arrival Marcus Edwards has been a useful addition to his squad.

"He's better adapted now. All the details point to him feeling more free to play. He's showing why we brought him in. Edwards is on the right path, but knows that he has to keep working", he stressed.

Explaining his decision to play with Paulinho and Islam Slimani up front, Amorim commented that "it takes the game into different terrain, because Paulinho has different characteristics to players like Nuno Santos or Pedro Gonçalves. We left Slimani in more for the long balls upfield, and they are those nuances that we are looking for. We want to squeeze as much as possible out of the team, but I think we have a lot to improve still".

After revealing that Gonçalo Inácio was not an option to play because of his feeling under the weather the previous night, Amorim reviewed the showings by João Palhinha and Pedro Gonçalves - who both returned from injury.

"The fact that we didn't move higher up the field and the construction of play wasn't so clean hurts the players that come on. We could see their lack of match rhythm, but we have to get them going, as they are very important for us. They felt more difficulties, but it's normal. They will get on the pace and return to their normal level", he assured.

Slimani and Paulinho earn the victory on Matchday 26

Sporting Clube de Portugal won their Monday night fixture against Moreirense FC 0-2 on the road, claiming the three points on Matchday 26 through goals from Islam Slimani and Paulinho.

The starting XI underwent three changes from that which faced Manchester City the previous week: Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Nunes and Marcus Edwards came in to replace Gonçalo Inácio, Bruno Tabata and Pablo Sarabia, respectively.

Pre-match rainfall stopped shortly before kickoff at the Parque Desportivo Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas, improving conditions for the game. 

Sporting CP created the first dangerous opportunity, just four minutes in, when Feddal met Pedro Porro's corner with a header into the side netting.

Moreirense FC responded with two shots in a row: For the first, by André Luís, Antonio Adán made the save for a corner. For the second, Walterson's effort went wide. At the other end, a free kick by Porro found Luís Neto at the far post, with the central defender nudging the ball for goalkeeper Pasinato to keep out.

In the 28th minute, Sporting CP created a strong chance, as Matheus Nunes took a long shot with his left foot that forced Pasinato into another save.

Off the resulting corner kick, the deadlock was broken. From the second ball, Marcus Edwards crossed perfectly for Islam Slimani to head in from close range. It was the Algerian's fourth goal in the last three Liga Portugal games.

Sporting CP continued to push for a second. In the 33rd minute, Manuel Ugarte stole the ball in midfield and served it up for Marcus Edwards, who shot dangerously with a deflection coming off a defender for a corner. Soon after, Porro crossed to Paulinho, who was also not far off.

Before the break, the second goal arrived. Edwards played to Porro, the latter moved down the right, and the cross was perfect for Paulinho to finish off at the back post.
The pace slowed slightly in the second half, and the chances were also reduced. One of the exceptions was Porro's cross to Slimani, who connected poorly and shot wide.

Moreirense FC tried their luck with a few shots, but never managed to trouble Adán.

In the 64th minute, Rúben Amorim subbed on Pablo Sarabia, Pedro Gonçalves and João Palhinha to replace Paulinho, Marcus Edwards and Manuel Ugarte, respectively. Sarabia could have scored shortly after his introduction, but Pasinato saved and prevented the score from increasing in Sporting CP's favour.

Gonçalves had one of the final chances, intercepted by a defender, and the game ended 0-2 with another three points for Os Leões. On the next matchday, Sporting CP visit Vitória SC.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Luís Neto, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Nuno Santos, 71'), Pedro Porro, Matheus Nunes (Bruno Tabata, 89'), Manuel Ugarte (João Palhinha, 64') , Matheus Reis, Marcus Edwards (Pedro Gonçalves, 64'), Paulinho (Pablo Sarabia, 64') and Islam Slimani.

The team are put through their paces in a morning session

The Sporting Clube de Portugal first team squad trained this Saturday morning at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete, in order to prepare for their Liga Portugal Matchday 26 game against Moreirense FC.

The contest takes place on Monday at 8:15pm local time.

Daniel Bragança and João Palhinha underwent rehabilitation work during the session.

The team will have another workout on Sunday at 10:30am, behind closed doors, whilst the pre-match press conference will take place at 12:30pm.

The team are eliminated by Manchester City, holding them to a 0-0 draw away

Sporting Clube de Portugal's UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end in England, with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Round of 16. The first leg result, a 0-5 loss at the Estádio José Alvalade, decided the tie.

Some 2,000 Sportinguistas made the trip to Manchester for the occasion, and coach Rúben Amorim fielded a strong lineup for the game, albeit with five changes to the starting XI that played against FC Arouca. Pedro Porro, Luís Neto, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Tabata and Paulinho were all included, whilst issing were the suspended Matheus Nunes and the injured Daniel Bragança, João Palhinha and Pedro Gonçalves.

With a practically impossible mission ahead, but with the will to give a different more positive showing, Sporting CP played compactly and did not allow many chances to the opposition, despite their superior possession. After an initial twenty minutes at a slower pace – marked by the patience of Manchester City's buildup play– Sporting CP went forward through a pass by Porro, which Islam Slimani was unable to finish off.

At the other end, Luis Neto had to cut out a chance for Raheem Sterling, and Antonio Adán kept out the first well-aimed shot of the match, coming from Phil Foden.

Defensively, the team remained solid. With the ball, they grew in confidence as the minutes went by and sought to exploit either the counterattack or the large space left behind the opposing defensive line. In one of those opportunities, a pass from Pablo Sarabia found Paulinho, but again there was no end product.

Before the break, in what was the most dangerous chance of the first half, Adán got the better of a one-on-one with Sterling.

Right at the start of the second half, Gabriel Jesus put the ball into the net, but after a check by VAR, the goal would be disallowed. 

In response, Tabata had the first shot on target for Sporting CP, and Marcus Edwards was brought on in place of Sarabia – the English winger also striking immediately into the hands of Ederson. 

Coates cut out a move by Riyad Mahrez, and several transitions put Manchester City FC on the back foot. After Matheus Reis and Porro's misplaced shots, Edwards ran upfield and set up Paulinho perfectly, but he could not beat Scott Carson -the substitute goalkeeper who had just entered the match for his first appearance of the season.

The forward was taken off injured from the resulting clash, and Nuno Santos replaced him at the same time that Ricardo Esgaio came on for Porro. 

Both sides lacked effectiveness in front of goal, and Amorim brought on forward Rodrigo Ribeiro for his debut for Sporting CP, aged just 16.

The game remained 0-0 at the final whistle, and Sporting CP would be eliminated from the competition. It was their second time in the knockout stages, and had come thanks to a second place finish in Group C, just behind AFC Ajax and ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş JK.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Matheus Reis, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Luís Neto (Zouhair Feddal, 89'), Pedro Porro (Ricardo Esgaio, 78'), Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Tabata, Paulinho (Nuno Santos, 78' '), Pablo Sarabia (Marcus Edwards 58') and Islam Slimani (Rodrigo Ribeiro, 89').

The coach reflects on elimination from the Champions League

At the end of the 0-0 draw for Sporting Clube de Portugal with Manchester City, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the performance of his side in the UEFA Champions League, which they bow out of at the Round of 16 stage.

"There's a lot to learn. We understand the level, but the team learn fast and every detail counts: Luck in the draw and experience -which was especially important in the beginning, like in the game against AFC Ajax. That's why it's very important for us to get into the UEFA Champions League again. We are sure to be better next year", he began by telling journalists at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm always proud of the team, even in the 0-5 defeat at Alvalade. This doesn't taste like victory, because we were eliminated. We have to be aware of the differences between the teams, but of course it's always better that way for the future. We've been eliminated, the important thing now is the league, and I will say it again: The important thing is also to be back here again", he stressed.

About the tactics used against the Premier League champions, Amorim explained that Sporting CP have evolved a lot since the first leg.

"We were better in one against one situations on the wings. The full-backs were good, we controlled their breaks and did well in terms of our defence. We didn't concede goals from set pieces and it must be remembered that, in Lisbon, they had five shots and five goals. We were competent, we defended deeper and didn't go forward with enough quality in the first half. In the second half we did that, and [Marcus] Edwards helped us; he had a huge impact on the team. He's going to grow a lot and he has to realise that he has to do this regularly. Keeping it up is what he is lacking, as the talent is there".

The coach assured that the experience will help the team to grow. "We spent a lot of time defending and we don't do that in the league. We have learned and grown a lot. We know what it means to play against these teams. We have to take away what was good, come back in a year and show that we have got better", he said.

Asked about Rodrigo Ribeiro, the 16-year-old forward who made his maiden appearance against Manchester City, Amorim said that he "didn't say anything special" to the player, wishing him "a good debut". He also commented on Bruno Tabata's performance.

"I always like his performances. He doesn't get the minutes that he deserves. He has to train well and he is an example for everyone, so I'm very satisfied with the whole team and especially [Bruno] Tabata, the way he works and waits for his opportunity. I'm very satisfied with his game, even playing out of position. He is not a midfielder, but he has to play in the midfield, in my opinion".

Finally, Amorim revealed the content of the exchange of words he had with Pep Guardiola after the final whistle.

"He wished me all the best and I did the same to him".

The player speaks before the second leg against Manchester City

Upon arrival in England for Sporting Clube de Portugal's Champions League fixture against Manchester City, player Ricardo Esgaio was the team's representative in the pre-match press conference. 

“We are going to enjoy the game to the fullest”, he said. “We know that the tie is practically over, but it is a game that we want to win -despite the result of the first leg. We are going to make the most of the fact that we are still in the Champions League and enjoy ourselves”.

“We have our ideas and that doesn't change; we always play to win. We will have to have a good game and give a different response to get a positive result”.

Being one of the players with the most experience at Sporting CP, the versatile player assured that, despite the absentees for the game, “the team are doing well”, adding that he is “available to help” in any position on the field.

Asked about the competition for places provided by Pedro Porro and Gonçalo Esteves on the right wing, he praised that the squad are “like a family”, because “we know that everyone can play”.

The squad for the European contest includes several youth team products, including Renato Veiga and Rodrigo Ribeiro. Esgaio commented that “this is already starting to be a normal thing, and the Sporting CP project goes through that”.