The coach previews the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a huge Saturday game against neighbours and title rivals SL Benfica on Saturday, which could be decisive in the Liga Portugal title chase. Ahead of the game, coach Rui Borges talked about the expectations and his side's focus.

The implications of the derby
“Above all, we are where we want to be and where a club like Sporting CP have to be, which is in finals and trying to win trophies. We have to be happy with that for now. We can play around with two possible results, but we aren't focused on that. We're focused on what we have to do to win -and nothing more. It's like any other game, even though we know how important this one is. We are not shying away from that importance, and we know that it is a game that could win the title for both teams. We have to think about that, but more about what we can do to counteract the opposition and win -despite the difficulties that we will encounter."

Nerves in the game against Gil Vicente FC
“These are different games. Gil Vicente FC played a more defensive strategy, defended very well and caused us a lot of problems. More than the low block, what caused the most concern was conceding a goal so early and when we were playing well. That is normal, especially at this time of year when games are more decisive. Even so, despite this concern, I look more at what the team managed to do before the end. Only a great team could come away with a win, and that is what they did. It was a normal week. I look at the group and I feel the same way. We're focused on what we can control, are very motivated, courageous, ambitious and with a huge desire for the game to get underway."

Playing on the counterattack against SL Benfica
“In terms of counterattacks and expectations, if we look at both teams, SL Benfica have almost always won in recent games on the counterattack or on the fast break. People talk more about Sporting CP doing it, but our opponents have also scored most of their goals in transitions, because they are strong and have above-average quality, just like us. It will be a completely different game. The uneasiness in the game against Gil has no relevance to this game. Everything is different in this game, even the atmosphere and the pressure on each player. My job is to focus on what we can do as a team -with and without the ball- against SL Benfica's strengths in possession, with organised play and in transitions, and to always try to be prepared to nullify those moments in the best way possible."

A third Clássico of the season with him in charge
“These are different games. In the first Clássico, the team had just changed coaches, and that changes the game. The opposition perhaps didn’t know how we were going to play either. Then there was a final, in which they were lucky in the penalty shootout. This one could decide who becomes champions, and it will shake up a lot of things.”

Playing away
“The difference has to do with the resilience that the group have had. Throughout the season, they have managed to overcome the obstacles that have appeared along the way, showing great ambition and courage to get through everything. That is why we have to be able to deal with the atmosphere in the stadium, as it's part of our DNA. The team have to be prepared for this and I think that the side that are more focused, balanced and disciplined for longer will be the team closest to winning. We know that we are two great teams, with great players, but any moment in which there is a distraction could make one team overpower the other. Therefore, we have to be as focused as possible on our ambition to win the game and be champions."

Talk of a draw being sufficient
“We are very focused on winning. We just want to win so we can become champions. A draw would mean we have to win the last game, which will also be against a great team in Vitória SC. We are not going to settle, we are going to do everything we can to try to win the game against a team that also want to win and that have a lot of quality. Above all, we want it to be a great show and in the end, that Sporting CP are the winners.”

Pedro Gonçalves' possibility of being a starter
“Everybody is in the equation to play, and they have to be prepared, especially because I never give a starting XI away in training. They all have to be prepared to play or not to play, and Pote is the same. He has responded well and has improved in terms of his fitness. Everyone knows he’s not at 100 percent, and he knows that too, but he’s an important player because of everything he gives to the team, what he transmits to the team. He has grown, he has responded and worked towards the goal on a daily basis, and I think he is prepared, like everyone else, to respond -whether that's for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.”

His feeling about the game
“I'm calm. These games don't stress me out. I'm very focused, I've always been very confident and I have a lot of faith. I believe this is the most important game of my career, because of what it can do for us. We could become champions, and it's the first time I've been in this situation.”

Being more prepared than for the first Clássico on December 29th
“At the time, I could have said that I wouldn’t accept coming because it was two days before the big game, but I never said anything like that to the president. I always said that I wanted to come here, and everything remains the same. There is a lot of confidence, the feeling that we have the capacity and competence is exactly the same and it has been like that since I started at Mirandela. We have grown as a coaching team, of course, and that is why we are here, but everything remains the same. Nothing that people say about me, whether positive or negative, affects me. We are doing a good job, we are making decisions and now we need to have the capacity to win.”

Support from Sporting CP fans
“The fans have been fantastic in their support and in the feeling they have given us as a team. They have shown us a lot of affection. They were very important in the game against Gil and will continue to be very important tomorrow -from the departure from the Academia to the arrival at the Estádio da Luz.”

Violence between fans before the game
“We always look at these things with sadness. It’s a football match and there’s always passion, but passion can never go over the limit. There are limits to everything. The passion and rivalry that exists is good, but should never be excessive. Respect must always be there. That’s why it’s sad. I hope they focus more on supporting us, like our fans have done, showing us the affection they have for us and for what the team have done over the years.”

Ruben Amorim's words of praise
“I don’t look at the legacy he left behind. I came to a club where there was a great coach, who won a lot and who worked hard to make it happen. I didn’t send it to him, but I sent Carlos [Fernandes] a message congratulating Manchester United on reaching the Europa League final. Ruben is rooting for us, we’re happy about that, and we’re rooting for him too. I admire him for his journey from the bottom up, his character and personality, his ability and competence. He will always be someone we will look up to with admiration."

The team get ready for the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to work at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete this Wednesday.

On the agenda is Saturday's trip across Lisbon to take on SL Benfica, in a duel that could be decisive for the outcome of the Liga Portugal title.

In the session, B team defender João Muniz was part of the group, working under the orders of Rui Borges.

On Thursday, a further training session is scheduled for the morning, behind closed doors.

The coach previews the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a huge Saturday game against neighbours and title rivals SL Benfica on Saturday, which could be decisive in the Liga Portugal title chase. Ahead of the game, coach Rui Borges talked about the expectations and his side's focus.

The implications of the derby
“Above all, we are where we want to be and where a club like Sporting CP have to be, which is in finals and trying to win trophies. We have to be happy with that for now. We can play around with two possible results, but we aren't focused on that. We're focused on what we have to do to win -and nothing more. It's like any other game, even though we know how important this one is. We are not shying away from that importance, and we know that it is a game that could win the title for both teams. We have to think about that, but more about what we can do to counteract the opposition and win -despite the difficulties that we will encounter."

Nerves in the game against Gil Vicente FC
“These are different games. Gil Vicente FC played a more defensive strategy, defended very well and caused us a lot of problems. More than the low block, what caused the most concern was conceding a goal so early and when we were playing well. That is normal, especially at this time of year when games are more decisive. Even so, despite this concern, I look more at what the team managed to do before the end. Only a great team could come away with a win, and that is what they did. It was a normal week. I look at the group and I feel the same way. We're focused on what we can control, are very motivated, courageous, ambitious and with a huge desire for the game to get underway."

Playing on the counterattack against SL Benfica
“In terms of counterattacks and expectations, if we look at both teams, SL Benfica have almost always won in recent games on the counterattack or on the fast break. People talk more about Sporting CP doing it, but our opponents have also scored most of their goals in transitions, because they are strong and have above-average quality, just like us. It will be a completely different game. The uneasiness in the game against Gil has no relevance to this game. Everything is different in this game, even the atmosphere and the pressure on each player. My job is to focus on what we can do as a team -with and without the ball- against SL Benfica's strengths in possession, with organised play and in transitions, and to always try to be prepared to nullify those moments in the best way possible."

A third Clássico of the season with him in charge
“These are different games. In the first Clássico, the team had just changed coaches, and that changes the game. The opposition perhaps didn’t know how we were going to play either. Then there was a final, in which they were lucky in the penalty shootout. This one could decide who becomes champions, and it will shake up a lot of things.”

Playing away
“The difference has to do with the resilience that the group have had. Throughout the season, they have managed to overcome the obstacles that have appeared along the way, showing great ambition and courage to get through everything. That is why we have to be able to deal with the atmosphere in the stadium, as it's part of our DNA. The team have to be prepared for this and I think that the side that are more focused, balanced and disciplined for longer will be the team closest to winning. We know that we are two great teams, with great players, but any moment in which there is a distraction could make one team overpower the other. Therefore, we have to be as focused as possible on our ambition to win the game and be champions."

Talk of a draw being sufficient
“We are very focused on winning. We just want to win so we can become champions. A draw would mean we have to win the last game, which will also be against a great team in Vitória SC. We are not going to settle, we are going to do everything we can to try to win the game against a team that also want to win and that have a lot of quality. Above all, we want it to be a great show and in the end, that Sporting CP are the winners.”

Pedro Gonçalves' possibility of being a starter
“Everybody is in the equation to play, and they have to be prepared, especially because I never give a starting XI away in training. They all have to be prepared to play or not to play, and Pote is the same. He has responded well and has improved in terms of his fitness. Everyone knows he’s not at 100 percent, and he knows that too, but he’s an important player because of everything he gives to the team, what he transmits to the team. He has grown, he has responded and worked towards the goal on a daily basis, and I think he is prepared, like everyone else, to respond -whether that's for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.”

His feeling about the game
“I'm calm. These games don't stress me out. I'm very focused, I've always been very confident and I have a lot of faith. I believe this is the most important game of my career, because of what it can do for us. We could become champions, and it's the first time I've been in this situation.”

Being more prepared than for the first Clássico on December 29th
“At the time, I could have said that I wouldn’t accept coming because it was two days before the big game, but I never said anything like that to the president. I always said that I wanted to come here, and everything remains the same. There is a lot of confidence, the feeling that we have the capacity and competence is exactly the same and it has been like that since I started at Mirandela. We have grown as a coaching team, of course, and that is why we are here, but everything remains the same. Nothing that people say about me, whether positive or negative, affects me. We are doing a good job, we are making decisions and now we need to have the capacity to win.”

Support from Sporting CP fans
“The fans have been fantastic in their support and in the feeling they have given us as a team. They have shown us a lot of affection. They were very important in the game against Gil and will continue to be very important tomorrow -from the departure from the Academia to the arrival at the Estádio da Luz.”

Violence between fans before the game
“We always look at these things with sadness. It’s a football match and there’s always passion, but passion can never go over the limit. There are limits to everything. The passion and rivalry that exists is good, but should never be excessive. Respect must always be there. That’s why it’s sad. I hope they focus more on supporting us, like our fans have done, showing us the affection they have for us and for what the team have done over the years.”

Ruben Amorim's words of praise
“I don’t look at the legacy he left behind. I came to a club where there was a great coach, who won a lot and who worked hard to make it happen. I didn’t send it to him, but I sent Carlos [Fernandes] a message congratulating Manchester United on reaching the Europa League final. Ruben is rooting for us, we’re happy about that, and we’re rooting for him too. I admire him for his journey from the bottom up, his character and personality, his ability and competence. He will always be someone we will look up to with admiration."

The coach reviews the win over Gil Vicente FC

After a very important victory over Gil Vicente FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his post-match press conference.

Reviewing the game
“It was a game in which we lacked inspiration in general. We conceded the goal from the only chance in which Gil Vicente FC came close to scoring, which left us feeling a bit uneasy. Throughout the first half, we made poor decisions and moved the ball around very slowly… We were tense, and at halftime we tried to adjust one or two behaviours. In the second half, we managed to get Gil Vicente to play in the final third almost the entire time. It was a difficult game against a team defending with 11 players behind the ball. The substitutions helped to calm the game down, with Morten [Hjulmand] and Zeno [Debast] coming in. We kept trying, and it was a game in which we had to keep going."

Difficulties in getting shots off
“There was a team against us defending in the box with 11 players, that’s the justification for a lack of shots. We’re not always going to score five goals and shoot a lot. If the opposing team were as competitive throughout the season as they were today, they would certainly have more points in the league. We won, and that was the objective. I think the substitutions gave us some energy. Making changes early or late on is a question of opinion. I think I made changes at the right time because we won the game. The belief of the entire Sporting CP family has been incredible. Emotionally, the team are very strong.”

Possible scenarios in the derby
“We have to work hard and focus on the game and what we can control. It’s a game like any other, as decisive as today’s was, and perhaps the last game will be too, depending on the result at the Estádio da Luz. We all feel that we were uninspired, but that’s natural; the team aren’t always going to be at their best. I want to highlight the spirit and competitive attitude that the team had until the end of the game, as that’s why we won.”

The pressure for the Clássico
“The pressure has been there since I came here. I arrived days before a derby. I’m very calm in that sense. The title may be at stake, but since I have been a coach, the big games are the ones in which I feel less pressure, because the players are motivated by themselves.”

The emotional moment in the 2-1 win
“I ended up celebrating with the group, because I think I deserved it. It was an outpouring of emotions. Sometimes we try to remain calm, but we aren’t always like that. The way the fans have got behind us also provides emotions that affect us, and the 2-1 victory was an explosion of all that, with Edu and the stadium. The energy that you feel in the Sporting CP family is indescribable. I’m happy for Edu, who is a special player here, but I would be happy if someone else scored too.”

The possibility of becoming league champions
“I don’t have any burden to do that. My happiness comes from coaching Sporting CP. I really value where I came from, because I worked hard to get here. It’s not a burden, it’s happiness about being at Sporting CP. I’m fighting for trophies, and that happiness is much greater than the pressure.”

Difficulties playing inside and ‘activating’ Gyökeres in the game
“They defended in front of the box, which is difficult for Viktor and any other striker to overcome. There were always two competitive and fast defenders in front of him, covering 2-on-1, who created this difficulty. They created these difficulties for us. We had a lot of interior play and ‘one-twos’, but the space was so limited that we made more mistakes. Inspiration is not always at its peak.”

Sporting CP strike in stoppage time to stay top of the table

Two late goals earned Sporting Clube de Portugal a 2-1 turnaround against Gil Vicente FC, on the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season. Maxi Araújo and Eduardo Quaresma were the scorers for a Sporting CP side who remain in the driving seat in the standings, heading into next weekend's huge derby against SL Benfica.

To face a Gil Vicente FC in 14th place and coming off two wins – and needing just one point to mathematically guarantee their survival, Rui Borges made just two changes to his starting XI. Jeremiah St. Juste came into the centre of the defensive trio, replacing the suspended Ousmane Diomande, and Hidemasa Morita started for the first time since March 15th, in place of Morten Hjulmand.

Before the game, there was a minute's silence in memory of José Carlos, a former captain of Sporting CP who was also one of the 'Heroes of 1964.'

The first chance came almost immediately, as Francisco Trincão shot went slightly wide. Sporting CP continually entered the Gil Vicente area successively, but without the required accuracy to open the scoring.

At the other end, the visitors made a transition, for the first time, after the quarter hour. Zeno Debast had to make a sliding tackle to prevent the danger in the area.

Sporting CP went behind in the 25th minute, as a penalty was called against St. Juste. The club's former academy player, Félix Correia, converted the spot kick to make it 0-1.

Despite their constant efforts to equalise, Sporting CP continued to lack the final ball to provide the breakthrough, and went into halftime trailing.

In the second period, Pedro Gonçalves opened up the chances with a strike still narrowly wide of the post. With the game becoming increasingly tense and with no changes on the scoreboard, after the hour mark, Rui Borges took a risk and made three substitutions at once, bringing on Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder for St. Juste, Morita and ‘Pote’.

Increasingly, Sporting CP were camped out in the opponent's half, and often in the Gil Vicente area, but neither the numerous crosses nor the many attempted combinations reached their intended recipient.

However, their persistence would bear fruit in the 81st minute, when they finally found an equaliser. A blocked shot by Harder fell to Maxi Araújo in the area, and the Uruguayan fired home as the packed stands at Alvalade erupted.

Sporting CP went all out, and first of all had Trincão denied a great goal when his shot hit the post.

The game moved into stoppage time, and finally the turnaround was compleded by Eduardo Quaresma. Following a corner, the ball ended up on the edge of the area, where he took a perfect shot that left goalkeeper Andrew Ventura rooted to the spot.

A hard fought 2-1 win made it 15 consecutive games unbeaten, heading into the most anticipated and decisive derby in living memory.

At the Estádio da Luz on Saturday (6pm), the game away to Benfica could see either side clinch the title. Sporting CP would win the league in the event of victory in the derby, whilst a draw would keep them in first place, despite the equal points – as a result of the 1-0 victory in the first encounter this season.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Jeremiah St. Juste (Morten Hjulmand, 63’), Gonçalo Inácio [C], Geny Catamo (Biel Teixeira, 83’), Zeno Debast, Hidemasa Morita (Geovany Quenda, 63’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão (Matheus Reis, 90+5’), Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 63’) and Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting CP host Gil Vicente FC on Sunday (8:30pm)

Back at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal face Gil Vicente FC this Sunday in the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to look at the vital game for the team's title challenge.

Focusing exclusively on Gil Vicente FC
“We always look only at the next game. There’s no point in looking to the future or the past. We’re focusing on Gil Vicente FC, a team who have won their last two games without conceding a goal, are motivated and have almost guaranteed their place in the top flight for next season. They’re coming into the game calm, scoring more goals away from home and haven’t lost in their last three road games. We have to be alert, serious and focused, which is what we’ve been doing in the last few games. We’ve grown at every level and now we want to keep that up -and always demand a little more.”

Morten Hjulmand being one yellow card away from a suspension
“Morten and Matheus [Reis] have been talked about a lot during this week, because they will be ‘in the running’ for the derby and are called up for this game. That’s all I can say. They are in the squad and available. I’m not going to say which team I will field, because I’ve never said that. It’s a decision that’s up to us, as a coaching staff. We’re going to try to compete and win the game, regardless of who plays. We’re talking about Sporting CP players, who are aware of what they can and cannot do and who they are.”

A draw guaranteeing Gil Vicente FC's survival
“Above all, I believe that Gil Vicente FC will come here to play the game calmly. Their coach [César Peixoto] has said several times that he likes attractive football, so they are a team who like to play and have the ball. They are certain to stay up. They need a point to achieve that mathematically, but they have practically achieved it already. I think they are a team that come into this one without that pressure and we have to look at what Gil Vicente FC have been like before. Defensively they have been more cohesive and we have to find a way to overcome that barrier, regardless of whether it is a medium, low or high block.

Not yet looking to the derby
“In the coach’s mind, there’s only Gil Vicente FC, and in the players’ minds I believe that is the case as weel. That’s the response they’ve given. It’s all up to us, and the most important game is the one against Gil Vicente FC. If we’re focused on the future, it’s going to cost us dearly. At the moment, every game is decisive.”

Possible options for the game
“I will think about tomorrow’s game and, above all, about the confidence I have in the group. There are players who are returning, like Morita and ‘Pote’, who are important and are only getting better at the moment. They are players I trust and who we also need. Of course, we look at everything and it is important to look at all the factors that exist in a game. There is internal communication and we will make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I'm completely calm, because we will play with 11 players. Back in the first game we played in Barcelos, we had Zeno [Debast] and [Alexandre] Brito in midfield and we won.

The importance of goal difference in a possible title tiebreaker
“It could be decisive, but in my mind it’s about winning, because that way we won’t need the goal difference. It would only depend on us.”

The “good energy” at the club
“The team are focused, are thinking about Gil Vicente FC, are motivated and have great energy. This is felt in the game, along with the energy that our fans have given us. I never tire of saying that they have been fantastic. Tomorrow, Alvalade will be sold out and I hope that the support will be the same as it has been up to now.”

The coach expresses his thoughts on the 0-5 win

At the end of the impressive 0-5 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal away to Boavista FC, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to answer questions from journalists.

The fans at Bessa
"It wasn't just here. It started yesterday when we left Alvalade, when we arrived at the hotel, when we left the hotel and when we arrived at Bessa. The task becomes easier when we are surrounded by people who believe in us. It makes the atmosphere different and leads to challenges becoming achievements. They have made us feel that they believe in us, like we believe in ourselves. With that confidence, everything is different, and you can see it on the pitch. There are no words to describe what the fans have given us. I have no doubt that they will continue to give that to us."

Ousmane Diomande's yellow card
"It happens in games. I'm thinking about Gil Vicente FC, so it's not worth thinking any further ahead. We have to be completely committed and focused on the next game."

Viktor Gyökeres
"He's a competitive animal -in a good way. He gives a lot to the team, not just his goals. He is committed to defensive tasks and reactions, which makes me happy. He knows he gives a lot to the team, but he also knows what the team give him to be successful in scoring goals."

A perfect night
"It was a perfect night because of the fans, who were fantastic. It's impossible not to get goosebumps. I believe the players felt it as much as -or more than- I did. The night was perfect in that sense. In terms of the game, the team have been growing and becoming more consistent. They understand better when we have to step up or not. It was a very good night all around."

Pedro Gonçalves
"The way we handle him is down to Pedro and what we feel. He was out for five months, not one. He didn't have a whole week to recover from the 45 minutes he played in Paços de Ferreira. We have to be careful with the physical side of things. We want him with us and we don't want to lose him for any other reason. He is aware of the demands and the time he can give us. He is honest and understands his body, which means a lot."

The team win 0-5 against Boavista in Liga Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal's visit to Boavista FC ended in a 0-5 victory on Matchday 31 of the Liga Portugal season. Viktor Gyökeres scored four times, with Maxi Araújo adding another, as the team claimed another comprehensive win.

Coach Rui Borges made three changes to the starting lineup, with Eduardo Quaresma, Geny Catamo and Maxi Araújo coming in to replace Jeremiah St Juste, Iván Fresneda and Matheus Reis. On the bench, Hidemasa Morita was back after more than a month out through injury.

After observing a minute's silence in memory of Pope Francis, the travelling mass of Sporting CP fans made plenty of noise throughout the game.

The team created the first dangerous move after just two minutes, when Francisco Trincão's shot was met by a good save from Tomáš Vaclík.

It didn't take long for the scoring to be opened, however: After just six minutes, Maxi Araújo regained possession and worked his way down the left, before assisting for Gyökeres in the penalty area to make it 0-1.

Boavista FC responded through Reisinho, who headed against the crossbar, but it was Sporting CP who continued to threaten. Gyökeres forced Tomáš Vaclík to work again, and the goalkeeper made another intervention in the 16th minute, this time fromTrincão.

A Gyökeres free kick and a chance for Pedro Gonçalves both went wide, and on 33 minutes Trincão crossed for the former to head slightly off target.

Sporting CP's momentum dropped a little towards the final minutes of the first half, although they were still in control of the game, and their second goal arrived in stoppage time.

Morten Hjulmand recovered the ball and passed it to Trincão, who picked out Gyökeres on the run. The striker smashed the ball hard into the back of the net for his 50th goal for the club in 2024/25.

For the second half, Geovany Quenda replaced Gonçalves and reached 50 games for the main team, becoming the youngest player of all time to achieve the milestone. The 17-year-old started well and had a shot in the 48th minute, but Vaclík saved.

Two minutes later, it was 0-3, again from Gyökeres: Another great collective play and another assist from Trincão saw the striker appearing on the right and shooting between the goalkeeper's legs for the hat-trick.

Sporting CP were unstoppable and made it 0-4 just seven minutes later, when Gyökeres was sent through at pace. When Vaclík saved his shot, Maxi Araújo fired in the rebound.

Boavista FC managed little more than a header from Róbert Boženík that went wide, and the game took on a much slower pace with Sporting CP's significant advantage.

Ousmane Diomande shot wide, Geny Catamo gave Vaclík more work and, in the 68th minute, Rui Borges brought on Hidemasa Morita and Matheus Reis in place of Morten Hjulmand and Maxi Araújo. The Japanese midfielder was involved straight away with a great pass to Gyökeres, but this time it was the goalkeeper who got the better of the striker.

Before the end, late substitute Conrad Harder set up Gyökeres, who grabbed his fourth goal of the game and 38th in Liga Portugal to cap the contest.

A 0-5 win keeps Sporting CP in a strong position at the top of the table, and their next game will be against Gil Vicente FC at 8:30 pm on Sunday, May 4th, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande (Jeremiah St. Juste, 90'), Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo (Conrad Harder, 77'), Morten Hjulmand [C] (Hidemasa Morita, 68'), Zeno Debast, Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 68'), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 45') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach talks before the away trip to play Boavista FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play this Sunday at 8:30 pm, in an away fixture against Boavista FC in Liga Portugal.
Ahead of the match, Rui Borges spoke about what he expects from a game at a ground known for its atmosphere.

Boavista FC
“Boavista FC are looking to stay in the top flight, so they will give it their all at home, in front of their fans, and Bessa is also renowned for its atmosphere. They are a very competitive team, who brought in 12 new players in the winter transfer window, some of whom are big names in Europe. They are coming into the game in high spirits after a win away, in which they were the better side, against SC Farense, and will try their best to take points from Sporting CP. We have to understand that it will be a tough game, very competitive, and so we have to start strong, as we have been doing, so that Boavista FC can feel that we want to win. That is what we want to do to continue on course until the end of the season.”

Boavista FC 'parking the bus' to stop Viktor Gyökeres
“Viktor is immune to that. He is a competitive animal regardless of the opponent. He is very focused on the team, on what he has to do for the team. Also, the team are focused on what they have to do to enhance his value. We expect a competitive Boavista FC, which is how they have performed at home, regardless of what the coach said about parking the bus. That's normal; they are in survival mode, it is difficult to stay up, they have little margin for error and they will cling on in their attempt to get points. We have to be focused on the strategy and on what we can achieve in the future. We only have one game from their new coach to analyse, which makes everything more difficult, but we are very focused on what we have to do and we have to be able to overcome teams who use a low block."

The expected 12,000 Sporting CP fans at Bessa
“It’s something we’ve gotten used to since we arrived. They always make us feel like we’re playing at home, even though we’re away from Alvalade. Their support has been incredible, I’ve said that before, and it’s growing more and more. It’s natural, and we as a team always try to give something extra. The fans are behind us, they believe in us and I’m happy that this can happen. It’s another motivational factor for the team.”

Ousmane Diomande and Matheus Reis being at risk of suspension
“They are not injured, so I don’t need to do any management with them. We have the squad to respond with those who are available. If they have to play, then they will play. If they don’t have to play, then they won’t play. It’s that simple.”

Hidemasa Morita
“He is called up for the game”.

Pedro Gonçalves
“He had more minutes in the last game and I really believe in him, regardless of how much he plays. He will be very important for the team in this final stretch, whether he plays 45 or 90 minutes. We have to understand his physical condition and his confidence. He’s coming off a long time out, he needs confidence and we have to understand his day-to-day routine. I’m not worried about what might happen next, but I’m concerned about tomorrow’s game.”

The title fight and the Taça de Portugal
“When you’re at a big club, you want to be in finals. The mini-objective has been achieved, which was to fight for the title and to be in the finals. We weren’t lucky in the Taça da Liga and we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal. We have to be competent, to be better than the others -in this case SL Benfica. We just have to work hard and do everything we can to win trophies, which is what we dream of doing. I think that over time the team have grown, and the energy is very evident on and off the pitch every day.

Words of praise from Frederico Varandas
“The president’s speech was motivational for the group and in line with my argument, that the team have made an incredible journey through everything, and that we shouldn’t play the victim. We are alive on all fronts, which is what this club want. The speech went down well with everyone and I already knew he was going to do this. The president is at training every day, he communicates a lot with us and we talk a lot about our focus for the rest of the season. We have to be able to win the trophies, and that is our daily focus."

The coach looks back at Sporting CP's Taça de Portugal semifinal triumph

Following his side's securing of their place in the final of the Taça de Portugal, with victory over Rio Ave FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges talked in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“Above all, I’m happy with the team and the ability we had to be serious right from the start of the game. We wanted to score a goal early on to stop our opponents from gaining confidence. We got it and pressed hard until the 25th or 30th minute. After that, the game balanced out a bit, but without Rio Ave FC creating any major danger. In the second half, we asked the players for a strong start again, and we managed to do so, making it 0-2 and then trying to manage some players' minutes. The team mentally went into management mode and we let Rio Ave FC believe a little for a few minutes. The game was evenly matched until the end, and we could still have scored one or two more, but I’m happy with what the team produced today.”

Reaching the final of the Portuguese Cup
“It’s a dream come true to be able to reach a final at Jamor. I’m happy to have achieved this and now we really want to win and get this trophy for the club. This group really deserve it.”

Pedro Gonçalves' return to the starting line-up and Biel's minutes
“It was important to give Pote playing time, because he needs minutes and confidence. Given how good he is, we have great faith in what he can do for us in this final stretch. We have also noticed that he lacks some confidence, but we can see his intelligence and what he can give to the team.

Biel has been training very well, he has grown a lot, although he hasn’t had many opportunities. Today he came on and he did very well. He is a player who has refined decision-making, but he plays in a position where we have several other important players: Geny, Quenda, Trincão, Pote... It’s a question of the coach's choice, but he has responded very well.”

Ricardo Esgaio's use as a midfielder
“I put him there because he deserves it and he works hard. I did it for everything he is capable of giving in training, for the response he gives us, for what he means to the group, because he is one of the most competitive players we have. He deserves the minutes.”

The first game Quenda didn't play this season
“It's important to rest everyone, when possible."

The impact of the win for the final stretch
“The group wanted to win. It’s an incredible group and if it weren’t like that, we wouldn’t be in the final of the cup. We got to the final of the Taça da Liga, we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal, which could also give us a place in the Supertaça, and we’re in first place in the final stretch of the Liga Portugal season. With everything the group have been through, they’ve been incredible. Only a great group would be able to be in all the finals possible.”