The defender reached the milestone on his first game back

João Pereira is one of Sporting Clube de Portugal's recent reinforcements, and the first game of his third stint at the club was a special match for more than one reason. The game against CS Marítimo allowed him to reach 150 official matches for Os Leões.

To mark the milestone, this past week Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas presented Pereira with a personalised shirt, a trophy and a commemorative bottle of Super Bock, one of the club's partners

Before signing for the club for a third time, the Portuguese international had already accumulated four years playing in green and white, between 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 and 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.

Pereira arrived at Sporting CP for the first time in the 2009/2010 winter transfer market, joining from SC Braga. After more than 100 games spread over two and a half seasons, he headed to Spain's LaLiga to represent Valencia CF. This was followed by a spell at German side Hannover 96, and in 2015 he returned to Portugal. Another year and a half at Sporting CP followed, during which he won a Portuguese Supertaça (2015). After leaving in January of the 2016/2017 season Trabzonspor, the right back is back in Lisbon on a free, with a contract until the end of the current season.

The Brazilian enjoyed minutes against Gil Vicente FC

The defender reacted to his debut with a publication on social media, in which he said: "After five months, making my first appearance for this club and feeling the emotion of going out onto the pitch, as well as earning the three points, is priceless. We keep going at full strength."

Sporting CP's coach praises his team's late turnaround against Gil Vicente

At the end of the amazing 1-2 comeback victory against Gil Vicente FC in Liga NOS, Rúben Amorim reviewed the challenging contest in his post-match press conference.

"Once again, the game only ends when the referee blows his whistle. It was a very tough  game, as we knew it was going to be, against a team who had us well-studied", he told journalists.

"We started well and we could have scored right away. From then on, we were lax and slow and let the game pass us by. After halftime the team changed their mentality. We pressed more, we had more of the ball and we looked for space better. We had a lot of crosses, but just needed someone to put the ball into the net".

"We scored the equaliser, we believed until the end and we got the second. Gil Vicente FC did well in the first half, but stopped playing football in the second".

Amorim praised his goalscoring captain, Sebastian Coates: "He was very good at both defending and attacking. He set an example. Congratulations to him. He is our leader and captain and he deserves it".

"Today was not about luck -it was about belief. In some games we have had good fortune, but not this time. We tried hard until the end. The referee hadn't blown the final whistle and I felt we could score a goal. Scoring a goal enabled us to win the way that we did", he explained.

Regarding Paulinho, the coach admitted that "it was not the best game for our striker, but that's normal".

"He's coming into a new team. Against CS Marítimo he had more space, and this time the Gil Vicente FC's block was closer together. In the second half he had some crosses come to him. He didn't connect with the ball well, but that's part of a striker's life. He has to work hard. He is very happy and I am very happy with him. He has integrated well and that is the main thing", he said.

Asked about the changes he made at halftime, Amorim revealed that "attention was drawn to our lack of intensity, the problems and where the space was".

"There had to be a change in mentality. Gil Vicente FC closed up space in the middle. We needed a winger instead of a full-back and Nuno Santos improved us by providing many crosses. Neto was doing fine in the game, but Inácio is very good at bringing the ball out. We wanted a variation".

"Our team are always more motivated when they dominate the game and concede no opportunities. That gives motivation to them. We will be more aware of what we have to do in the coming games", he concluded.

The captain strikes twice in the final moments of a 1-2 win

Sporting Clube de Portugal picked up their latest Liga NOS win this Tuesday away to Gil Vicente FC, but they left it late to take the 3 points. Down 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes, Os Leões required two last gasp goals from captain Sebastián Coates to make a dramatic turnaround.

The starting lineup for the game was almost unchanged from the fixture against CS Maritimo, with the only switch being that of Luís Neto coming in for Gonçalo Inácio.

Sporting CP were the first side to create danger on a rainy night at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos. A direct free kick by Pedro Porro, plus attempts to finish by Paulinho and Coates, were all unsuccessful.

Shortly after, Paulinho shot wide, followed up by Matheus Nunes putting Gil Vicente goalkeeper Denis to the test with a hard strike from a Vitorino Antunes free kick. Antunes would be involved at the other end, keeping out a close chance for the home team.

Whilst Nuno Santos gave the opposition something to think about, Sporting CP shot stopper Antonio Adán was required to make a tremendous save from Kanya. The subsequent rebound would be sliced wide by Baraye.

Opportunities continued with a near-own goal for Henrique Gomes, as well as a Coates header straight at the keeper, and Pedro Porro struck wide of the post on 34 minutes. All signs pointed to Sporting CP being the team to get the opener, but the script played out somewhat differently.

Gil Vicente FC were effective going forward, and Japanese player Kanya finished off a cross from Claude Gonçalves on 36 minutes. The first half ended 1-0, and soaking wet after the rain in Barcelos intensified.

Rúben Amorim made two changes for the second half, introducing Gonçalo Inácio to replace Luís Neto and Tiago Tomás for Antunes. Nuno Santos moved back to the left side of the defence and Pedro Gonçalves went into attack, with Tiago Tomás on the right side. Amorim made another modification, withdrawing Matheus Nunes for Daniel Bragança.

The young midfielder had an impact soon after, recovering the ball and playing to Porro, who in turn crossed for Pedro Gonçalves to shoot wide. Gonçalves threatened again in the 57th minute, this time firing over, and Tomás also had an effort go off target.

Gil Vicente FC put everybody behind the ball, but still the Sporting CP opportunities continued: Paulinho's header in the 62nd minute and one for Coates in the 68th minute kept up the pressure.

Amorim decided to make a last roll of the dice with his substitutions, and Zouhair Feddal and João Palhinha were withdrawn for Matheus Reis (making his debut) and João Mário with around a quarter of an hour to go.

Tomás and Paulinho were all close to equalisers, but Sporting CP would have to wait until the 83rd minute to level:  After a poor clearance from the defence, Sebastián Coates shot from straight on, finding the net with a low drive to make it 1-1.

Momentum was now in their favour, and in the first of 5 minutes of injury time, Coates completed the heroic comeback. This time, it was a far-post header that glanced into the net, as the bench emptied and the players celebrated ecstatically.

A well-deserved 1-2 win keeps Sporting CP top of Liga NOS, and they now have an 8-point advantage over nearest rivals FC Porto. Next up is a meeting with FC Paços de Ferreira at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Pedro Porro, Luís Neto (Gonçalo Inácio, 46 '), Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Matheus Reis, 74'), Vitorino Antunes (Tiago Tomás, 46 '), João Palhinha (João Mário, 74 '), Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 54'), Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos and Paulinho.

The coach gave the lowdown on the Tuesday game against Gil Vicente FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, home of Gil Vicente FC, this Tuesday, for Matchday 18 of the Liga NOS season.

Ahead of the contest, Rúben Amorim reminded journalists of the difficult game his side had in the first half of the season against this week's opponents.

“Our team are in good form, which comes from good results and performances. We have almost all of our squad available, with the exception of Nuno Mendes. We are prepared for a difficult game, as the last one against Gil Vicente FC at home was; we only scored our goals in the last ten minutes. The result of that game does not reflect what happened on the pitch," he warned.

"They are a very good team, who have been strengthened and can play with two different formations. This made our scouting difficult, even because we didn’t have much time to train for them."

“We also know their strength from dead balls, and we have tried to study everything in detail. The team are playing well and we will try to make it the type of game that favours us,  because we have an excellent team and excellent players," said the coach, who added that a win would not be decisive for the title chase.

"I am sure that it is not, because there is still a long way to go this season. There are many points up for grabs and we have a whole second half of the campaign to play. It has been shown that anyone can drop points anywhere, so what we have to do is win our next match -in order to be more comfortable when thinking about the next one. Our way of thinking will not change and the title race is always open, whatever happens in Barcelos,” he warned.

It was a further statement that both the squad and the fans have their feet firmly on the ground.

"There is a notion that you can lose everything in two or three games, as has happened in the past. This fear is good because it keeps us focused on the task at hand," he explained.

"We are not naive enough to think that everything is done and dusted. We have to give our all, and I think the Sportinguistas are proud of the team -but also very cautious. Everything can change from one moment to the next, but our attitude will not. The only obligation for the players is to give their all, run a lot and try to win, which is what they will continue to do," he concluded.

Latest triumph leaves coach satisfied with performance

As the dust settled on Friday's 0-2 triumph against CS Marítimo, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim commented on the contest in his post-match press conference.

“It is indifferent to us. We want to score points. Winning games this way, without giving the opponent many chances, is our job and our focus. We are not interested in the results that other teams get, and we have to continue like this, looking only at ourselves, because we have a lot to do."

A 0-2 victory away gives Sporting CP 45 points at the halfway mark of 2020/2021

Two goals for the prolific Pedro Gonçalves earned the team victory in the Azores, capping a week that had begun with a derby victory over SL Benfica.

João Mário and Nuno Mendes missed the game through injury, with Luís Neto suspended. Coach Rúben Amorim returned João Palhinha, Gonçalo Inácio and Antunes to the starting lineup, alongside new signing Paulinho.

Sporting CP had a point to prove at the Estádio dos Barreiros, where they had suffered their only domestic defeat of 2020/2021 -in the Taça de Portugal. They were the dominant force in the early going, and in the opening five minutes enjoyed an opportunity for Antunes that went wide.

Before ten minutes had been played, Gonçalves claimed the opener. After an incredible pass from Gonçalo Inácio, he broke a way and slickly rounded the goalkeeper, sliding the ball into the net.

Whilst CS Maritimo sent long balls forward, Sporting CP provided a more patient buildup, and Pedro Porro and Gonçalves both had chances before the halftime whistle.

It took just seconds after the restart for the team to resume their threat, and Paulinho forced the goalkeeper into action with what was his final contribution before making way for Tiago Tomás.

A deserved second goal followed, 57 minutes in, when Antunes found Gonçalves with a ball from the left. The league's top scorer put in his 14th goal of the season with a well taken finish to make it 0-2.

CS Marítimo tried to advance, but were clearly struggling with an organised Sporting CP defence. Second half substitute Bruno Tabata, Antunes and Gonçalves had the final opportunities of note.

Before the final whistle, João Pereira was subbed on, having just signed to return to the club for a third spell. The defender thus made his 150th appearance for the club.

With the 0-2 result, Sporting CP end the first half of the Liga NOS season unbeaten and with 45 points to their name. It is their best ever tally at this stage of a season under the current format. They also extend their lead at the top to six points over FC Porto, who were held to a 0-0 draw away to Belenenses SAD on Thursday night.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, Antunes (João Pereira, 87 '), João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 87'), Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos (Bruno Tabata, 77 ') and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás, 66')

The fullback signs for his third spell at the club

João Pereira is back at Sporting Clube de Portugal, as another winter reinforcement for the Liga NOS leaders. The 36-year-old comes in as a free agent after his contract with Trabzonspor was terminated, and is beginning his third spell at the club.

The experienced right-back, a former Sporting CP captain who also boasts 40 caps for Portugal, has signed a contract through to the end of the current season.

"I am very happy to represent this great club for the third time. I feel the same desire and I have the same motivation as when I signed for the first time," he told the media at his presentation.

"I want to help Sporting CP on and off the pitch. I know the people who work at the club very well, and many from my first spell are still here," he continued.

"I have always been treated very well here and I feel like this is a family."

Pereira trained with his new teammates on Wednesday, and believes that his adaptation will be quick.

"It's easier to adapt, but I have also followed Sporting CP and I know more or less how they play. However, it is always important to already know some colleagues and the coach," he explained. The fullback has previously played with the likes of Sebastián Coates, João Mário and coach Rubén Amorim.

Pereira has unfinished business at the club, having played a total of 149 games for them.

"150 is a round number and an important achievement, but it is not an obsession. When it has to happen, it will happen. I urge the fans to continue to support the team, because together we are much stronger."

João Pereira joined Sporting CP for the first time in the 2009/2010 winter transfer market, from SC Braga. After more than 100 games, spread over two and a half seasons, he headed to the Spanish league with Valencia CF. This was followed by a spell at Hannover 96 in Germany, and in 2015 he returned to Portugal and Sporting CP -where he won the Super Taça. In January of 2017 he took on a new challenge at Turkish side Trabzonspor, and now comes back to his homeland.

Left back comes in for remainder of 2020/21 campaign

On a busy Tuesday of transfer activity for Sporting CP, Matheus Reis joined the club before the close of the winter window, on a loan deal from Rio Ave until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Brazilian can play either at left back or on the left of a three-man defence, and adds further depth to a squad currently top of the Liga NOS table.

"This is a dream come true. I already knew how big the club is, but getting here and seeing everything, from the structure to the staff, is incredible," he said at his presentation.

"This club always deserves the best. They deserve to win and to achieve everything they want. I am very happy, as are my family and those back in Brazil. My son already has his Sporting CP shirt!" he told the media.

Reis explained that he went through "many difficulties" to get to Sporting CP. 

"I am ready to achieve my objectives and also to face the difficulties that will appear along the way. I know that at a big club there is always a lot of competition, and I'm ready to fight for my place."

"I am already playing in the Portuguese league, so I know how it works. It is new for me to be at a big club, but I have been at large teams and I know what it means to have pressure and responsibility on your shoulders, so I come here fully prepared and motivated for this challenge," commented the Brazilian, who will be reunited with friend Nuno Santos -a former teammate at Rio Ave.

"I'm very happy to be playing with him again. We were successful together. When Sporting CP's interest in me first came about, they asked him about me. We have always spoken with one another, and he asked me to come here. He said that the structure was very good, that he would like it a lot and that he could help me."

"I am very used to the setup Sporting CP use. Last year I played in this formation all season. I'm a defender who was quite offensive, but when playing in this line of three I have evolved the defensive side of my game a lot. I have good passing and a lot of technique. I believe that being adapted to the system already means I can help even more."
Finally, Matheus Reis said that "I will give everything I have on the pitch. I will fight tooth and nail for the club's goals and to help the team. We have ambitious players, as well as an ambitious coach, and I am another 'Lion' full of ambition to achieve our objectives."

A product of São Paulo FC, one of the giants of Brazilian football, Matheus Reis played for the club's first team and was also loaned out to CA Sorocaba and EC Bahia. In 2017/2018, he arrived in Portugal thanks to a loan to Moreirense FC, before signing permanently for Rio Ave FC the following season.
After 27 games for the side from Vila do Conde in 2018/2019 (23 as a starter), he played 37 games last term -scoring one goal.

"This is the biggest step of my career," says the striker

Sporting Clube de Portugal have bolstered their attack with the signing of 28-year-old forward Paulinho, who joins from SC Braga on a deal through to 2025, with a buyout clause of 60 million euros.

Paulinho was presented this Tuesday alongside club president Frederico Varandas, and expressed his delight with the move.

"My feeling is one of pure happiness. I'm very happy to be here. I thank everyone for the effort they made to bring me here; it was not an easy process, but I finally managed to get where I wanted to be", said the Portuguese international.

"It has been a dream of mine for a long time, but it is football. It has happened when it happened, and from now on we will all fight for the same thing. Sporting CP is what matters."

Asked how much the move means for his career, Paulinho stated that he is now a "part of a big club in Portugal - an incredible club". "It is, by far, the biggest step of my career", he added. "I don't believe that I will have any major problems in adapting. All indications are that the group is fantastic; incredible players and human beings. The fact that I know how the coach works will help me a lot. The league isn't a surprise to me anymore. I know the teams perfectly and everything is prepared to make my integration an easy one", he reasoned.

"It will be good to work with Rubén Amorim again", says the striker, who played under him previously at SC Braga. "It was my desire to work with him, but I also know how demanding he is. That's what brought me here. I know he expects nothing less than 100% from me, and from everyone. That's what I'm going to give in every game", he promised.

Paulinho came up through the ranks at Santa Maria FC, a club where he also took his first steps at senior level, before spells at CD Trofense and Gil Vicente FC. He signed for SC Braga in 2017, and since then has established himself as one of the top goalscorers in Portuguese football. In 2019/2020 he found the net 25 times, 17 in Liga NOS, whilst this season he has already scored ten goals in all competitions.