'Os Leões' triumph 2-0 against FC Paços Ferreira

Sporting Clube de Portugal bested FC Paços Ferreira 2-0 in Monday night Liga NOS fixture, taking their advantage in the standings over nearest rivals FC Porto to 10 points. Goals from João Mário and João Palhinha earned 'Os Leões' their latest win.

Rúben Amorim made some adjustments to his starting eleven, which consisted of Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Mário, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, Tiago Tomás, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves.

The first warning from Sporting CP came 10 minutes into the game, as Paulinho attempted to backheel in a cutback from Pedro Gonçalves.

Next to try his luck was Pedro Porro, whose shot was tipped over the top by the FC Paços Ferreira goalkeeper -although the referee awarded a goal kick.

The visitors tried to respond through set pieces, but were mostly on the defensive. In the 19th minute, Rebocho took down Pedro Gonçalves in the area, with a penalty kick immediately given.

Stepping up to the penalty spot, João Mário duly dispatched, making it 1-0 and putting the wheels in motion for victory number 16 of the league season.

Sporting CP continued to control the game, but received a scare when FC Paços Ferreira had a chance on 42 minutes. Luther Singh took a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Adán denied him with his foot.

Sporting CP reacted immediately and, after insistence and some confusion in the area, at 45 + 1 minutes, Coates sent the ball over the goal of FC Paços Ferreira, missing the opportunity to increase the advantage.

The lead immediately extended after the return from the halftime break, and goal number two came from a corner: Pedro Porro delivered it in, Zouhair Feddal flicked the ball on with his head and João Palhinha, free at the back post, converted.

Amorim made the first substitution shortly thereafter, bringing on Nuno Santos and resting Paulinho.

In the 65th minute, with Adán off his line, Feddal kept out an initial effort from Tanque, who shot again into the side netting. Three minutes later, it was Luther Singh who tried to reduce the deficit, but without success.

Ten minutes later, João Mário, Pedro Gonçalves and Tiago Tomás were replaced by Matheus Nunes, Tabata and Jovane Cabral.

FC Paços Ferreira nearly got a consolation goal in the final ten minutes, but João Pedro would be thwarted by Adán for the clean sheet to be completed.

Now with a double-digit lead in the standings, Sporting CP will be back at the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday, playing Portimonense SC in an 8:30pm kickoff.

Sporting CP coach says team are focused on Monday night fixture

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Paços de Ferreira to the Estádio José Alvalade on Monday, and Rúben Amorim gave his thoughts on the Liga NOS game in a pre-match press conference. The team have already won twice against the opponents, who lie fifth in the table, but their coach is not overlooking the encounter.

"We have to have a great game and be at our best. We have to be intense, disciplined and humble, right from the opening minute. FC Paços de Ferreira are a very good team who are in fantastic form, with a coach who is doing an incredible job. They are a courageous team. We know FC Paços de Ferreira well, and they know us well. We have prepared for the game and we need the inspiration of the players. We are ready for a great match," he told journalists at the Auditório Artur Agostinho.

"We brought the players attention to what went wrong against Gil Vicente FC, but also to the good things we did after the break," Amorim continued.

Sporting CP are currently in limbo in a situation involving their use of player João Palhinha in the derby against SL Benfica, whilst awaiting the overturning of a fifth yellow card shown to him against SL Benfica. As the saga drags on, Amorim guarantees that the midfielder "is calm."

"This week I saw a conversation between him and Hugo Viana, asking for him to be calm. Sporting CP did what they had to do and we are all waiting for a decision. We have no concern whatsoever in this regard. Sporting CP have safeguarded ourselves and we did everything according to the law. We have zero concerns," he promised.

Asked if he is responsible for a greater sense of unity amongst Sportinguistas the coach gracefully preferred to highlight the players' contribution.

"The merit has to be given to the players, because they are the ones on the pitch. We were at a stage when we were not doing so well at the end of last season, and at that time we did not feel any of that. The unity that exists at this moment is down to the players and the results that they have had. Committing to bringing through players and having many Portuguese players in the squad attracts people, who feel that connection. I am the one who enjoys the quality of the players, the connection and the work that has been done at the club. I am reaping the fruits of that work. I guarantee that if the results change, then things will be different. We have this perspective," he assured.

For now, the focus is on FC Paços de Ferreira, and the Sporting CP boss highlighted some of the most important points and players.

"They are very aggressive and strong on second balls. The wingers are always trying to break, Tanque is very strong at holding up the ball and crossing. Bruno Costa was the player of the month, Luiz Carlos has intensity, Eustáquio has been having a good season. They are a team without any responsibility in this game, with confidence, up against a team that also want to win. In my opinion, it will be a great game. If it isn't then the important thing is that Sporting CP win."

"The table shows that we have the most points, but we don't look at what our rivals do so much. We look at what is going on in our games. We should have done more in the first half against Gil Vicente FC and that is our focus," he concluded.

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.