Sporting held to draw by Rio Ave but hold on to Liga NOS top spot

Sporting were forced to split the points with Rio Ave on Monday night, in a goalless draw on Liga NOS matchday 21. Jorge Jesus' side dominated the possession stats and had twice as many shots on goal, but an inspired performance from the visiting keeper kept Sporting at bay.

The team from Alvalade took the game by the scruff of the neck early on, but struggled to punch holes in a well organised Rio Ave defence who looked happy to sit back, in contrast to the majority of their outings so far this season. Chances did start to appear after the opening 10 minutes, firstly with Bryan Ruiz being denied by Cássio (12’) and quickly after from a powerful shot by Slimani that was deflected away by Roderick (13’).

Although holding deep in defence, Rio Ave did have a fair few forays forward, courtesy mostly of Bressan acting as a target man on the break. On 24 minutes, Kayembe found space behind the Sporting backline, but Patrício was on hand to make the first big stop of the night. Sporting responded with a pair of chances down the other end (26’ and 27’), firstly from Adrien with a low drive that Cássio did well to smoother, followed by a header at the far post by Teo Gutiérrez that the Rio Ave keeper also responded too.

A lukewarm period followed, broken by a long pass from Coates which was brought under control by Zeegelaar. João Mário then weaved space in the area, but again Cássio (37’) replied with a save. The last chance of the half fell to Rio Ave, after Tarantini picked up possession in the 18-yard box, but Rui Patrício managed to complete an outstretched stop to turn the effort away for a corner.

The first clearcut chance after the break was also created by the visitors, when Kayembe popped up at the far post while Sporting battled through with 10 men after Paulo Oliveira was forced off by an injury (replaced Rúben Semedo), before Jorge Jesus' began to show a sense of urgency in attack and returned the natural order to the evening. Sebastián Coates actually had the ball in the back of the net following a free-kick, but his effort was ruled out.

Hernán Barcos was handed a debut 17 minutes from time in place of Teo Gutiérrez, followed by the introduction of Gelson Martins for William Carvalho in a final gamble for a goal. 'El Pirata' actually came just inches from a dream start to his Sporting career with a header at the near post, but Cássio continued his frustrating form to keep the scoreboard blank. Opportunities for Gelson (82’), Slimani (83’), Barcos (85’) and again Slimani (87’) followed, but the deadlock maintained to split the points at the final whistle.

Jorge Jesus includes 18 for Liga NOS matchday 21

Jorge Jesus has included 18 players in his squad for Monday's hosting of Rio Ave, on Liga NOS matchday 21:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício and Azbe Jug

Defenders: João Pereira, Paulo Oliveira, Sebastián Coates, Ruben Semedo and Marvin Zeegelaar

Midfielders: William, Aquilani, Adrien, João Mário and Bruno César

Forwards: Carlos Mané, Gelson Martins, Bryan Ruiz, Teo Gutiérrez, Hernán Barcos and Slimani

Sporting CP-Rio Ave will get underway at 19h00 today, in Estádio José Alvalade.

Jorge Jesus ahead of Monday's hosting of Rio Ave

Jorge Jesus was with the press on Sunday afternoon for the Rio Ave pre-match press conference. While brushing off the idea of extra pressure coming from his side being provisionally in 2nd in the table, the Sporting coach was cautious to alert to the quality of Monday's opposition.

“Rio Ave are one of the best teams in the league. They are hard to play against tactically and how they play is well drilled, because they have had the same coach for a while now. We know what Rio Ave are worth and we will have to be in good form to win", opened the Alvalade boss, continuing: “We are in a position where we are the intruders in relation to our two rivals. We have said since the beginning of the season that we want to be in the fight, but we never thought we would be in first at this stage of the season. We are really proud for having been in first for so long and it shows the quality of the squad."

Explaining that Jefferson and Naldo have not been declared fit to face Rio Ave, while revealing that William Carvalho is in with a shout, Jesus also spoke about Coates, Barcos and Teo Gutiérrez: “Coates and Barcos haven't been with us for long and they are getting to know how the team works. Coates is pretty much match fit, while Barcos played a couple of weeks pre-season in China. They could be both included in the squad. Teo is focused. He arrived a bit later, which I authorised due to the injury he had. He is stable physically and he will be in the squad tomorrow is nothing happens in the meantime."

Guaranteeing that he has enough attacking options, despite the exit of Montero and Tanaka, Jorge Jesus dismissed comments on Carrillo and reflected on Octávio Mochado's statement on refereeing after last week's victory over Académica: “It isn't easy to be a referee in Portugal. We have good referees here, but everything is analysed here after the game, when it is easy to give out opinions. It is is a bit like the football team: when they don't play well, they are critised."

Sporting CP-Rio Ave will kick off at 19h00 on Monday, in Estádio José Alvalade.

Carlos Xistra names for Liga NOS matchday 21

Carlos Xistra, 42, from the Castelo Branco Football Association, has been named to take charge of Liga NOS matchday 21, between Sporting CP and Rio Ave.

Bertino Miranda and Jorge Cruz will act as linesmen.

Thsi will be Xistra's third time officiating Sporting this season, after the trips to Tondela (matchday 1, 2-1) and Estádio da Luz (matchday 8, 3-0).

Sporting CP-Rio Ave will kick off at 19h00 on Sunday the 8th of February, in Estádio José Alvalade.

Adrien reflects on season so far and the importance of the Alvalade youth system

Sporting skipper Adrien Silva gave shared an extensive interview this week, talking about the Alvalade youth system, as well as what has been a fantastic season so far for the talismanic captain.

The Sporting midfielder proved particularly proud of a recent study released by the Portuguese Football Federation on call-ups to the national under-15 to under-19, under-20 and under-20 squads, which put Sporting ahead of the rest of the pack: "Sporting always has been one of the best youth systems in the world and the study is fair recognition of the work being doing at the Academy. In my case, I arrived there when I was 12 and I went through the whole youth system at the club, so you I can say I learnt to become a man and a player here. I am really happy with the study. I have been in teams that have won national championships at under-15 up to under-19 and then I made by debut for the senior team when I was 18. It was also really important to spend time away, where I picked up experience and I am a better player today because of it. All I am missing is winning the senior title, after the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup."

In relation to the season so far, Adrien affirmed his side's confidence in turning in another win after a battling victory against Académica: “Rio Ave are one of the good sides in our league and that is why they are towards the top end of the table. They play some good football and they don't just look to defend. If that will make it easier for us, well I don't think you can look at it like that. Sporting always goes for the win against whoever we are playing against and it is down to us to put into practice what we have been doing during the week."

The Sporting number 23 also went on to highlight the importance of the fans this year in Sporting's title charge: “Both at home and away, the fans have been with us and they were again against Académica. They were crucial for us turning the game around. We let a goal in early, but we felt the fans with us and that is really important for us to carry on taking each game as it comes and to win the title. We are up there fighting for it! It is us that got us where we are now, in a fight that was only between two teams until last year!"

Sales begin on Tuesday

Tickets for Liga NOS matchday 21, between Sporting and Rio Ave, will go on sale on Tuesday the 2nd of February, as follows:

STAND A

Central – 20€ for Club Members and 30€ for fans
Lateral – 15€ for Club Members and 25€ for fans
Goal End – 10€ for Club Members and 20€ for fans
Under-23/ Senior – 10€ for Club Members

STAND B

Central – 15€ for Club Members and 25€ for fans
Lateral – 10€ for Club Members and 20€ for fans
Goal End – 7€ for Club Members and 15€ for fans
Under-23/ Senior – 7€ for Club Members
Anti-Crisis – 5€ for € for Club Members
Under-11 – 3.5€ for Club Members

SALES POINTS

ESTÁDIO JOSÉ ALVALADE TICKET OFFICES

- 2nd to the 7th of February: from 10h to 20h

- 8th of February: from 10h until half-time

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.sporting.pt
- Payment methods available: Multibanco, VISA and Mastercard
- Multibanco only available up to 24 hours before kick-off
- PDF tickets: delivered to your email (can be printed in black and white on A4)

STADIUM REGULATIONS

- Entry prohibited to children under the age of 3

- Children over the age of 3 (inclusive) require a ticket

- Under-11 Member ticket: from 3 years of age (inclusive) to 11 years of age and valid for any sector of the stand

- Under-23 Member ticket: from 11 years of age (inclusive) to 23 years of age, with different prices for stand A and B

- Senior ticket: from 65 years of age (inclusive) with different prices for stand A and B

- Non-renewed special seats have preference up to 72 hours before kick-off

- Fan tickets purchased on matchday are subject to a €3 tax

- Match included in all 2015/2016 Gamebox packages

- Member fee applicable: January 2016

FAMILY TICKET

- All sectors in North Goal End – Stand A and B

- Family of 3 (Member + Adult + Under-11): 21€

- Family of 4 (Member + Adult + Under-23 + Under-11): 25€

- Additional tickets for Family of 4 option (maximum of 2): Adulto (10€) and Under-23 (5€)

- Members with a Gamebox can use this promotion (replacing their usual seat)

- Member Category B can purchase this ticket for Goal End Stand B

ANTI-CRISIS TICKET

- Sector A9 + A11 (limited to 723 tickets) for the special price of 5€

- Exclusively for Members with fees paid up to date

Octávio Machado after Sporting's win against Académica

Sporting's director of football, Octávio Machado, was in the Alvalade press room at the final whistle on Saturday to reflect on Saturday's win against Académica and a series of errors made by Cosme Machado.

“Things only aren't worse now because we have a really good team and great fans. It really isn't right that the club with the biggest crowds ends up with the fans going home upset after a win. That isn't what football should be. The criteria for fouls, not giving clear penalties and awarding a clearly off-side goal... I have never seen a linesman, who rightly ruled out a goal, be pressured by the referee to change his mind. honestly I am not happy to say this, but Cosmo Machado is not fit to referee in the top division and I would not like to see Vítor Pereira name him again for a Sporting match. After everything that is happening around the club, we deserve a bit more care when it comes to picking referees", said the Alvalade director, adding a word on the sending off of Jorge Jesus: "When Adrien was shown a yellow card, which was after a foul that should have been a sending off, Jorge Jesus asked the fourth official if the referee had two whistle twice to restart play. Nothing happened for him to be sent off and I would like to know why he was."

Adrien on his side's 3-2 win against Académica

Adrien put in yet another man of the match performance this Saturday night, inspiring his side to a 3-2 win against Académica in a night that will be remembered largely for its refereeing.

“The most important thing is that we got the win. It could have been more comfortable, but some things happened that we can't control. However, we reacted well. All we have to focus on is applying what we are doing in training", opened the Portuguese international in a flash interview at the final whistle, before responding to a question about Académica's second goal: "I haven't seen it properly, all I saw was the linesman raise his flag. I didn't know what had happened and I went to talk to the referee about it. We really want to say thank you to the fans, because they have been fantastic. There support is really important in this kind of match."

To finish, Adrien reflected on his current form: "I am trying to improve as much as I can and with this coach I can. It is up to you to say if this is the best Adrien or not, all I can do is my best to help the team."

Sporting earn battling three points on Liga NOS matchday 20

Sporting CP beat Académica 3-2 on Saturday night, in a baffling encounter that saw referee Cosme Machado allow for a goal from a clear off-side position, send Jorge Jesus and Nélson to the stands and show a string of baffling yellow cards.

The match got off as expected, with Jorge Jesus' side dominating. However, it was Académica who had the first opportunity of the evening with a corner in the 7th minute and a well rehearsed move picked out Rafa, who fired past Rui Patrício to give the visitors an unlikely early lead.

The goal did little to unsettle Sporting and Académica were soon picked back into their defensive third, but stubborn defending from the visitors and some highly debatable refereeing were not going to make for an easy night's work. Mané looked to have found a way through on goal in the 13th minute, but was brought down by an obvious push by Hugo Seco that the referee waved away.

Short passing down the wings and a midfield anchored by William sitting deep kept Sporting in possession for long spells, but opportunities on goal were in short supply, until Bryan Ruiz controlled well and unleashed a stinging effort that Pedro Trigueira could only parry away to Adrien at the edge of the box for a shot that ended up the wrong side of the bar. The in-form Alvalade skipper's attempt proved to be a warning shot for the equaliser and just before the half-hour mark he burst his way into the box and put an unstoppable shot across goal and into the back.

Although with a make do pairing of Ewerton and Rúben Semedo at the back, after Naldo was forced off with an injury, it looked to be only a matter of time before Académica again broke. Justice to the scoreline came two minutes before the break, when Carlos Mané tricked his way into the 18-yard box and fed a ball across the box that Bryan Ruiz edged in from close range. In all honesty, the goal was almost greeted with a sense of anger towards the evening's official rather than celebration, as two minutes earlier Cosme Machado had brandished an extremely harsh yellow card to Adrien for taking a free-kick quickly. Not only that, but Machado also gave Jorge Jesus his marching orders for supposed protests at the decision.

Gelson Martins was introduced to the action in place of William after the break (moving João Mário into the middle) and the pressure was cranked up again on the visitors. Despite Sporting's complete domination, it was the visitors who were next to 'score', when Ricardo Ricardo Nascimento flicked a ball on that João Real and Ewerton contested in the air. Although the Brazilian actually ended up putting the ball into the back of his own net, João Real was clearly off-side and the linesmen obliged with the respective raise of his flag. However, the referee saw fit to overrule his assistant and validated the goal.

Sporting had half an hour to claim the more than deserved three points and Jesus responded with the introduction of Montero for Mané. Gelson Martins was next to try his luck with a shot that was well stopped by Pedro Trigueira, before Slimani floated a chip onto the roof of the net and Ruiz was also denied by the Académica keeper. The breaking point for the visitors finally came when Aderlan was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Gelson, allowing Sporting to pen the visitors in for the rest of the encounter. After two decent opportunities for Montero (81’) and Adrien (84’), the Colombian finally restored the lead with a brilliant first touch and a calculated shot past Pedro Trigueira.

The evening's drama looked to be over, but there was still time for Cosme Machado to send off Nélson from the substitutes' bench.

Jorge Jesus included 18 for Liga NOS matchday 20

Jorge Jesus has announced his squad list for Liga NOS matchday 20 against Académica:

Squad list in full:

Guarda-redes: Rui Patrício and Azbe Jug

Defenders: João Pereira, Ricardo Esgaio, Ewerton, Naldo, Ruben Semedo and Marvin Zeegelaar

Midfielders: Aquilani, William, Adrien and João Mário

Forwards: Mané, Gelson Martins, Matheus Pereira, Bryan Ruiz, Slimani and Montero

Sporting CP-Académica will kick off at 20h45 on Saturday, in Estádio José Alvalade.