Jorge Jesus on his side's win against Académica

Jorge Jesus proved satisfied with his side’s 3-1 win over Académica this Sunday, particularly after a difficult mid-week Champions League in Moscow.

“This game, like the one against Paços de Ferreira, was one that I thought would be dangerous because it was after a Champions League match in the middle of the week. Competitions like that always take a bit out of the players physically and psychologically, but we got over that hurdle and are still in in the top places in the league, which is important for me at the start of the season”, opened the Alvalade coach, adding: “It could have been an easier game, but once again the referee put our opponent back in the game with a penalty decision. We won the three points and that is all that matters. In this league no points are easy to win.”

Slimani was brought down in the area for what looked to be a clear penalty, but the afternoon’s referee, Bruno Esteves, waved away the appeals: “It is nothing to do with us complaining about persecution. What we are taking about are decisions which have been taken by referees which have gone against Sporting. I believe it isn’t intentional, but we still feel it. It is happening in almost every game, but it isn’t persecution.”

Sporting’s third goal of the evening was scored by Aquilani from the 12-yard spot, after Adrien had missed a penalty of his own shortly before. “We have several players who can score penalties and I pick who takes them. Adrien knows he is the priority, followed by Aquilani, Slimani and Teo, but with the pressure off missing, it was best that Aquilani took that one”, finished Jesus, commenting on the Italian being given the call up to the penalty spot instead of Adrien.