The coach's reaction to progress into the Taça da Liga final

In his post-match press conference following the triumph over FC Arouca in the Taça da Liga final, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim looked back on the 1-2 result.

"We controlled the game very well in the first half, moved the ball around well and created some goalscoring situations, but we just couldn't score. Nevertheless, I really liked the control that we had in the first half," he told journalists.

"We were very strong so as to not let FC Arouca break through the press, because we knew that they were very dangerous on transitions, but once again we didn't manage to score. Then, with the move at the end, we managed to react and scored from a set piece."

“We didn't start the second half well, FC Arouca changed the way they played and it took us a while to adapt, which was long enough for us to concede a goal. Then we took over the game again, although not with as many opportunities as in the first half. We got the goal deservedly though, as we were the team that were always closest to victory."

Amorim reflected that the greater difficulties felt at the beginning of the second half were due to the merit of the opponent, and not to any lapse on the part of Sporting CP.

“FC Arouca had a lot of merit. It was a semifinal against a team who are having an excellent season and are close to the European spots. However, we were deserved winners and I think that in the first half we had clear opportunities to score another goal."

The coach later explained his decision to leave Pedro Porro on the bench initially.

“Porro had already been experiencing a lot of difficulties against FC Vizela and in that game it was a risk leaving him on the pitch for so long. Even today, him playing the last 20 minutes was risky. He came in because we needed a player who could break things up more on the wing."

On Ricardo Esgaio's performance, Amorim commented “He was very good in the first half, but in the second he felt tired because he hasn't had minutes. Now he's going to recover. He is part of the team and I have a lot of confidence in him."

There was also concern about goalscorer Paulinho, who after scoring a brace left the field holding his arm.

“I don't think it's anything serious. We shall see. If he is not ready for the final, another player will be and we will come into the game with a strong eleven, even though we know that he is important -especially with his form right now in the Taça da Liga. We'll take care of him and see if he's fit."