The coach looks back at the win in Famalicão

After the 1-2 win against FC Famalicão, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges reviewed the match in a press conference.

Analysis of the win
"We were very competent and very intense. We knew we had to be very strong in the duels, because they are a very strong team physically, who commit a lot of fouls and are well organised. It’s a difficult ground to play at: I don’t think the pitch was in very good condition either; the ball bounced a lot, and we lost a lot of possession. FC Famalicão were fortunate enough to make it 1-0 from a set piece, and before that, we could have scored, but we responded well. We lost our composure in the space of five minutes, lost possession, and allowed FC Famalicão to build transitions, but we always tried to correct the situation. It was a good victory at a difficult ground."

Fotis Ioannidis's debut
"He came on and did very well, in a different position in which he had to defend. He was very committed to what we asked of him. He's very good with the ball, connecting play inside. In a more central area, where he feels more comfortable, he did very well holding up the ball, finding space and letting the team breathe. In the final minutes, the game broke up a bit more, but we controlled it well."

The decision to finish the game with three defenders
"That was only because FC Famalicão put two forwards on. It was to try to balance those last five minutes, because we spent the entire game playing man-to-man. It was to protect us, due to fatigue and due to Inácio's yellow card, which could have been a problem. We gained another strong player in duels, in Edu [Quaresma]. It's not that FC Famalicão were creating any danger; it was just to tighten us up.”

Playing after the international break
"In this game, the challenge was the opposition, who were in third place, unbeaten, had conceded zero goals, and had not lost at home in 2025. My team are well aware of what they have to do on the pitch, but they also know that sometimes commitment is what wins games. That made the difference, but we never lost our focus, and the team's attitude was fantastic. We faced a great team at home, with passionate fans who make a difference.”

Quenda's performance
"Quenda played well. Geny played in the first few games, and we were coming off some good performances, so I kept the core together. His performance surprised even me. Last year, he fell off a bit at the end of the season, but I have no doubt he'll have a great campaign this year. It's just a matter of waiting for his opportunities. João Simões came on for ten minutes and was spectacular, Fotis immediately understood the team's dynamic... I'm fortunate to lead a great group of players."

João Virgínia's debut
"He gave a fantastic performance and brought calm to the team. I’m happy with his debut; he works hard and has a fantastic personality, connecting with the group."

A third game in a row with the team going behind
"I don't feel the team switch off. In Madeira, it was from a set piece, and here it was too, but I want to emphasise the team's competitive attitude and that, despite the level of physical exhaustion, they gave a fantastic response after going 1-0 down. We kept our emotions in check, and this cohesion and balance were crucial in turning the result around."