The coach looks at the first leg against FK Bodø/Glimt

Sporting Clube de Portugal play this Wednesday against FK Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Coach Rui Borges guaranteed in his press conference that he expects "strong, competitive and intense" opponents on the visit to Norway.
 
FK Bodø/Glimt’s progress in the competition
"For me it's not surprising. It’s only so for those who don't follow the teams or have only been looking at this team for a few months. They’ve reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, where they were eliminated by the eventual winner, and this year they have already beaten teams considered contenders for victory in this major competition.
 
We are two teams with enormous ambition. We’re different in our approach, but competitive and ambitious. We are determined, collectively, to make club history, and individually, with each player also seeking that feeling. In that aspect we are very similar. As for the game, each side have our own strengths, but we’re two great teams."
 
Adapting to synthetic playing surfaces
"Fortunately, nowadays you have access to any type of boot and, as athletes, players have to be prepared for the demands of this game. It won't serve as an excuse, nor can it, but it's different from playing on natural grass. The ball bounces more if the synthetic surface is dry, it slides more if it's fast, it gets stuck more, and those who aren't used to it have difficulties, even in terms of having the grip to gain speed. It will never serve as an excuse, especially since FK Bodø/Glimt have also been a great team away from home. We are looking more at the strength of a strong, competitive, and intense FK Bodø/Glimt, and not at the pitch itself."
 
How the team are doing physically
"I hope they are doing well. In Braga, there was a general drop in our condition. Individually, I am paying attention to that, and the coaching staff also noticed some things. Of course, everyone will say they are fine, but we believe that by Wednesday they will be ready. During the game, and against a very intense team that will demand a lot from us, the physical impact of playing on artificial turf will affect each player differently.
 
The game has this particularity; we will be attentive and understand, from training, who is doing well, who adapts best, then talk to them individually and understand what will be the best and strongest starting XI to take on a great FK Bodø/Glimt from the initial phase of the game."
 
Making history
"I think Sporting CP have already made history. Now, it's about continuing to dream, understanding the difficulty we will face. It's a two-legged tie, but it's against a team that have already beaten contenders and a team that, in their national league, have a lot of possession. They weren't champions, but they had the best attack and the best defence, and averaged three goals scored per game in 2025, which clearly shows how strong they are.
 
In the Champions League, they are the team with the most goals from counter-attacks and fast breaks. This clearly shows the strength of FK Bodø/Glimt in both attacking and defensive play against big sides. That's what we have to be prepared for."
 
The two legs
"I think both games are crucial. They've already played great games at home and away, and for example, they beat Atletico Madrid. That clearly shows their quality. Tomorrow's game won't be decisive, nor is it at our home ground. Whoever is stronger over the two legs will advance to the quarterfinals. The ambition will be the same for both of us, for sure."
 
Choosing the best eleven
"I'll sleep on it, and speak to the assistants and the players, but the artificial turf limits the choices, because Nuno [Santos] and Dani [Bragança] recently came back from knee injuries. We need to understand the impact it might have. Everyone else, each in their own way, will have to adapt."
 
Nuno Santos playing at left-back
"If he's here, he can help, but he's coming off a very long layoff, a very serious injury. Of course, physically he's not the old Nuno yet, and it will take some time. The technical and tactical aspects are there, as he's an extraordinary player. He's a warrior and if anyone could have overcome this and become the same player again, it's him. We'll see, and if Nuno doesn't play I'll have to make an adaptation. David Moreira is also in the squad, and he could be the one to replace him."
 
The key to the first leg
"Very honestly, I think it's the ability to be prepared for the physical demands of the entire 90 minutes. FK Bodø/Glimt are a team with a lot of intensity in both attack and defence, very dynamic, intense in their pursuit of goals, and the team that have scored the most goals in this competition from quick attacks. We have to be very balanced, very clear-headed and rigorous."