The coach assesses the Champions League exit

After the 0-0 draw against Arsenal that ended Sporting CP's journey in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his press conference.

Overall analysis of the tie
"The word 'pride' is the right one to describe the team. Based on everything we did in these two games, I think we deserved more, and to at least take the tie into extra time today. In both games, the best opportunities belonged to Sporting CP. The character and personality we showed in fighting against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic. The word 'pride' is the right one to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength and quality they have shown throughout the season. Of course, today it has more impact because it's the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best."

The possible penalty on Maxi Araújo
"I'm not going to talk about that because it would devalue what we did throughout the game, our ability and our quality."

Strategy fulfilled
“Strategically, the team were fantastic. We had the best opportunities to score, and Arsenal didn't create as many -both today and at Alvalade. With the ball, the aim was to prevent the game from flowing, to get into Arsenal's midfield and have organised attacks to wear them down. We are a team that like to have the ball, with an offensive style of play, and we didn't shy away from that. We showed our ideas, character, and personality, and that makes me very proud.”

The ambition shown
“We were very ambitious in both games; the best chances belonged to Sporting CP. This shows the collective and individual ambition and quality we have. We were courageous and committed; we are playing in the Champions League.”

The derby against SL Benfica
“Now we're thinking about the next game. It's about recovering, catching our breathe and thinking about it calmly. SL Benfica are fresher because they play once a week, but we'll go into the game with our spirit, ambition, and with our fans. Their energy will be very important, and I'm appealing to them now, so that on Sunday they are as they have been: At the team's level.”

Feelings after the outcome
“There can be no frustration, but rather pride in the two great games we managed to play against one of the best teams in Europe. If we want to be among the best in Europe, we have to be able to respond to this demand every three days. It has to propel us forward for the coming games. We can't lower our level. It has to serve as motivation, and never as frustration.”

Difficulties in scoring and the keys to defensive consistency
“Arsenal have one of the best defensive lines in Europe, with very strong and fast defenders. Physically, we are not a strong team in duels; we like a possession-based game and some transitions. It was important to be able to settle in and keep possession, with long attacks, without letting the game get away from us. In defensive terms, we didn't let Arsenal create chances. We were very compact, focused, and rigorous. The team were fantastic.”

The European campaign
“It's been very positive. We made history for Sporting CP and we can look back with pride. We have to look at it positively and think that it's the beginning of a dream, of the club's growth, so that more and more people look at Sporting CP differently. The feeling is one of pride, but we still have a long way to go and should always be growing.”

Pedro Gonçalves' form
“He had a good game and the team even dropped off when he went off. He's looking for his best form still, but he's important for us and his numbers speak for themselves.”

A lack of luck
“Whether it be luck or bad luck, I don't care much about that. Luck takes a lot of work. I say we could have been more effective. Luck is about work and competence, and we always try to have a lot of that.”