Sporting CP dominates for 74 minutes before conceding three

It was an extremely harsh final result after how Sporting dominated in D. Afonso Henriques. In fact, Jorge Jesus' side led 3-0 at one point, before two goals from Marega in the space of just a minute gave Vit. Guimarães the momentum to snatch a draw.

The encounter got off to a well balanced start, with neither team really willing to throw anything forward. Guimarães did have a half chance early on when a well placed pass picked out Marega, but the winger took a poor first touch and was able to capitalise. After 20 minutes Jorge Jesus' side took control, holding down long spells of possession and probing forward almost at will. The first big chance came from a snap shot by Adrien, denied by a fine save from Douglas.

The opportunity was a warning for the coming goal and who else but Gelson to rip open the Guimarães defence with a dazzling run and shot that Douglas parried into the path of Markovic for the opener. The goal triggered an avanlance of attacking football from the team from Alvalade and Rúben Semedo came close to doubling the lead, but his looping header ended up with wrong side of the post after a corner from Bryan Ruiz. However it didn't take long for Sporting to find the back of the net for a second time, when Coates made the most of Douglas' miscalculated run off his line. There was however bad news for Jesus at the end of the first-half, when Adrien was forced off through injury (replaced by Elias).

Sporting looked even more dominant after the break and chances naturally followed. First it was Markovic to break through on goal, but the Serbian was unable to beat the isolated Guimarães keeper. It was Elias who fired in Sporting's third, with a well placed effort from outside of the area.

The result looked secure, however a penalty against William Carvalho saw Marega pull one back from the spot in the 74th minute to give the hosts a lift. Just one minute later, the winger on loan from FC Porto converted on a cross to put his side back into contention. Soares scored the equaliser with one minute to play after latching on to a free-kick.

Jorge Jesus looks ahead to Saturday's visit to Guimarães

Sporting will travel to Guimarães tomorrow for what is always a tricky encounter. While Sporting have been in blistering form, Vitória are having a solid start to the campaign, having tallied 10 points. 

Jorge Jesus proved well aware of the difficulties awaiting, but guaranteed that his team have done their homework in preparation to go for the three points: "We have to be as careful as possible when traveling to Guimarães. It is a hard stadium to go to and win, but we are ready for what they will throw at us. Our objective is the three points."

Gelson Martins was also an inevitable talking point in the day's press conference, after the youngster was given his first international senior cap. "Gelson had a great season last year and this year he is making a name for himself, but he still has a long way to go. He is a young lad who knows how good he is and right now he is the only player in Portugal who can bring magic, creativity, speed and the positioning he has learnt at Sporting. It won't be long before Rúben Semedo is called up as well", finished Jesus.

Alvalade side on the road for Portuguese Cup 3rd round

Sporting Clube de Portugal has been drawn against Famalicão in the Portuguese Cup 3rd round. Jorge Jesus will travel to the team in the north of Portugal on the 16th of October, in a fixture moved forward two days ahead of Sporting's Champions League hosting of Borussia Dortmund.

Gelson Martins ecstatic with first senior international cap

Gelson Martins was named with the nation's stars for the first time this week, included in Portugal's squad list for two coming internationals.

"I feel proud. I am still only 21 and I want to carry on growing, but this is really important for me", said Gelson at the news of his inclusion, adding: "This was one of my objectives. First I had to play well for Sporting and then I could represent my country. I have learnt a lot (with Jorge Jesus) and he has been really important for me."

Fernando Santos names quad for matches with Andorra and Faroe Islands

Fernando Santos has named a squad of 24 for the coming matches against Andorra (7th of October) and the Faroe Islands (10th of October).

The big news is Gelson Martins first senior international call up, after the youngster's brilliant start to the season.

Francisco Barão on Sporting B's 5-1 win on Wednesday

The Sporting B assistant coach Francisco Barão stepped in to speak with the press after his side's 5-1 win against Cova da Piedade this Wednesday, reflecting on what was expected to be a tougher encounter than it proved to be.

"Cova da Piedade deserved our respect and that is why we played so well. They are a hardworking team and it was down to us to come out on top. We have to see where we have been slipping up and that takes time, but hopefully today we got ourselves back on the right track", said Francisco Barão at the final whistle.

Leonardo Ruiz scores twice in Sporting B's return to winning form

Leonardo Ruiz was the player chosen to speak with the press after Sporting B's win against Cova da Piedade, in an encounter which saw the new Alvalade recruit net twice.

"I am really happy to have helped the team. That is what matters most to me", said Ruiz, who had scored three goals in four outings so far this season.

Sporting B with superb return to winning form in Ledman LigaPro

An aging Cova da Piedade visited the Sporting Academy this week to face João de Deus's side on Ledman LigaPro matchday 9. In face, the visitors are littered with recognisable names from Portuguese football, including Danielson (ex-Moreirense), Dieguinho (ex-Estoril) and Evaldo (ex-Moreirense and Sporting). Sporting B came on leaps and bounds against Gil Vicente in their last match, but not even the most optimistic fan would have been expecting a 5-1 win.

Although faced by a scorching 35 degrees, Sporting B stormed out of the blocks and Matheus led the showcase with his usually skillful master class. After just 4 minutes, the winger came close to opening the scoring with a shot that ended up just wide.

An aging Cova da Piedade side yes, but it was Sporting B who showed the maturity after the break and just 45 seconds had past when Ruiz headed in his second before the fans had even had a chance to get back to their seats.

Sales information for Liga NOS matchday seven

Tickets for Liga NOS matchday 7, between Vitória Sport Clube and Sporting Clube de Portugal will go on sale at the Estádio José Alvalade ticket office as follows:

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY (10H TO 20H) | Gamebox 2016/2017 holders
FRIDAY (10H TO 15H) | Club Members
FRIDAY (15H ÀS 20H) | General public

Club members must show a valid Gamebox or Member card (August 2016 fees applicable), with each card valid for one ticket. Each person may bring a maximum of four cards.

V. Guimarães vs. Sporting will get underway at 18h15 on Saturday the 1st of October, in Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques. Tickets are for the North Goal End and are priced at 15€ each.

Bruno César reflects on Tuesday's Champions League win

Bruno César was handed a somewhat surprising start higher up the pitch against Legia Warsaw this Tuesday, but the Brazilian all-rounder looked like a natural in support of Bas Dost in the Alvalade attack.

"It was a hard match, but it was different to what we did in Madrid. We knew we had to win, after everything we did in the Santiago Bernabéu and in the league. We scored in the first-half and managed the game after that. Our objective is to get into the next round and every game is important now. Borussia are a good team and we will have to be at our best", said the Brazilian at the final whistle.