Jorge Jesus' side dominate but miss out on penalties

There are still some final touches to make, but the hard work being put in by Sporting in what has been a busy pre-season campaign is definitely bearing fruit. Well drilled and improving game after game was how Jorge Jesus' side answered to Tuesday's Iberian Trophy encounter with Villarreal, in what was Sporting's best performance so far.

Jorge Jesus rang the largely expected changes for the starting whistle, with João Pereira (captain), Coates, Naldo and Jefferson in defence behind a midfield of Petrovic and Bruno César. Bryan Ruiz and Iuri Medeiros occupied the space out wide, in support of Alan Ruiz and Barcos up front and with Azbe Jug defending the Sporting goal.

The game got off to a largely lukewarm start, before Alan Ruiz's shot in the 21st minute shot at the Villarreal keeper injected a sense of urgency into the action.

The thermometer read 40 degrees in Badajoz and it took its inevitable toll on the players, with the referee showing his sympathetic side with a water break just after the half-hour mark.

João Palhinha was brought on in place of Petrovic, who was forced off with what looked to be a groin strain, just before Sporting had the ball in the back of the net. However, the linesmen interpreted the attack as offside against Coates, although it was actually Hernán Barcos who took the final touch after a cross from Alan Ruiz.

Half-time was a chance for Jesus to mix his side up, bringing on Schelotto, Zeegelaar, Rúben Semedo and Daniel Podence for João Pereira, Coates, Jefferson and Barcos. The substitutions looked to have proved just the trick and Sporting took the game by the scruff of the neck going forward. Chances remained, however, few and far between.

Matheus Pereira did well to pick up a pass from Slimani to drag the ball back across his defender, but his eventual shot on his unfavoured right foot ended up wide. The young midfielder could have finished the game off in the dying stages with a shot poked under the keeper at a tight angle, but the ball was eventually turned away by the post and the game headed for penalties.

First up was Slimani with an effort that lacked pace and was denied by Andrés Fernández, before Jaume Costa put Villarreal ahead. Bruno César levelled the scoreboard and Jug made a save to restore the deadlock, before four penalties straight were netted with some cool finishing (Iuri, Mário González, Matheus and Cantalapiedra). Sporting's last penalty was handed Rúben Semedo and the defender got a well placed shot away, but the Spanish keeper did well to stretch out and give Villarreal an advantage closed out by Suárez from the last spot kick of the night.

Sporting CP will next be in action in Alvalade on Saturday, hosting Wolfsburg in the Five Violins Trophy.

Two teams exchange shirts and discuss developments between both clubs

The Sporting and Villarreal president met up with the Badajoz and local city council counterparts this week ahead of the Iberian Trophy kick-off on Tuesday night, in a show of fair-play.

Bruno de Carvalho used the opportunity to highlight the links between Sporting and Villarreal, including with the singing of the Chilean international, Matías Fernandez.

"You can always count on the support of Sporting Clube de Portugal", guaranteed Bruno de Carvalho.

South African city to host international under-19 tournament

The South African city of Durban will host the DURBAN U19 international football tournament from the 27th to the 7th of August, with teams including Arsenal, Rangers and Sporting in action.

Sporting will initially face Golden Arrows, Arsenal and KZN Academy and could go on to face TP Mazembe, Fluminense, SA U19 or Rangers should the Alvalade youngsters progress to the next round.  

DURBAN U19 fixtures:
 

Golden Arrows x Sporting CP – 27th of July at 16h;

Arsenal x Sporting CP – 30th of July at 16h30;

KZN Academy x Sporting CP – 1st of August at 16h30.

Sporting CP reaches agreement with Levadiakos FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD and Levadiakos FC have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of José Lopes (Zezinho), with Sporting SAD remaining with 30% of the player's economic rights in the case of a future transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Zezinho the best of personal and professional success.

Pedro Empis in his first interview after penning new three-year deal

Pedro Empis took a moment to speak with the Sporting Journal, in his first interview after agreeing an additional three seasons with the club. Having always been a fan, the decision was an easy one for the 19-year old wing back.

"This really is great. The objective for any player in the youth system is to get into the senior team. I still have a lot to do and for now I will be with the B team, but I will do my best to take everything on board. The hardest step for any player is going from the youth system into senior football. I will have the chance to work with some of the older lads now and that experience will help be grow", said Empis, going on to reflect on his time with Portugal's under-19 national team that recently reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals: "It showed me that most of the other countries have some really strong teams, rather than playing technical football. It isn't enough to play well, you have to be in good shape as well."

Right back extends stay in Alvalade for another three seasons

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Pedro Empis for the renewal of the player's contract until June 2019, with a buy-out clause of 45,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Pedro Empis the best of professional and personal success.

Young midfielder looking forward to Alvalade adventure

At just 20 years of age, Budag Nasyrov has already claimed a name for himself as an attacking midfielder in the Azerbaijan national team and is now looking forwards to trying his luck in Alvalade.

“I am really happy to be here. I want to help the team as much as I can. I am really grateful for the investment in me and to all of the help that everyone has given me. My agent has been looking for a chance like this for me for a long time and I am really happy, because Sporting is one of the best teams in Europe", said Nasyrov after putting pen to paper, going on to issue a message for the fans: "I prefer to show what I can do on the pitch, so come and see me play. I will do my best in training, friendlies and in official matches. I put my heart into everything I do."

Midfielder signs in for Sporting B

Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol SAD has reached an agreement with Budag Nasyrov for a contract valid for the coming season, with an option to extend until June 2021 and a buy-out clause of 60,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Budag Nasyrov the best of professional and personal success.

Young Sporting fan gets the new season underway

He might be just five years old, but he has already captured the hearts of every Sporting fan with his brave fight against cancer. Dressed in a full Sporting strip, Francisco signed his first contract with the club in a ceremony with president Bruno de Carvalho.

"We have the pleasure of signing Francisco, whose job it is to kick off the first match of the season", said Bruno de Carvalho, going on to speak about Alvalade's latest signing: "He is the big signing of the night. He is a big name who will show everyone what Sporting is all about. The club is 110 years old and it is with people like Francisco that we will easily last another 110.

The dream was complete when little Francisco led the team out in front of 30,000 fans and made his way to the centre spot to get the game underway.

Lithuanian forward undergoes procedure on right knee

The player Lukas Spalvis under went a surgical procedure on his right knee this weekend, to repair a double rupture suffered early in the week.

The procedure was performed Dr. Pedro Pessoa at the CUF-Descobertas Hospital.

Splavis is expected to be out of action for six months.