Luís Martins leads Sporting CP B for the first time, with draw in Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B still haven't quite found their winning form, but the performance against the powerful Gil Vicente was a clear sign of things to come for the side now led by Luís Martins. The Alvalade youngsters dominated possession and led the shot count against the Ledman LigaPro promotion contenders.

Rui Patrício makes 400th senior apperance with brilliant display

He was the star of the show, making his 400th appearance and putting in one of his finest performances in the process.

"We all went out to get the win and that is what matters most. That is what we want to do in every game and that is how this club is. I had to do a lot tonight, but that is part of the game and we all do our best. The best way to celebrate was with the win", said Rui Patrício at the final whistle on Saturday night.

Jorge Jesus highlights the importance of keeping a cleansheet in Saturday's win against Rio Ave

Analysing Sporting CP's win against Rio Ave on Saturday night, Jorge Jesus accepted that Rui Patrício's performance was a key piece of the puzzle. "In the first 20 minutes Rui Patrício was decisive. During the week I told the lads that Rio Ave are a good team. They have some very good players. We had a bit of trouble stopping them getting forward and we gave away a bit of possession. We scored without doing much in attack, but that changed in the second-half. Rio Ave couldn't threaten us and only got close from dead balls. We were a lot better after Bryan Ruiz came on, because he is tactically a very intelligent player", said the Sporting CP coach.

Looking in greater depth at the encounter, Jesus added: “Three positive things changed in this match. First was getting the win and second was keeping a cleansheet. Finally, the fans were superb and were really important for us."

Patrício secures 400th apperance with fantastic performance

It was always going to be a magical night for Rui Patrício, celebrating his 400th senior appearance. However, the night is sure to be remembered for a string of absolutely brilliant saves by the Alvalade keeper in the first-half of the weekend's win against Rio Ave. At the final whistle, Patrício scooped an overwhelming 83% of the vote for Man of the Match.

Jorge Jesus had alerted of the dangers posed by this week's opposition, who proved extremely dangerous going forward. The first twenty minutes kept Patrício on his toes, which was finally relieved when Nélson Monte was introduced in place of the injured Lionn. A minute later, William Carvalho unlocked Rio Ave with a stroke of genius, releasing Gelson on the edge of the 18-yard box. The winger smashed a shot against the visiting keeper, but Alan Ruiz was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

The goal was the perfect remedy for Jorge Jesus' side and Sporting CP took control of proceedings, with Bas Dost proving particularly tricky for Rio Ave to secure. First Roderick denied the big Dutchman with a last ditch intervention (38'), before Dost latched on to a cross from Gelson and came close to capitalising (41'). Finally, another cross from Jefferson saw the Liga NOS top scorer again come close (42').

The second-half saw the introduction of Bryan Ruiz for Bruno César, in the first of three substitutions. Adrien was forced off with a knock and Alan Ruiz was eventually called to the bench. As the game died out Rio Ave struggled to find space going forward and the three points stayed in Alvalade.

At the final whistle Patrício was given a commemorative shirt by president Bruno de Carvalho.

Jesus names squad for Alvalade hosting of Rio Ave on Liga NOS matchday 22

1 – Rui Patrício
34 – Beto Pimparel
2 – Ezequiel Schelotto
4 – Jefferson
10 – Bryan Ruiz
11 – Bruno César
13 – Sebastian Coates
14 – William Carvalho
15 – Paulo Oliveira
20 – Luc Castaignos
23 – Adrien Silva
28 – Bas Dost
35 – Rúben Semedo
47 – Ricardo Esgaio
56 – Daniel Podence
66 – João Palhinha
77 – Gelson Martins
99 – Alan Ruiz

Jorge Jesus looking forward to the weekend's hosting of Rio Ave

Sporting CP will host Rio Ave in Alvalade this Saturday, on Liga NOS matchday 22. For Jesus, the weekend's action promises its fair share of difficulties.

"We have been getting better and better lately. Our match against Rio Ave will be complicated. They are a good team who are well organised in defence and with good players up front. Rio Ave want to play football and they know how to do it. Obviously we will be trying to make sure they can't and we want to boss the game for the full 90 minutes, not just for one half like we have been. It won't be easy and no game is in this league", opened Jesus, going on to speak about João Palhinha, Francisco Geraldes and Daniel Podence: "Out of the three Palhinha has played most and he even started one match. Each one of the lads has different characteristics and each has different opportunities. Adapting to the way we play isn't easy."

Jorge Jesus went on to speak about what will be Rui Patrício's 400th appearance: "Rui's story at Sporting CP is all about big numbers and 400 is an interesting milestone. I read his interview this week and he wants to carry on winning titles. Of course he wants to break records, but what he wants most is to win titles. He has grown a lot, thanks to his belief and hard work. Goalkeepers get better as they get older and Patrício will be no exception to that."

To finish, the Alvalade coach highlighted the importance of stringing together a series of good results: "We are used to having to win. We don't want to win four straight matches, but more like eight, nine or ten, like we did last season. We have to find ourselves and look to the future. Sometimes it has been our fault, but sometimes it hasn't. We have to reflect on what has happened and come out stronger next season. Last season we were absolutely brilliant. It isn't easy to win 86 points and like I have said several times, that might not ever happen again."

Pedro Silva on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action against Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B keeper Pedro Silva sat down with the press this Friday to look ahead to the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action, which will see his side face Gil Vicente.

"Gil Vicente are a hard team, especially when they play on a good pitch. We want to turn things around as quickly as we can and winning is our only option", said the Sporting CP B shotstopper, continuing to speak about the recent change of management: "João de Deus going took us by surprise, but the club thought it was the best decision for what we need right now. We already know the new coach and we are sure things will work out well. Change always brings hope in football."

Sporting CP striker scoops nomination after typically brilliant month

Bas Dost continues in unstoppable form in front of goal, with seven in just four games so far in 2017. Understandably, the big Dutchman picked up the Liga NOS Player of the Month award for January. Dost tallied 12.88% of the vote, ahead of Danilo Pereira (FC Porto) and his teammate Daniel Podence.

Luís Martins

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that Luís Martins will take on the role of coach for Sporting CP B, together with the role of technical director for youth football.

Sporting SAD wishes Luís Martins the best of professional and personal success.

João de Deus

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that a decision by mutual agreement has been reached for the termination of its contract with João de Deus.

Sporting SAD thanks João de Deus for the work performed since 2014/2015 and the fundamental role he has played in the development of various Sporting CP athletes.

Sporting SAD wishes João de Deus the best of personal and professional success.