The coach reacts to the 1-1 draw against Gil Vicente FC

Following Sporting CP's 1-1 draw in Barcelos, coach Rui Borges gave his analysis of the match against Gil Vicente FC.

The result
"It all ends up being subjective, about the 'ifs', but we could have made it 0-2 to kill the game off and prevent Gil Vicente FC from growing in confidence. We started the second half very well, and in the first half we controlled play. Gil Vicente FC tried transitions and set pieces, where they created more danger, and we managed to break their press, but we lacked some quality. We scored from an attack that we should have tried more often, and then, in the second half, we started very well, but from the 20th minute onwards we let the game open up and Gil Vicente FC launched counter-attacks, which they are dangerous from."

The performance
"We had 64% possession and we had quality in the initial stages of the build-up, but we lacked more quality in the final third. Even more so in the first half, because in the second half we started very well and were very strong. Afterwards, we should have worn down Gil Vicente FC more, but we lost possession and allowed them to start counter-attacks, but the danger they provided was even greater from set pieces. We won't always finish our chances well, but the team were proactive."

Solutions to counter the way the opponent closed down the central areas
"The important thing was to break their initial press and establish ourselves in the opposition midfield, to force them to stay further away from our goal. We could have varied things more with longer balls instead of low passes which went through many players. That was lacking more in the first half -more than speed. The first half was less dynamic, the second half was better, but within what was asked of us, the team had a good game. We were penalised by what happened in the final part of the game."

The many players out
"It's not an excuse. We could have made it 0-2 and then we would be talking about something else, but we didn't manage to do that. We let a team who are having a great season believe in their chances until the end, at home. The sending-off affected the game and made the opposition believe even more. I'm not going to lament the players who were missing. I want everyone available, of course, and it was important, but the team fought well and had quality. There's no point in thinking about who's not here. I'm already thinking about the game against Vitória SC in the Taça da Liga, because I don't have Inácio due to his sending off and we don't have defenders available."

The effect of the draw on the top of the table
"Last year we had an eight-point advantage and dropped down to second place. There's a long way to go and we're only focused on what we can control and do."

Points lost late on against SC Braga and Gil Vicente FC
"These are two specific games. Here we were down to ten men and Gil Vicente FC, in those following minutes, grew in strength and deserved to get the draw, while we were still organising ourselves. With SC Braga it was a penalty, a move in the area. We ended up being penalised, but that's the nature of the game."

Gil Vicente FC score late to share the spoils

In their first game of 2026, Sporting CP drew 1-1 with Gil Vicente FC in Liga Portugal, as Luís Suárez' first half goal was cancelled out by a late equaliser from the home side.

At the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, they faced a Gil Vicente FC team that occupied a surprising fourth place in the league, on 28 points and coming into the game off the back of four consecutive draws. Rui Borges fielded largely the same lineup as had beaten Rio Ave FC 4-0, bringing back Iván Fresneda after suspension and including Matheus Reis in place of the injured Ricardo Mangas.

Whilst Sporting CP quickly took control, monopolising possession, the first sign of danger came from the opposition, as a surprise shot from Gustavo Varela forced Rui Silva to stretch and tip the ball over for a corner.

At the other end, Fotis Ioannidis sent an effort over the bar, before Gil Vicente settled into the game with an organisation and intensity which made it difficult for Sporting CP to break through the fourth-best defence in the league.

Goalscoring opportunities only arose very close to the end of the first half, with Gil Vicente's Tidjany Touré troubling Rui Silva after a free kick, followed by the opening strike of the game. From near the halfway line, Eduardo Quaresma created space for Luis Suárez to go through on goal, and he slid a shot through goalkeeper Andrew Ventura's legs to make it 15 league goals for the season for him.

Sporting CP went into the second half in the lead, but also received bad news, as captain Morten Hjulmand picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign, and will therefore be unavailable for the next game.

The second half was much more eventful, and began in absolutely frantic fashion. Andrew Ventura was kept busy with two well-aimed shots from Maxi Araújo and Francisco Trincão, and also denied Luis Suárez with his foot. The Colombian then shot low across the face of goal, with his effort going just wide of the post.

Gil Vicente FC had another header from Touré met by Rui Silva, as they continued to put a steady stream of balls into the box.

As the final ten minutes approached, Sporting CP were reduced to ten men after Gonçalo Inácio was sent off. The referee considered that the centre back was the last man and had grabbed Varela illegally, showing him a straight red card.

Rui Borges, who had moments before brought on Hidemasa Morita and Alisson Santos, had to make another substitution, and opted for B team player Rômulo Jr. to make his debut for the first team.

From the resulting free kick, a deflected shot went just over the crossbar. Then came the equaliser for the home team, in the 87th minute. After numerous attempted crosses, Gil Vicente FC's tactic paid off, with Carlos Eduardo heading in to level.

The damage could have been even greater shortly after, were it not for Rui Silva's decisive save from former Sporting CP winger Joelson Fernandes.

Whilst there was a final opportunity off a header from Hjulmand following a corner, the score remained 1-1 at full time.

Next up is a trip to Leiria to compete in the Taça da Liga Final Four. Sporting CP will face Vitória SC in the semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis (Alisson Santos, 78’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão, Fotis Ioannidis (Rômulo Jr, 84’), Luis Suárez

The coach talks about the first game of 2026

2026 begins with Sporting CP back in action on Friday, facing Gil Vicente FC in the opening match of Liga Portugal Matchday 17.

Coach Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference before the away trip.

Wishes for 2026
“I ask for good health for myself and my family, it's the only thing I always ask for. As for the rest, happiness comes from the little things. If we have our loved ones on our side and they are well, everything is fine. As for what we want for May, that requires work and, with good health, we will do everything to get it.”

The opponents and their approach
“They are a team who are having an extraordinary season. They broke their club's points record and are very organised at all times during games. They have some relatively identifiable dynamics, but they are very intense, especially at home. They vary in terms of pressing, which is sometimes higher and at other times uses a medium block waiting for the right moment to press, so we believe that the game will vary a little in that regard. I believe they will maintain a medium block. With the ball they are ambitious and have strong players in 1 vs.1 situations. They have attackers with very good characteristics, dynamic midfielders and a physically strong defensive line as well, so they are a balanced team and it's a difficult game."

The possible departure of Pablo, Gil Vicente FC's top scorer
“For us, the coaching staff, it doesn't change anything. Pablo has just returned to action and Varela has been playing, so it could be him who is playing. They are different players, but have their own qualities. They are a team who know very well what they have to do, and we are more focused on their collective performance. We'll have to be very focused."

Injuries
"Salvador Blopa is also out due to injury."

A need to go into the transfer market
"No, my need is to recover those who can't contribute just yet, and those who are away at the African Cup of Nations. If everyone is available, I'm happy with what I have. This way, we have more solutions and resources for our way of playing. If we add someone, it will always be from a perspective looking to the future, and not because of current absences. I'm focused on the entire squad being motivated; everyone is important, everyone will have opportunities and they have to deliver, and that's what has been happening."

His three wishes at a sporting level
"Very honestly, I don't know how to answer that. For now, it's to continue at Sporting CP, because I'm very happy here. We want to be part of Sporting CP's history and fight for every competition we're involved in. We know we won't always win, but that doesn't mean we'll stop being a great team. My wish is for good health to do what I love most, where I am now."

Comparisons between Viktor Gyökeres and Luis Suárez
“They are different and bring different things to the team. Viktor made history at Sporting CP and in Portuguese football, and I believe Luis will also make his mark on the club and in our league. I'm lucky to have been able to work with both of them -and also with Fotis. Luis and Fotis bring many things to the collective and to the dynamics that we wanted -and that are more in line with our coaching staff's outlook.”

The best team in Portugal
“For me, the best team is always mine. My players are always the best, even if they were in 15th or 16th place. In terms of points, the best team currently is FC Porto, because they are in first place. I never take away merit from those who are ahead of us, and it is necessary to respect that, but I always look at my team as the best.”

Precautions due to the intense run of games approaching
“I haven't asked for any precautions. The players know the responsibility they have; they are professional players and they know what they can and cannot do. They know that tomorrow we have an important game ahead of us and that a demanding month is coming, in which we'll be playing every three days. It will be a demanding month and a half in terms of games, with some absences.”

SL Benfica's role in the title race
“I think they are contenders. Last season, we didn't have a ten-point lead, but we were eight points ahead of second place and they recovered the gap. There are many games left, there are different patches of form for the teams and there are still many points to play for. In football, I've seen a lot happen. The margin for error is smaller, FC Porto are having a great first half to the season, and we have to do our part and wait for the season to unfold.”

Sporting CP host Gil Vicente FC on Sunday (8:30pm)

Back at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal face Gil Vicente FC this Sunday in the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to look at the vital game for the team's title challenge.

Focusing exclusively on Gil Vicente FC
“We always look only at the next game. There’s no point in looking to the future or the past. We’re focusing on Gil Vicente FC, a team who have won their last two games without conceding a goal, are motivated and have almost guaranteed their place in the top flight for next season. They’re coming into the game calm, scoring more goals away from home and haven’t lost in their last three road games. We have to be alert, serious and focused, which is what we’ve been doing in the last few games. We’ve grown at every level and now we want to keep that up -and always demand a little more.”

Morten Hjulmand being one yellow card away from a suspension
“Morten and Matheus [Reis] have been talked about a lot during this week, because they will be ‘in the running’ for the derby and are called up for this game. That’s all I can say. They are in the squad and available. I’m not going to say which team I will field, because I’ve never said that. It’s a decision that’s up to us, as a coaching staff. We’re going to try to compete and win the game, regardless of who plays. We’re talking about Sporting CP players, who are aware of what they can and cannot do and who they are.”

A draw guaranteeing Gil Vicente FC's survival
“Above all, I believe that Gil Vicente FC will come here to play the game calmly. Their coach [César Peixoto] has said several times that he likes attractive football, so they are a team who like to play and have the ball. They are certain to stay up. They need a point to achieve that mathematically, but they have practically achieved it already. I think they are a team that come into this one without that pressure and we have to look at what Gil Vicente FC have been like before. Defensively they have been more cohesive and we have to find a way to overcome that barrier, regardless of whether it is a medium, low or high block.

Not yet looking to the derby
“In the coach’s mind, there’s only Gil Vicente FC, and in the players’ minds I believe that is the case as weel. That’s the response they’ve given. It’s all up to us, and the most important game is the one against Gil Vicente FC. If we’re focused on the future, it’s going to cost us dearly. At the moment, every game is decisive.”

Possible options for the game
“I will think about tomorrow’s game and, above all, about the confidence I have in the group. There are players who are returning, like Morita and ‘Pote’, who are important and are only getting better at the moment. They are players I trust and who we also need. Of course, we look at everything and it is important to look at all the factors that exist in a game. There is internal communication and we will make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I'm completely calm, because we will play with 11 players. Back in the first game we played in Barcelos, we had Zeno [Debast] and [Alexandre] Brito in midfield and we won.

The importance of goal difference in a possible title tiebreaker
“It could be decisive, but in my mind it’s about winning, because that way we won’t need the goal difference. It would only depend on us.”

The “good energy” at the club
“The team are focused, are thinking about Gil Vicente FC, are motivated and have great energy. This is felt in the game, along with the energy that our fans have given us. I never tire of saying that they have been fantastic. Tomorrow, Alvalade will be sold out and I hope that the support will be the same as it has been up to now.”

Sporting CP beat Gil Vicente FC 0-1 to reach Taça de Portugal semifinals

Sporting Clube de Portugal secured a place in the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal after with a 0-1 win over Gil Vicente FC. Zeno Debast's long range shot proved decisive to the team's progressing to the next round, where they will face Rio Ave FC.

At the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, coach Rui Borges made  three changes to the side he fielded in the 2-2 draw with AVS Futebol SAD: Ricardo Esgaio and Matheus Reis replaced the injured Eduardo Quaresma, while Conrad Harder was chosen at centre forward to the detriment of Viktor Gyökeres, who started on the bench. Geny Catamo was available for the first time since February 2nd.

Gil Vicente FC - led by interim José Pedro Pinto - were coming off a tough series of five consecutive defeats - and three games without scoring - in Liga Portugal. However, they came out boldly in this cup fixture. In the first minute, striker Jorge Aguirre tested the reflexes of an attentive Rui Silva.

Sporting CP quickly responded, with dangerous cross-shots from Debast and, subsequently, Harder.

The home side made it difficult to create opportunities for Sporting CP, who always had more of the ball. Gil Vicente FC had some of their best chaces as soon as half an hour had passed. In the first, as a result of a rebound in the area, Aguirre was left alone, but Rui Silva smothered. Shortly after, Zé Carlos struck over the crossbar, then at the end of the first half Félix Correia wasted an attempt with a poor connection.

The score was 0-0 at half-time, and Rui Borges immediately brought on Gyökeres for the second half.

It could have started in the best possible way, as referee Cláudio Pereira signaled a penalty in favor of Sporting CP for handball, but after a VAR review, he reversed the decision as he considered that Jesús Castillo's arm was in a natural position.

Sporting CP threatened from a corner, with a header by captain Gonçalo Inácio going off target, and showed pressure and a sharpness up front in a way they hadn't managed until then.

Sporting CP finally got their goal in the 68th minute. From the left, Gyökeres set up Debast in the middle and the defender tried his luck with a shot from distance, which deflected off a defender and ended up in the back of the net.

With the score at 0-1, they could have immediately extended the lead, as there was no shortage of opportunities, followed by a sending off for a second booking for Gil Vicente FC's Zé Carlos.

A cross from Trincão found Gyökeres alone at the far post, but Brian Araújo denied him a goal, something he repeated when both the striker and the winger had opportunities. In between, off a direct free kick, Gyökeres shot very close to the angle.

Trincão tried his luck with a well-placed shot from the right that went close to the post.

Rui Borges had then made two substitutions: Geny Catamo returned (for Fresneda) and youngster Kauã Oliveira made his debut for the first team (for Alexandre Brito).

However, the home team began to become more effective, despite being outnumbered. They took advantage of set pieces to try to get back into the game, and almost managed to do so in the 88th minute. Captain Rúben Fernandes seemed to have scored, but it proved to be just a scare when the goal was denied after a lengthy VAR review for offside.

Os Leões progress to the semifinals, joining Rio Ave FC, FC Tirsense and SL Benfica, as they attempt to win the competition for the first time since 2018/19.

The focus now turns to Liga Portugal, as Sporting CP return to action on Monday (8:15 pm) at home to GD Estoril Praia.

The coach says what he expects from the cup game against Gil Vicente FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal play Gil Vicente FC this Thursday, in the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal. Coach Rui Borges gave his thoughts before the game in his pre-match press conference.

“Gil Vicente FC are a side that play very well, especially their attacking play -where they have a lot of mobility, a lot of quality and a good ability to make decisions. Therefore, I consider them a difficult team to face. They really enjoy their football and are not afraid of exposing themselves to mistakes," he analysed.

"They have a new coach, who hasn't changed the defensive or offensive structure much, but, in any case, due to the individual and collective quality they have, Gil Vicente FC will cause us many difficulties -so at no point can we afford to switch off. In addition to being a good team, they will certainly be motivated to reach the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal, which is a competition where, as a rule, smaller clubs gain courage and have greater ambition. All of this together leads us to think that it will be a difficult game, but, of course, we also have the ambition of reaching the semifinals."

Asked about his squad, he said that "We'll see if Geny Catamo can be an option or not."

“Pedro Gonçalves is not yet fit and Viktor Gyokeres is available, but we have to control the minutes he plays and continue to be careful. We would like to have everyone available, but we have to be strong and capable of fighting against all the setbacks we have to go through to the semifinals."

“We all feel the adversities, be they injuries or the amount of games, but, above all, I see the squad focused on the ultimate objective, which is to be two-time league champions. The group are calm, happy, focused and resilient amidst everything that has happened to us, in addition to being very human in terms of the connection between everyone. Despite everything, and despite the fact that at times we have not been as competent, we are still joint top of Liga Portugal, have our objective intact and it's down to us," continued Borges.

Asked about Sporting CP's dip in the second halves of recent games, the coach said that it was due to tiredness.

“We, the coaching staff, have to think about how we can be more intense, but we know that physical freshness leads us to be more alert in our behavior and it is natural that, as time goes by, we are not able to press as much. This makes the performance drop and gives more space to the opponents. I don’t ask them to drop off, and I think this is due to the physical tiredness that leads to mental tiredness as well.”

Borges was also asked about referees, making it clear what he meant after the last game.

“I spoke about VAR because I had already asked for the same criteria 15 days ago. I wasn't talking about the refereeing in that game, because the refereeing was good, I was talking about the moves requiring a VAR decision. I didn't say whether they were right or wrong, I just asked for the same criteria. As for those harmed or benefited, the president has already said, and rightly so, that in the 'league of truth', which you sometimes talk about, Sporting CP should have four or five more points, but I'm not going there and I didn't criticise the refereeing. I just ask for the same criteria for everyone, big or small.”