The coach's press conference after the win over Vitória SC

After the 1-4 victory for Sporting CP against Vitória SC, coach Rui Borges gave a post-match analysis of the game in Guimaraes.

The victory being dedicated to Fresneda and the fans
“The victory is dedicated to Iván [Fresneda], for the misfortune he has suffered in recent days [the death of a family member]. He wanted to stay, help the team, and turn around this difficult moment. Regarding the game, it's not a gift, it's a victory, which we really wanted, and we also dedicate it to the fans, who have been fantastic in their support and belief in the team.”

His overall analysis of the game
“It was a tough game at a difficult stadium. It was a very good first half and we went into halftime winning deservedly. The second goal was extraordinary in terms of our collective play, and the team were very focused on what we had to do -both with and without the ball. In the second half, unfortunately for us, we allowed Vitória SC back into the game. After that, we know that this stadium takes the home team to another level, and that's what happened. After it became 1-2, we misplaced some passes, which created a bit of unease, but we improved, and with the score at 1-3 we settled down and turned the game around. Vitória SC created some problems for us with some low crosses, but the defensive line and the central defenders had a great game. It was a competitive game, as we expected, and a clear demonstration of the character and personality of this team.

The difficulties admitted by the opposing coach in dealing with Sporting CP's new dynamic
“We have to find solutions and work on them. I understand Luís [Pinto], but the dynamics are the same as always. They haven't changed much. The players bring us different things. In defensive terms, we adjusted to a different defensive dynamic. Happy, above all, because despite the absence of some important players, the team gave the response of an exceptional group, which has an enormous ambition to win and trusts in each other. They know that everyone is important here.”

Trincão and Ioannidis' movements on the right
“Trincão played in a different position than usual, but the team always have mobility, not just today. They know they can use each other's spaces as long as the team are balanced, with people in the right spots. Trincão's understanding with Fotis is natural and good. We used a lot of what our game plan is, just with different players. Maxi had a great game again. With this movement inside and the overloads, individual quality comes to the fore and at some point we will be able to hurt the opponent.”

Returning to Guimarães a year after his last game as Vitória SC coach
“It's been a special year. A year ago I didn't know I was going to be Sporting CP coach, and now I think I'm an even happier coach. I was very happy at Vitória SC; it's a special club and one for whom I will always have enormous affection. In terms of this year, it was a coach's dream that I fulfilled: To become league champion. I'm happy where I am and I want to continue fighting for my dreams to win more, get trophies and continue as part of the history of Sporting CP. May this next year be another one like it.”

The team take a third win in a row to continue their title challenge

Sporting CP defeated Vitória SC 1-4 in Guimarães in their last game before Christmas -the closing game of Matchday 15 in Liga Portugal. Goals from Francisco Trincão and Fotis Ioannidis in the first, plus an own goal and a strike from Maxi Araújo in the second, saw off their dangerous opposition.

Up against a Vitória SC side coached by Luís Pinto and on a run of four league games unbeaten without conceding a single goal, Sporting CP opted for a starting XI with three changes: Rui Silva returned to goal, Ricardo Mangas occupied the left wing, and Fotis Ioannidis joined Luis Suárez in attack. João Virgínia, Matheus Reis, and Alisson Santos returned to the bench.

A cold night in Guimarães began with Sporting CP coming very close to scoring on several occasions. After ten minutes, through an excellent collective move, Ricardo Mangas found himself in front of goal, but couldn't get a shot on target.

Shortly after, Suárez had a strike deflected at the near post. From the subsequent corner, captain Morten Hjulmand also threatened, but the most dangerous opportunity fell to Francisco Trincão, who forced Juan Castillo to make a save.

Rui Silva's first intervention arrived from an effort from distance by João Mendes.

Sporting CP maintained control and, in the 32nd minute, managed to break through Vitória SC's defensive fortress, handing them their first goal conceded in two months: Suárez initially tried his luck with a powerful shot, but it was a quick counter-attack that broke he deadlock, with Ioannidis returning the ball to Trincão in the box, a last-ditch clearance by João Mendes that sent the ball against the post, and Trincão turning it into the net.

Vitória SC improved and threatened in the following moments, but Sporting CP responded with total efficiency. Shortly before halftime, a precise cross from Mangas found Ioannidis' powerful header in the area, doubling the advantage.

After the 2-0 scoreline was established, Vitória attacked again, with attempts from Alioune Ndoye and Matija Mitrovic -whose free-kick forced Rui Silva into action- providing further glimpses of a chance to get back into contention.

At the start of the second half, the game changed dramatically for a moment. Drifting down the right, debutant Telmo Arcanjo aimed at goal, and Rui Silva couldn't reach the ball. That made it 1-2 on 50 minutes and the contest reignited at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

Through numerous crosses, mainly from the right side, Sporting CP were kept under pressure and struggled to get out of their own half. However, a counter-attack provided just what they needed: Maxi Araújo's free-kick was going wide, but Suárez, near the byline, managed to put the ball back into the danger zone and ended up benefiting from the unintentional help of goalkeeper Juan Castillo, who deflected the ball into his own net.

Iván Fresneda could have delivered a significant blow, but he struck wide with his weaker foot when unmarked in the area.

The game turned more erratic and disjointed, but a Maxi Araújo goal on the rebound from a Suárez shot sealed the victory. His fourth goal of the season made it 1-4 and put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute.  

Vitória SC were reduced to ten men due to a straight red card shown to Nélson Oliveira for a stamp, and in the ensuing scuffle between players from both teams, Hjulmand and Fresneda received yellow cards, meaning the Spanish full-back will miss the next league game.

The meeting marked the league debut of 18-year-old Flávio Gonçalves, coming on alongside Matheus Reis, after Hidemasa Morita, Salvador Blopa and Alisson Santos were also substituted by Rui Borges.

Sporting CP hadn't won in Guimarães since 2023, and the 1-4 win took their unbeaten run in the current Liga Portugal season to 11 games. With 38 points, they are in second place, three points ahead of SL Benfica and five behind FC Porto.

The next game will be played after Christmas and will see Sporting CP host Rio Ave FC on Sunday (8:30pm).

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Ricardo Mangas, Gonçalo Inácio, Eduardo Quaresma, Iván Fresneda (Matheus Reis, 90+2’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 76’), Maxi Araújo (Alisson Santos, 84’), Francisco Trincão (Flávio Gonçalves, 90+3’), Fotis Ioannidis (Salvador Blopa, 84’), Luis Suárez