Coates on extending his stay in Alvalade

Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.

"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."

Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."

Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown

You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.

“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."

Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.

“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."

The coach summarises the final game of the calendar year

Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the 4-0 victory over Rio Ave FC in his post-match press conference.

The team's offensive output
“I hope I can motivate them to be even better, and not be content with what we have achieved so far in the offensive facet. Above all, we have to maintain this ambition to always be better. I also value the fact that this was another game in which we didn't concede. May 2026 be even better than 2025, which was a fantastic year.”

The football displayed by Sporting CP deserving a better league position
“Deserving is subjective. FC Porto are the best team because they are in first place, and you can never take that merit away from them. I appreciate the words of the Rio Ave FC coach [who considered that Sporting CP play the best football in Portugal], it's a sign of respect and recognition of our quality. But of course we won't always be at our best. Today we were more 'asleep' in the first half and the second half was more at our level. It's part of the game and it's natural, because you're up against another team with their own qualities.”

Using the experience learned from last season to deal with multiple absences
“I’ve always been like this, I don’t complain and I’m grateful every day for being able to be here doing what I love most. I look at my day-to-day life very positively. Last year we had ten players out at the same time, now it's eight. Fotis and Maxi played whilst sick and they didn’t train before the game, Edu woke up with symptoms and he felt it in the first half -but then he had a second half like he was playing for the national team. I trust and believe in everyone. This is a new season, a different squad, and within our ideas we find solutions, and they respond.”

Luis Suárez’s performance
“He had a great start to the season, and you don’t need to just look at today’s hat-trick to see that. From the beginning, the connection he has with the team is evident. He is fulfilling the expectations we had when we signed him. I have no doubt that he will have an era-defining time here. He understood what he needs to do to help the team and then the team help him.”

Maxi Araújo's response to playing higher up the field
“He's been responding well; not just in this game. I think he has four goals and an assist. For his national team he plays as a winger, which is different, but he plays. He's adapted very well to the team's dynamics and offers us fantastic things, and that's why he scores goals. He provides an attacking depth, for example, that 'Pote' doesn't do as often, He's a player with extraordinary commitment and energy and embodies Sporting CP's values, both in terms of his quality and attitude. Nothing surprises me about him.”

SL Benfica's draw in Braga
“I want us to be first. I don't want to be third. So I look at the first and I know that, now, we're two points behind and we have to do our part to get there. I don't look at third place, I look at first place. The second half of the season has many games in it, a lot can still happen, but we have to do our part.”

Eduardo Quaresma's chances of going to the World Cup
“The national team coach has to decide, but clearly, based on what he's been doing, he's national team player quality. He's taken advantage of Diomande and Zeno [Debast]'s absence, biding his time, but we believe in him a lot and he's been having great games. I'm happy for him and hope he continues like this. He's grown a lot, and even in his day-to-day work, he's more mature and rigorous.”

A January packed with games
“The schedule is what it is. January will be even tougher than December. We're going to play in the Taça da Liga and the players want to play in another final. They just want to play, and for me it's more difficult because we haven't been able to rest some of them as much as we'd like -but we have to deal with that. I look at things one game at a time, but I think the month of January won't dictate anything in terms of the outcome of the league. There are still many games to play.”

Sporting CP becoming the team he has managed for the most games
“It’s always special. I’m at a great club, where I was Liga Portugal champion, won the Taça de Portugal, and where I’m very happy.”

Commitment to young players from the academy
“Everyone is prepared to respond. Flávio gives us very unique things, Blopa too, and they are players who have been with us more when we've had absences, but there are many more on the B team who can be called up. The B team are having a great season and they have to remain humble to get more opportunities. We believe that in the future they will be important at Sporting CP.”

The striker contributes a hat-trick and assist in a 4-0 win over Rio Ave FC

Closing out 2025 in the best possible way, Sporting CP took a resounding 4-0 win at the Estádio José Alvalade against Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal. Luis Suárez scored his first hat-trick for Sporting and also provided an assist for Maxi Araújo's goal.

Some 47,032 spectators turned out to see the team's fourth consecutive victory and their eighth win on the bounce at home – the best record in the entire calendar year. The reigning Liga Portugal champions have 41 points, and continue their pursuit of leaders FC Porto.

Rio Ave FC came into the game in good form away from home, having earned 11 of their 17 points on their travels. Sporting CP coach Rui Borges made only one change to the starting lineup that had won away at Vitória SC: Georgios Vagiannidis took over at right-back in the absence of the suspended Iván Fresneda.

Sporting CP didn't take long to attack the mid-to-low block set up by the opposition, managed by Greek coach Sotiris Sylaidopoulos. In the very first minute, Luis Suárez turned in the area and shot wide, and ten minutes later, a cross-shot from Maxi Araújo forced Cezary Miszta to make his first save.

However, it took longer for Sporting to truly settle in, with their opponents always on the lookout for counter-attacks and very organised defensively. Before the half-hour mark, two more opportunities arose: Suárez, with a beautiful header, sent the ball just outside the post, and then a save by Miszta denied Ricardo Mangas a goal.

Finally, a perfectly executed set piece opened the doors in the 33rd minute. From a Maxi corner, João Simões rose to make the first flick off the ball at the near post and, at the back stick, Suárez popped up to make the decisive finish, giving Sporting CP the lead going into halftime.

For the restart, Sporting CP brought the same desire to dominate with the ball, but encountered the same difficulties in finding space inside. That was, until a chipped pass from Luis Suárez flew over the Rio Ave defence and Maxi Araújo had the composure to round Miszta and make it 2-0. It was the Uruguayan's fourth goal in his last four appearances.

It was from here that another offensive avalanche got underway. Suárez had a dangerous shot intercepted and Miszta was quick to close the path to the goal in front of Ioannidis.

On 60 minutes, Francisco Trincão sent corner kick to the far post and Suárez headed it in perfectly. Then, just a minute later, Suárez collected the rebound from Trincão's shot and tapped it in to complete his first hat-trick in the green and white. He has 18 goals so far in his debut season for Sporting CP, with 14 in the league alone, taking him joint top of the goalscoring charts along with Vangelis Pavlidis of SL Benfica.

Sporting CP smelled blood and attacked mercilessly, and immediately Rui Borges made several substitutions to manage the game. Gonçalo Inácio, Hjulmand, Simões, and Maxi were replaced by Matheus Reis, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, and Alisson Santos, and later, Flávio Gonçalves came on for Ioannidis.

Until the end, the most significant approaches continued to be from Sporting CP. The game ended 4-0 at Alvalade, where the defending champions haven't conceded a goal for exactly two months.

Rui Borges' side, who have now gone 12 consecutive league games without defeat, have a trip to Barcelos to face Gil Vicente FC to open the new year. The game takes place on Friday, January 2nd, at 6:45pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio (Matheus Reis, 68’), Ricardo Mangas, Morten Hjulmand [C] (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 64’), João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 64’), Maxi Araújo (Alisson Santos, 64’), Francisco Trincão, Fotis Ioannidis (Flávio Gonçalves, 77’), Luis Suárez

The coach looks at the meeting with Rio Ave FC

To close out 2025, Sporting CP play at the Estádio José Alvalade against Rio Ave FC this Sunday in Liga Portugal action. On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges held a press conference to preview the contest.

The dangers posed by Rio Ave FC as visitors
“Regarding Rio Ave FC, and whether they are more vulnerable without Clayton, I give as an example the game away to Benfica where they drew: Neither Clayton nor André Luiz were starters, and they are the two players who are most talked about at this stage of the season and have been the most impactful. This speaks volumes about Rio Ave FC, a team that will create some difficulties for us. Away from home, they only lost in Moreira de Cónegos, and drew at Luz and in Famalicão. This shows their competitiveness when playing away. If we think we're going to score a goal just by waiting, then we're wrong. We have to be serious and rigorous in our approach, as we were with Vitória SC."

Options for the match
“Maxi Araújo is doubtful because he's feeling ill. Debast and Dani are still in the process of reaching their best level. At the right time they will be solutions for us, but not right now. Hjulmand, who is close to serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, will play. There's no need to manage the approach based on cards, because the most important game is this one against Rio Ave FC, which is the next one. When one player is unavailable, another will play and they will respond. It has been like that up to now, and will continue to be so.”

The motivation to win three titles in a row
“My players already have enough fuel for motivation. Their greatest ambition, as was evident in some of their interviews during these last few days, is to achieve something very important that will mark the history of Sporting CP: The 'Tricampeonato.' It is the greatest motivation we have. We want to win the league again and be part of the club's history. It's natural that everyone wants to beat a winning team, and our group are the two-time champions. It's natural that there is this noise created around the champions, and our group feels it, like any other team would. Is it motivation? I believe that at some point, yes, it becomes part of it, because we keep hearing and reading things. In my teamtalks I don't use it much; I use more the fact that they are good, that they are the best."

The January transfer window
“If someone joins, it will be because everything is done in a well-structured and thoughtful way, always with a perspective for the future, and not because we have injuries or players at the African Cup of Nations. It’s natural that there’s more talk about the winger position because of Quenda’s injury and Geny’s absence, but the adaptations have been good and have provided solutions. I’m not worried. We’ll see what the market can offer us. It will be down to whether we have the capacity, think it’s the best time and it's someone who will immediately add something to the group. All these factors are important.”

President Frederico Varandas’ statements after the victory in Guimarães
“It was the president’s opinion, and I also already said what I had to say about that game [against CD Santa Clara]. The president told me right away on the plane, and I only saw the footage then. It’s always a matter of criteria; I’ve seen them be given and also not be given."

His happiest and most challenging days at Sporting CP
“I haven’t had any difficult days, only happy days. Even when I didn’t win or we lost a trophy, I was happy to be there competing and to be at Sporting CP. I’m very positive. It’s difficult to say just one happiest day. The day of the presentation is memorable for us, the coaching staff, and also the two days where we won trophies, because the title is the dream of any coach -and winning the cup, especially because my parents were in the stadium. I would say those three days.”

João Simões
“The biggest challenge is down to him. He is a very mature boy and this is also recognised by his colleagues, but he has a lot to do to grow. He is very focused, he knows he will make mistakes, but he is ready to make mistakes again and learn. He will have a bright future.”

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

The coach speaks before the match with his former club

Sporting Clube de Portugal visit Vitória SC on Tuesday in Liga Portugal action, and coach Rui Borges spoke ahead of the game to comment on several subjects.

Celebrating a year at Sporting CP
"It's special. Destiny is funny: One year on from the day I finally said goodbye to Vitória SC, I'll be coaching against them at their home. It's special for me. They are a club that mean a lot to me, and it's largely thanks to Vitória SC that I'm here today at Sporting CP.

It's a special game at a very difficult ground. The atmosphere is special, and only those who experience it understand. The crowd clearly make a difference, and that was noticeable last season when we had the game under control and suddenly it completely turned around. That energy and passion galvanises the team.

It's a different Vitória SC than last season; a younger squad. Luís [Pinto] is doing an excellent job as coach, he's getting better and better in terms of his ideas and consistency, and he deserves a lot of credit. Apart from the Taça de Portugal game against AVS, they were on a run of five wins and growing in confidence, with increasing maturity. At home, and with the exception of that game, they have only lost to SL Benfica. They are the only team to have won against FC Porto in domestic competition, and that clearly shows what we'll encounter tomorrow."

The game against CD Santa Clara
"Unfortunately, we live in a society in which there is a great lack of respect for Sporting CP and the club's coach. Fortunately, I had a good upbringing that comes from my parents, with many values. That's perhaps why today I am representing Sporting CP . It makes me sad because I am anything but a liar. I hadn't seen the penalty incident when I commented, I saw it later on the plane. I'm as sincere as possible and I'll gladly explain: at home we have two tablets: One with the Sport TV broadcast and the other on a free-to-air channel, with our image and at a wide angle. It's difficult to see from the images.

The image is there, but you can't see it because it's a wide angle and you can't analyse it. And since they wasted time looking for an image of the coach looking at the tablet, they could also have spent time watching the coach at some point talking to the players on the bench, because they were asking "coach, is it a penalty?" and I said "I don't know, because you can't see it". They could later see one of my assistants with a phone in his hand trying to open it. We couldn't even get videos, sent by the club's communications department, because of the internet connection. At no point did I look at the phone, and I couldn't see the images either.

If you paid attention, you saw that I sat there for 12 minutes waiting for a decision. The image you see of the Sporting CP coach looking at the tablet is all guesswork. They say 'he's looking at the footage,' but nobody saw it on the tablet. So, they say the coach is lying.

I'm sad. Unfortunately, we live in a society that feeds on hatred, and in football there are many people with short and selective memories. That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a move that has happened many times, it's happened in several games, and it's the referee's decision. My captain says there's a touch, you see the contact, and then it's the referee's decision. Regarding the game and the refereeing, I won't say anything more about it. Sometimes there's a lack of respect for the Sporting CP coach, and it's not a recent thing."

Frederico Varandas' Christmas Gift
"The only gift is victory tomorrow, but that's for the players. It's the only gift I want. We'll keep an eye on the transfer market, but we're not in that phase yet and I'm not worried. We'll have time to -within our possibilities and looking at what we deem important- adjust things."

The transfer market
"I believe and strongly hope - because this is what we've been working on and discussing -, that no one will leave. That already makes me happy as a coach, if I maintain the group, its cohesion, joy, energy and quality. It's important not to lose anyone, and I think that won't happen. I'm calm."

Return of Nuno Santos and Zeno Debast
"Regarding Nuno [Santos], I don't know where the information that he will return in January comes from. He is recovering, and I really wanted him to be back already, then I really wanted him to return in January. But I don't know if he will. He is an important player in the group, not only for his quality, but also for his personality and character. I hope to have him back as soon as possible. It's a recovery process that has been difficult, and for a player to be out for so long is mentally difficult. However, he is also a different kind of player and capable of overcoming this time away from the team.

Zeno [Debast] is in the final phase of his recovery. I believe that at the beginning of next month he will be available and at 100 percent."

Options available
"Daniel Bragança is in the process of regaining fitness and confidence, he's not ready to play yet, I believe he will be ready soon. He's another one who can help us, especially in a phase in which we have some absences.

Fotis Ioannidis is already doing better in terms of his injury. He was a true example in his trying to return quickly. It's just my choice. Of course, you can play. They are two strikers for us, and they offer different things. We have to adapt to the players we have available and the strategy in relation to the opposition, without straying from our game plan. Fotis can offer different things and both him and Georgios Vagiannidis can end up on the wing. He's a player who can play there, he's already trained there, and he can do it at any time."

Players at the Africa Cup of Nations
"Regarding Diomande's contract renewal: If it has really happened, it hasn't been announced by the club yet... Hopefully it happens, because Ousmane is a very important player, who has grown in the team and has a promising future ahead of him. I'll be happy about it -also for his future, because he would gain even more importance at Sporting CP. I'm happy about any renewal, of any player.

Regarding the presence of Geny [Catamo] and Diomande at the Africa Cup of Nations, I've already said that I always have alternatives, there's no problem. We always start with eleven. Of course, we have to adapt things, it gets a little difficult, but we have a team with a lot of individual quality and above all the will to help the team win and be better. I focus on that. We always have alternatives. I would never say in a team like Sporting CP that I didn't have alternatives."

The coach reflects on the win over CD Santa Clara

Following the 2-3 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal away to CD Santa Clara to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal, coach Rui Borges spoke in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
"It was a very competitive game, as we had expected. It was a difficult game against a very competitive, well-organised side, away from home. We started the first half well, and we scored a goal early on. Then, we allowed CD Santa Clara to grow in their transitions, which is what they wanted. We should have been a little more patient. They scored the equaliser from a transition, in which they are aggressive. The first half was very competitive and evenly matched after the equaliser.

We started the second half playing better with the ball. We adjusted one or two details and quickly created two or three shots. However, CD Santa Clara, in their only dangerous move, made it 2-1. From there, we got the equaliser from a chance in the area. In extra time, our physicality came to the fore. We controlled the game, made it 2-3, and CD Santa Clara didn't create any problems at that point."

Refereeing
"Every game has incidents. I'm not going to discuss the refereeing. We converted our chance, got the equaliser, and then we were the better side in extra time."

Difficulties
"Difficulties will arise, as is logical. It was noticeable that we didn't have the same energy as in other games. It was difficult playing against a low block and a very aggressive and intense team in the duels. CD Santa Clara are very intense in closing down space. We knew that we had to keep possession. We started well, but then we went into a spell of excessive, unnecessary turnovers that gave the opposition opportunities to transition. We don't have much time for training and we have to adapt players to this. We may, here and there, not be so certain about this style and possession process, but we have other things to offer."

A fightback, extra time and determination earn a 2-3 win over CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal needed extra time to beat CD Santa Clara 2-3 in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal, advancing to the next stage of their defence of the cup. João Simões, Luís Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis were the Sporting CP players on the scoresheet in the tie.

Rui Borges' side featured seven changes to the starting XI from the game match against AFS: João Virgínia was brought in as goalkeeper, and Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos also got the nod.

The first sign of danger came from the home team: in the opening moments, Gabriel Silva tried his luck from the edge of the area, striking just wide. Lucas Soares then hit a more accurate, powerful drive, requiring a save from João Virgínia.

Sporting CP increased their possession, although without creating many clear chances, until they opened the scoring on 12 minutes. A combination on the right between Francisco Trincão and Iván Fresneda ended with the Spaniard crossing into the area, and João Simões connected on the turn for his first goal of the season.

CD Santa Clara responded well to the setback, as Gabriel Silva found space in the box in the 16th minute. Eduardo Quaresma intervened with a last-gasp tackle to prevent a shot.

The hosts scored an equaliser just before the half-hour, when Lucas Soares dribbled down the right, cut inside and fired into the net.

During a positive spell immediately thereafter, Alisson Santos shot from a long way out, with the ball going just wide of the post. Sporting CP passed the ball around amongst themselves in the opposition half, but without finding a way to open up the defence. CD Santa Clara mainly relied on speed down the flanks to look for transitions.

After the first half ended 1-1, Alisson Santos had another chance upon the restart: In the 47th minute, the Brazilian advanced down the left flank and crossed, but the ball deflected off a CD Santa Clara defender and spun around the post.

In the 52nd minute, Sporting CP threatened again. A Matheus Reis down the left ended with a chance falling to Maxi Araújo on the penalty spot, and his shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Neneca.

Rui Borges brought on Fotis Ioannidis in the 66th minute to play upfront alongside Luis Suárez, as it began to rain heavily at the Estádio de São Miguel. Sporting CP continued to press and circulate the ball in dangerous areas, and both Morten Hjulmand and Luis Suárez had efforts stifled. The latter was played through, but Neneca reached the ball first.

Fifteen minutes from the end of regulation time, Borges made another change, bringing on Salvador Blopa and Giorgi Kochorashvili. Sporting CP had another great opportunity to take the lead through them, as Blopa was found by the Georgian and the ball fell to Maxi Araújo, who came close to putting his side back in front.

However, on 85 minutes, and without having troubled João Virgínia throughout the second half, it was CD Santa Clara who made it 2-1: Luquinhas found Gabriel Silva, and the Brazilian's shot deflected in off Eduardo Quaresma.

With Sporting CP pushing forward and looking to reverse the result, Trincão shot powerfully in the 87th minute to draw a great save from Neneca, and seconds later CD Santa Clara's Paulo Victor received a red card for a reckless action on Iván Fresneda.

In a last gasp move, Sporting CP brought on Flávio Gonçalves and Ricardo Mangas.

In stoppage time, a lifeline was thrown out when Hjulmand fell in the area. The referee blew for a penalty, and Luis Suárez dispatched, making it 2-2.

With six minutes of added time still to play, Sporting CP went in search of a goal to avoid extra time, but to no avail.

With a numerical advantage for the additional half hour, the visitors controlled possession. Ricardo Mangas had a clear opportunity to score, but shot wide.

Finally, the eventual winning goal came from Fotis Ioannidis, as Morten Hjulmand's touch to cushion Francisco Trincão's cross left him able to smash the ball home.

Closing out the first half of extra time, Brenner Lucas shot from long range in a tame effort, and Trincão made a solo run that culminated in an effort dragged wide.

At the start of the second half of extra time, both teams spent more time in the midfield, but in the 109th minute Giorgi Kochorashvili found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper for a rare chance. The Sporting CP midfielder's header went over the crossbar.

At the end of an exhausting, exhilarating night, Sporting CP took a 2-3 victory that moves them into the next round of the competition that they won last season.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Matheus Reis (Salvador Blopa, 75’), Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 90’), Iván Fresneda (Flávio Gonçalves, 90’), Gonçalo Inácio, Alisson Santos (Fotis Ioannidis, 66’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 75’), Eduardo Quaresma and Luis Suárez.