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 Lions dominated the Match

Sporting CP guaranteed the qualification to the round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League after scoring 4 goals against PSV, on the 5th round of the Group Stage. Bruno Fernandes (2), Luiz Phellype and Jérémy Mathieu scored the goals for the green and white team. 

The Lions managed to play a fabulous first half and sealed the win before half-time by scoring 3 of the 4 goals of the match. The first goal happened after a side throw by Marcos Acuña towards Bruno Fernandes, who promptly crossed the ball to Luiz Phellype who, with a perfect header, managed to put the ball inside the net. 

Shortly after, the green and white team scored the second goal. Bruno Fernandes gained the ball outside the box and with a powerfull shot scored another amazing goal for Sporting CP.

Although PSV tried to react, the Lions managed to net a third goal at minute 42 of the first half. This time, after a corner kick taken by Bruno Fernandes, Mathieu scored a truly fantastic goal with an acrobátic gesture.

The fourth goal appeared after a penalty suffered by Acuña. The man of the moment, Bruno Fernandes, made sure it was our fourth goal of the match.

Meanwhile, Maximiano was playing his first UEL game for Sporting CP and made some impressive saves. The entire stadium was impressed by him, a goalkeeper who is the latest "product" of the World renowned Sporting Academy.

Sporting CP Team: Luís Maximiano, Valentin Rosier, Tiago Ilori, Jérémy Mathieu (Luís Neto, 73 minutes), Marcos Acuña, Idrissa Doumbia, Wendel (Rafael Camacho, 80 minutes), Bruno Fernandes (C), Yannick Bolasie, Luciano Vietto e Luiz Phellype (Jesé Rodríguez, 67 minutes).

"It's a privilege to play with this shirt"

Bruno Fernandes signed a new contract with Sporting CP.

“I am very proud. It means that the Club recognizes my work and it's a sign that I am doing things right. I always try to give my all and do what is best for the Club”, he started by saying. Bruno goes on to say; “It is for what I do inside the pitch and outside the pitch. I have demonstrated that Sporting CP is a club which I like a lot and that I am proud to represent”.

He underlined; “For me it is a privilege to be here and to wear this shirt”.

The Captain left one promise when signing his new contract; “You can expect more and better. I promise to keep giving my all and I promise dedication in order for us to be able to celebrate, just like we did last season". 

Bruno also had the chance to comment on his nomination for UEFA 2019 Team of the Year: “I am extremely proud to be within the Top 50 players for UEFA. It is very gratifying especially because everyone knows how hard it is to get there when playing in the Portuguese League which has less visibility than other leagues. No only this, I am very proud to be associated to a list which includes the best players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, as well as being close to them”.

Fans will vote until the 9th of Janueary

Bruno Fernandes is one of the 50 nominees for UEFA's 2019 Team of the Year 2019. Our Captain is the only nominee who plays in Portugal.

Besides Bruno Fernandes, there are two other Portuguese players on the list: Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva.

You can vote aqui.

THE NOMINEES

Goal Keeperes: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Oblak (Atlético Madrid), Onana (Ajax) and Ter Stegen (Barcelona);

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Blind (Ajax), De Ligt (Ajax/Juventus), Giménez (Atlético Madrid), Kimmich (Bayern Munique), Koulibaly (Nápoles), Laporte (Manchester City), Piqué (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Tagliafico (Ajax), Van Dijk (Liverpool) and Vertonghen (Tottenham);

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP), De Jong (Ajax/Barcelona), Di María (PSG), Fabián Ruiz (Nápoles), Fabinho (Liverpool), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City), Thiago Alcântara (Bayern Munique), Henderson (Liverpool), Jorginho (Chelsea), Kanté (Chelsea), Van de Beek (Ajax), Wijnaldum (Liverpool) and Ziyech (Ajax);

Strikers: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Aubameyang (Arsenal), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gnabry (Bayern Munique), Hazard (Chelsea/Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Lewandowski (Bayern Munique), Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Salah (Liverpool), Son Heung-Min (Tottenham), Sterling (Manchester City) and Dusan Tadic (Ajax).

Rodrigo Piloto integrated the Main Team's daily practice

For the Main Team's daily practice, Silas promoted for the first time our Youth Squad U-19 striker, Rodrigo Piloto. 

Besides the young forward, Silas also called Rafael Fernandes (U-19 Centre Back), Echedey Carpintier (left back), Diogo Brás ( Além do avançado, estiveram também presentes os jovens Rafael Fernandes (defesa central dos sub-19), Echedey Carpintier (lateral esquerdo), Diogo Brás (winger), Tomás Silva (midfielder) and João Silva (centre back). Matheus Nunes was also called as he already trains regularly with the Main Team. 

Fernando also integrated the training but always under vigilance. Jérémy Mathieu proceeded with his treatment, whilst Idrissa Doumbia and Yannick Bolasie stook to the gym.

Rodrigo Battaglia and Jovane Cabral proceeded with treatment as well and did specific workout in the gym as well as on the pitch. Renan Ribeiro appears to have a muscular problem but will still be subject to further tests.

Tomorrow's session will be held at 10h30, behind closed doors, at Sporting CP Academy. 

The Lions are back to work this Wednesday

Sporting Clube de Portugal's main football team held another training session on Wednesday at Sporting Academy.

Diogo Martins (goalkeeper), João Oliveira, João Silva, João Ricciulli, Gonçalo Costa, Tomás Silva, Bernardo Sousa and Tiago Tomás, all part of Sporting CPs Youth Squads, were summoned by Silas.

Fernando performed specific work at the gym to increase muscle mass, having also trained in the pitch with the others. Rodrigo Battaglia and Jovane Cabral carried on with specific treatment, gym work as well as training on the pitch.

Idrissa Doumbia (sprain) and Yannick Bolasie (lower back pain), and Jérémy Mathieu (myalgia) are being treated as well.

The next training will take place this Thursday at 10 am at the Sporting Academy. The session will take place behind closed doors.

Sporting CP wins by 2-0 against Belenenses SAD

Sporting Clube de Portugal won Sunday's match against Belenenses SAD by 2-0. At the end of the NOS League matchday 11, Silas admitted that the strategy had to be changed during the game.

“We had to change the system because we were not interpreting it well and we lost pressure. We were not taking advantage of the three centre backs and so we had to change. In the second half with pressure, we played better, created better occasions and scored, ”he said, admitting:“ Belenenses SAD was better in the first half, but in the second we were better and more competent and we could even have solved the game earlier".

“Congratulations to Belenenses SAD for their game,” added the Sporting CP coach, saying: “I know Belenenses SAD players very well, I respect them very much and I would never underestimate them. They prepared the game well and had merit in the first half. Football has taught me that when we underestimate someone, we pay dearly and I never underestimate anyone. ”

In this regard, saying that he did not like the first half of Sporting CP, Silas said he accepts the criticism: “We cannot play as we did in the first half, no, and it is normal for supporters to speak up. Honestly, when we play like this, I have no problem being criticized. ”

On the same occasion, Silas also praised the players' posture and is satisfied with the international break that will allow them to consolidate the work they have been doing. “The more time we have to train, the better.” he said.

2 Goals by Vietto

Sporting Clube de Portugal received and won this Sunday against Belenenses SAD, 2-0 at José Alvalade Stadium in matchday 11 of Liga NOS. A match in which the Lion goals only happened in the second half.

In the first half, Eduardo was close to opening the score board, but André Moreira denied him the goal with a good save, and then Bruno Fernandes almost scored with a free kick.

0-0 at halftime.

Silas had already made a substitution in the first half - Rafael Camacho went in and Luis Neto went to the bench, and during the break made another substition, with Doumbia replacing Rodrigo Fernandes.

Two tweaks to readjust the team and look for a better result by managing to create more and better goal opportunities but failing to score. Rosier tried from afar and failed and Vietto tried a shot to the side.

After 66 minutes, Silas moved again and put Luiz Phellype on the field, sending Eduardo out, and the first goal came. No more than ten minutes later, in the first shot of the striker, the ball hit a defender and reached Vietto who, without letting the ball fall to the ground, shot straight towards the goal.

The Argentinian player still had the hat trick on his feet on two occasions but let it slip.

Without scoring more, Sporting CP eventually won 2-0. A totally fair win, which could have been by more expressive numbers, after a clearly better second half than the first.

Sporting CP will not play again until November 28, against PSV, in a Europa League match, as it is now time for national teams.

Sporting CP Starting Eleven: Renan; Ilori, Coates e Neto; Rosier, Eduardo, Rodrigo Fernandes, Bruno Fernandes e Borja; Vietto and Bolasie.

Bruno Fernandes, with a penalty, and Montero, with a free kick, gave the Lions the 3 points against Maritimo

The first 12 minutes of the sixth round of the NOS League, which opposed Sporting CP and Marítimo, were played exclusively in one half of the pitch of the José Alvalade Stadium: the defensive midfield of the islanders. This was due to the good start of José Peseiro's pupils, who showed their opponent's the intention to play in the first zone of construction, with high pressure. From thiscame the first yellow card of the match, raised to Zainadine, for having been unable to control the ball in conditions, leaving it to the mercy of Fredy Montero.

It was clear that coach Claudio Braga was worried about stopping the lions' from playing on the wings, but the 'capping' on one side 'uncovered' the other as Sporting CP found space between the lines. In fact, that was the gateway for the first goal. Jovane's high cross gave Raphinha a chance to take the lead, but he sufered a penalty. Called to take the lead, Bruno Fernandes finished with class (12 ').

Petrovic and Gudelj, who, this evening, Jose Peseiro attributed the role of 'thinkers', had little ball from the 1-0 onwards as Sporting CP backed up the lines and sought mostly rapid transitions. This is a chapter in which Raphinha was in prominence, in association with Bruno Fernandes and Fredy Montero. At minute 35 ', Raphinha took the corner the short way, at the right side of the attack, which would give the 2-0. 'El Avioncito', at the face of the goal, put an end to the rebounds and celebrated the first goal of the 2018/19 season. Just over half-time, Acuna took away Maritimo's first goal with a great stop right in front of the goal.

There was less show in what was left of the game. Marítimo knew how to save the ball better, however, lacked criteria in the last third of the terrain - even in the spaces granted by Sporting CP. The attempts of Rodrigo Pinho and Correa, mid-distance, were the best replicas of the visitors. Peseiro even launched Misic, Diaby and Carlos Mané, who returned to the competition after 15 months away due to injury. 35.238 spectators cheered.

The three points added allowed the team to reach a total of 13 in the league table, the same of Sp. Braga (with one match short), thus becoming one point away from Benfica and two from the leader FC Porto. Next Sunday, Sporting CP travels to the Algarve to face Portimonense (8pm).