"There have been many games, many battles and titles that give me a sense of accomplishment"

Matheus Reis reached 200 games for Sporting Clube de Portugal in last Saturday's game against SL Benfica. The Brazilian defender spoke this week about his satisfaction in reaching this milestone, and plenty more besides.

200 games for Sporting CP
“It’s a very important achievement. I remember my presentation and my arrival here perfectly, as if it were yesterday. I never imagined that I would reach this milestone in such a short time, with an average of 50 games per season. There have been so many games, so many emotions, so many battles and trophies that give me the feeling of accomplishment.”

Being the player in the squad with the second most games at Sporting CP
“I feel very happy about this. Each game is unique and gives me the same butterflies in my stomach, but the responsibility is increasingly greater due to my experience and seniority at the club. What I try to do is pass on to the younger players – like Biel, for example, who has just arrived – how big Sporting CP are. My responsibility involves day-to-day work, not letting the standards drop and knowing that every game is there to be won.”

Going down in club history
“That is exactly what I want: To leave a mark with my hard work, dedication and never giving up. Even so, I see all this as just the beginning and I want more. I have this hunger and desire to achieve more and more.”

What Sporting CP mean to him
“Everything. I even say that Sporting CP is like an extension of my family. Sporting CP is at the centre of everything; even with my son, he knows all the songs and at home everything is green. We are very happy here and we hope to stay here for a long time. Everyone who comes here says that this club is different. Sporting CP respect and unite our families, they do things thinking about our families and our children. On the pitch you can see the unity we have, but it goes far beyond that. Our unity happens inside and outside the club.”

Favourite memories
“There are many, that will be kept in my mind forever. That’s why I will always be a big supporter of Sporting CP, both me and my family, and there are still many more things to experience here.”

Wearing the captain's armband
“It was amazing when I got that opportunity. When the coach told me that, in the absence of the regular captains, I would be wearing the armband, a lot went through my head. When you come to a club like this, you want to achieve great things, but you never imagine that you might be captain or play 200 games. It’s an achievement and leaves me with a feeling of wanting even more, to continue to write my name in the history of Sporting CP.”

His debut for Sporting CP
“It was away to Gil Vicente FC, we were losing and it was very wet. I had the opportunity to come in after two weeks of training, if I’m not mistaken, after six months without playing. The coach, Ruben Amorim, told me he would give me some time to adapt and I went to the game, but I didn’t expect to play. I was prepared, but I didn’t think I would come on. Fortunately, we managed to turn the game around. So, it couldn’t have started better and that game ended up being memorable for everyone.”

His most special game so far
“It was against SL Benfica in the Taça da Liga final, which we won. It was special. I managed to have a good game, in which we were also losing and turned it around. Even so, I think that any game that results in trophies is always special, like the one against Boavista FC, which gave us the first title in 19 years, or the one against SC Braga in the Taça da Liga. Apart from those trophies, the game against SL Benfica last season was also special; we celebrated a lot when we won 2-1 because we knew it was an important step towards winning the title."

A goal to remember
“I think it's the one I scored against SC Braga, after receiving the ball from Pote [Pedro Gonçalves]. It was a very beautiful goal in a very important victory.”

Playing in the Champions League
“It’s incredible. I remember my first game in the competition was against AFC Ajax, where we lost 1-5. It was tough for everyone. Then we went to Dortmund, but despite the defeat, we played with a different attitude. We felt we had what it took and then we got two important wins against Besiktas and qualified against Borussia Dortmund at home. From then on, we had good campaigns -and the goal is always to do better.”

The passion of the fans
“Our fans play with us, they are always supporting us and encouraging us. I have many Sportinguista friends and they sign their children up as members as soon as they are born. I think that's amazing. It's a love that is passed down from generation to generation. Every time I step onto the pitch, it's beautiful to see the stadium full of fans, as well as receiving their affection on a daily basis. They are our source of strength and we always want to make history both for ourselves and for them. They support us everywhere, they are an extra boost and make us always feel like we are playing at home.”

What still surprises him at the club
“A lot of things. The atmosphere, regardless of the results, for example. We always maintain the same faith, we always believe, we don’t let negative pressure get in the way, nor do we get too excited about victories, and with that we always maintain the level of work and demand that this club deserve. The commitment of all the employees, who dedicate themselves to making all achievements possible. You might think that victories only happen on the pitch, but there is a whole system behind it so that we get to the games and just have to win them. That and the fans -their passion and love for the club.”

The next goals to be achieved
“I always strive for more. That’s what Sporting CP deserve and that’s what the players who come here need to have in mind. Winning trophy after trophy is what we have to strive for and what the club deserve.”

A message to Sporting fans
“We still need them. We need them to keep believing, to stick with us and give us the same energy as always to finish this season well. I thank them for the strength they give us and, as I said, we will be looking for more.”

The defender talks about the achievement

Ousmane Diomande reached the milestone of 100 games for Sporting Clube de Portugal shirt in last Saturday's derby against SL Benfica. The 21-year-old central defender spoke about his career so far to mark the achievement.

100 games for Sporting CP
"It's a spectacular feeling. Time flies and I've played a lot of games in a short space of time. With all the people who believe in me getting behind me, I will keep working and I hope to be able to play even more games. I'm very happy with the 100 games, and long may it continue."

Reaching the milestone in two and a half seasons
"I think it's gone by really quickly. This year, especially, we've played a lot of games: In the Champions League, in the league, in the cup competitions... I've played in so many matches that it feels like it's gone by really quickly. I didn't even know, before the game, that I was so close to 100 appearances."
Sporting CP
"I feel like I'm a different person and a different player. Even during this season we've seen very special things happen. In the last game, the fans were out in force, and it's just spectacular. We'll give our all to make them happy."

Changes as a player in his time at the club
"I think there is a big difference. I've grown a lot as a man and as a football player. I've learned a lot and there are very good people around me here who help me to be at my best. I've developed a lot as a player and I'm still learning."

His first impressions of the club
"The first thing that took me aback was the stadium, of course. I was used to playing in smaller stadiums and so I was very impressed, just like I was on my debut. When I saw the fans I just thought: Wow! I already knew that this was a very big club, but I realised it even more so when I saw the fans supporting the team."

Advice from Coates and Neto
"In the beginning, Seba [Coates] was always giving me advice. I always looked up to him, of course, because I knew he was a top player. As a defender, he was very important for the team. I learned from him and also from Neto's advice. I learned a lot from both of them, because they are very calm and I think that was important for me."

His first game for Sporting CP
"It was against Rio Ave FC, I remember. It was away from home. I don't know how many minutes I played, but we won 1-0 and it was a very difficult game."

His first game at the Estádio José Alvalade
"It was against FC Porto. We lost that game, but I was very happy to play at Alvalade."

His first goal
"It was against SL Benfica. There was a great atmosphere, and it was against a great team, so I went a little crazy celebrating!"

His most special game
"I think I'm enjoying my best moment right now. As you can see, the fans are everywhere and they want us to become champions again. They are very motivated and so are we. We see them on the streets, it's spectacular and I think this is the most special moment. Now, of course, we have to win the last game so that the joy will be even greater."

Playing in the UEFA Champions League
"Every kid dreams of this and, on top of that, I debuted in the competition at home. I just thought about how I would watch the games and listen to the Champions League anthem. It was very special and I will always remember that moment."

The passion of the fans
"It's incredible, honestly. Every time we finish training, they're there. They're always around and always support us, both on and off the pitch. They're with us everywhere. It's fantastic. Even when we play away, after games they come to welcome us home and even at 2am they're at Alvalade waiting for us. It's crazy. I wonder if they even sleep (laughs). It's insane, and I think on Saturday it will be even better. We're really focused already, but this gives us an extra motivation to make them happy, without a doubt."

The influence of Alvalade
"I still don't know how to sing the club anthem "O Mundo Sabe Que," but it's something I like to listen to before the game. I want to learn how to sing the song to understand it more. Honestly, it's really good to hear it."

The two games before the end of the season
"We are experiencing something special for the club and for the fans. We want to be two-time champions. Sporting CP need this and we want to make history at the club. With the support of the fans, who we know are always with us, it only makes us more motivated for the two remaining games. We will be prepared for them."

Words for Sporting fans
"I just want to thank you very much for everything you have done. We hope and know that on Saturday the stadium will be full and we will be ready."

The coach reflects on the 1-1 draw with SL Benfica

Following the 1-1 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and SL Benfica, Rui Borges attended the post-match press conference to answer questions from journalists.

His reaction to the game
"The ambition, courage and commitment of this team are incredible. We knew we were up against great opponents, who were playing at home, where it is very difficult to play them. It was important to have an emotional balance, and we had that. We scored early, which forced us to play a lower block too soon, but that was natural. Even so, we controlled the game. In the second half, SL Benfica changed things up and tried to push us back even further. We managed to nullify everything except for the goal, which involved two slips by our players. We lacked more calmness with the ball in order to make better decisions, but that's natural. As much as we say there is no anxiety, there will always be nerves and everyone deals with it in their own way.

Feeling closer to the title
"I feel like it's up to us, and that's great. There's one game left and I know the team we're going to face. We have to be serious because we haven't been crowned champions yet. I think there will be an incredible atmosphere, as the fans have been fantastic."

Conrad Harder's introduction
"SL Benfica were leaving themselves exposed more and taking more risks. Harder gave us the ability to accelerate, as did Viktor, who didn't have many chances. It wasn't working with Trincão and Pote, so we adjusted with Harder."

The benefits of the draw
"It wasn't a pleasant result. It only will be if we win the last game, because without that it's worth nothing. It's natural for the players to express happiness, but they know there's still one game left and we haven't won anything yet. It was a difficult draw and we have to value what we did here. In the next game we have to be as serious and committed as we were today, if not more so."

Vitória SC
"Some of the fans there felt hurt because I left in the middle of the season, and that's natural. Vitória SC still need points and they have a great coach who is doing an excellent job. I know the quality of that team. I'm calm because the game is at home and the title depends on us, but we have a very difficult game to win."

The fairness of the result
"I could say it was fair because SL Benfica grew in the second half, even without many opportunities. Given the competitiveness of both sides, it ended up being fair."

Stopping euphoria
"We have to stop the euphoria and focus on what we have to do. It depends on us. It's natural for the fans to have a positive feeling and to push us as they have done so far."

Morten Hjulmand missing the next game due to yellow cards
"We've lost so many players and we've always been able to find solutions. We got here by ourselves. Morten is a very important player, but whoever plays will provide a fantastic performance. Morten gave everything today, and in the next game he'll give something different."

What he asked of the team at halftime
"I tried to adjust one or two behaviours so that we were closer to SL Benfica's players. And I wanted the same attitude as in the first half. A member of the coaching staff said that it is difficult to kill an attitude, and they had that from start to finish."

Direct play
"It was the opponent's merit. Emotionally, it was a difficult game for both sides. Even with a low block, we performed fantastically. We were well organised, well aware of the individual tasks for the collective to function. There were no great goal opportunities apart from the one that we conceded, which was a good play by Pavlidis in which two of our players slipped."

How he experienced the game
"I was super calm. These are the games that make me less stressed. It was a calm week, even knowing everything that surrounded the game. I'm very positive. It's a football match. I really want us to be two-time champions, so I'm not relieved. I have a difficult game to think about. Regardless, I'm immensely proud of this team and our trajectory. The passion is spectacular and today, leaving the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, I said that football is fantastic. There are things that can't be explained."

Sporting CP draw away to rivals SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 away to title rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 33, taking the title race to the final weekend of the season.

Support for the team was shown at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as on the bus route to the Estádio da Luz, and thousands of fans cheered loudly for them throughout the 90 minutes.

Coach Rui Borges made two changes, bringing in Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand in place of Jeremiah St. Juste and Hidemasa Morita.

The start of the game could not have been better, as Sporting CP opened the scoring after just four minutes: Pedro Gonçalves played through Viktor Gyökeres on the left and he, surrounded by several defenders, worked well to set up Francisco Trincão for the finish.

SL Benfica responded with a shot from Di María that went close, but it was Sporting CP who were enjoying the better of the play. From a free kick, Trincão sent the ball dangerously in the area, but the defence cleared it for a corner. On the next move, Maxi Araújo headed close.

Control of the game evened out and, on 28 minutes, it was Rui Silva's turn to shine, with a great intervention in a one-on-one with Kerem Aktürkoğlu. Shortly after, Di María tried to score again, but lashed his effort over the bar.

Half an hour in, a good counterattack by Quaresma found Trincão, who in turn looked for Gyökeres before the defenders cleared the ball for a corner. Then, Geny Catamo, on 35 minutes, forced a save from Trubin.

Sporting CP, who were the better team in the first half, enjoyed a further opportunity for Gyökeres, saved by Trubin, and when Gonçalves scored on the rebound it was disallowed for a foul.

As expected, SL Benfica came back out for the second half with the intention of taking control of the game. Although they did this without creating any great chances, they had more possession of the ball and started to get closer to the Sporting CP area. Pavlidis shot wide off a corner and Kerem Aktürkoğlu missed the target with a long shot, in two opportunities for the home side.

In response, Rui Borges introduced Zeno Debast for Morita in the 57th minute.

SL Benfica managed to equalise in the 63rd minute through Kerem Aktürkoğlu, taking the score to 1-1.

Geovany Quenda replaced Gonçalves in another substitution, and two close opportunities occurred during the next spell, as Trincão shot wide from distance and, immediately afterwards, Pavlidis hit the post.

On 81 minutes it was the turn of Araújo, Quaresma and Trincão to be withdrawn, making way for Matheus Reis, Jeremiah St. Juste and Conrad Harder.

In the 84th minute, Gyökeres ran up the field before having a shot saved by Trubin. Whilst Sporting CP were on top of the game, they could not change the scoreline, and the game ended 1-1.

Sporting CP now have the chance to win the title for the second time in a row next weekend, when they host Vitória SC at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma (Jeremiah St. Juste, 81'), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Hidemasa Morita, 57'), Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 81'), Francisco Trincão (Conrad Harder, 81'), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 71') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach previews the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a huge Saturday game against neighbours and title rivals SL Benfica on Saturday, which could be decisive in the Liga Portugal title chase. Ahead of the game, coach Rui Borges talked about the expectations and his side's focus.

The implications of the derby
“Above all, we are where we want to be and where a club like Sporting CP have to be, which is in finals and trying to win trophies. We have to be happy with that for now. We can play around with two possible results, but we aren't focused on that. We're focused on what we have to do to win -and nothing more. It's like any other game, even though we know how important this one is. We are not shying away from that importance, and we know that it is a game that could win the title for both teams. We have to think about that, but more about what we can do to counteract the opposition and win -despite the difficulties that we will encounter."

Nerves in the game against Gil Vicente FC
“These are different games. Gil Vicente FC played a more defensive strategy, defended very well and caused us a lot of problems. More than the low block, what caused the most concern was conceding a goal so early and when we were playing well. That is normal, especially at this time of year when games are more decisive. Even so, despite this concern, I look more at what the team managed to do before the end. Only a great team could come away with a win, and that is what they did. It was a normal week. I look at the group and I feel the same way. We're focused on what we can control, are very motivated, courageous, ambitious and with a huge desire for the game to get underway."

Playing on the counterattack against SL Benfica
“In terms of counterattacks and expectations, if we look at both teams, SL Benfica have almost always won in recent games on the counterattack or on the fast break. People talk more about Sporting CP doing it, but our opponents have also scored most of their goals in transitions, because they are strong and have above-average quality, just like us. It will be a completely different game. The uneasiness in the game against Gil has no relevance to this game. Everything is different in this game, even the atmosphere and the pressure on each player. My job is to focus on what we can do as a team -with and without the ball- against SL Benfica's strengths in possession, with organised play and in transitions, and to always try to be prepared to nullify those moments in the best way possible."

A third Clássico of the season with him in charge
“These are different games. In the first Clássico, the team had just changed coaches, and that changes the game. The opposition perhaps didn’t know how we were going to play either. Then there was a final, in which they were lucky in the penalty shootout. This one could decide who becomes champions, and it will shake up a lot of things.”

Playing away
“The difference has to do with the resilience that the group have had. Throughout the season, they have managed to overcome the obstacles that have appeared along the way, showing great ambition and courage to get through everything. That is why we have to be able to deal with the atmosphere in the stadium, as it's part of our DNA. The team have to be prepared for this and I think that the side that are more focused, balanced and disciplined for longer will be the team closest to winning. We know that we are two great teams, with great players, but any moment in which there is a distraction could make one team overpower the other. Therefore, we have to be as focused as possible on our ambition to win the game and be champions."

Talk of a draw being sufficient
“We are very focused on winning. We just want to win so we can become champions. A draw would mean we have to win the last game, which will also be against a great team in Vitória SC. We are not going to settle, we are going to do everything we can to try to win the game against a team that also want to win and that have a lot of quality. Above all, we want it to be a great show and in the end, that Sporting CP are the winners.”

Pedro Gonçalves' possibility of being a starter
“Everybody is in the equation to play, and they have to be prepared, especially because I never give a starting XI away in training. They all have to be prepared to play or not to play, and Pote is the same. He has responded well and has improved in terms of his fitness. Everyone knows he’s not at 100 percent, and he knows that too, but he’s an important player because of everything he gives to the team, what he transmits to the team. He has grown, he has responded and worked towards the goal on a daily basis, and I think he is prepared, like everyone else, to respond -whether that's for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.”

His feeling about the game
“I'm calm. These games don't stress me out. I'm very focused, I've always been very confident and I have a lot of faith. I believe this is the most important game of my career, because of what it can do for us. We could become champions, and it's the first time I've been in this situation.”

Being more prepared than for the first Clássico on December 29th
“At the time, I could have said that I wouldn’t accept coming because it was two days before the big game, but I never said anything like that to the president. I always said that I wanted to come here, and everything remains the same. There is a lot of confidence, the feeling that we have the capacity and competence is exactly the same and it has been like that since I started at Mirandela. We have grown as a coaching team, of course, and that is why we are here, but everything remains the same. Nothing that people say about me, whether positive or negative, affects me. We are doing a good job, we are making decisions and now we need to have the capacity to win.”

Support from Sporting CP fans
“The fans have been fantastic in their support and in the feeling they have given us as a team. They have shown us a lot of affection. They were very important in the game against Gil and will continue to be very important tomorrow -from the departure from the Academia to the arrival at the Estádio da Luz.”

Violence between fans before the game
“We always look at these things with sadness. It’s a football match and there’s always passion, but passion can never go over the limit. There are limits to everything. The passion and rivalry that exists is good, but should never be excessive. Respect must always be there. That’s why it’s sad. I hope they focus more on supporting us, like our fans have done, showing us the affection they have for us and for what the team have done over the years.”

Ruben Amorim's words of praise
“I don’t look at the legacy he left behind. I came to a club where there was a great coach, who won a lot and who worked hard to make it happen. I didn’t send it to him, but I sent Carlos [Fernandes] a message congratulating Manchester United on reaching the Europa League final. Ruben is rooting for us, we’re happy about that, and we’re rooting for him too. I admire him for his journey from the bottom up, his character and personality, his ability and competence. He will always be someone we will look up to with admiration."

The team get ready for the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to work at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete this Wednesday.

On the agenda is Saturday's trip across Lisbon to take on SL Benfica, in a duel that could be decisive for the outcome of the Liga Portugal title.

In the session, B team defender João Muniz was part of the group, working under the orders of Rui Borges.

On Thursday, a further training session is scheduled for the morning, behind closed doors.

The coach previews the game against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a huge Saturday game against neighbours and title rivals SL Benfica on Saturday, which could be decisive in the Liga Portugal title chase. Ahead of the game, coach Rui Borges talked about the expectations and his side's focus.

The implications of the derby
“Above all, we are where we want to be and where a club like Sporting CP have to be, which is in finals and trying to win trophies. We have to be happy with that for now. We can play around with two possible results, but we aren't focused on that. We're focused on what we have to do to win -and nothing more. It's like any other game, even though we know how important this one is. We are not shying away from that importance, and we know that it is a game that could win the title for both teams. We have to think about that, but more about what we can do to counteract the opposition and win -despite the difficulties that we will encounter."

Nerves in the game against Gil Vicente FC
“These are different games. Gil Vicente FC played a more defensive strategy, defended very well and caused us a lot of problems. More than the low block, what caused the most concern was conceding a goal so early and when we were playing well. That is normal, especially at this time of year when games are more decisive. Even so, despite this concern, I look more at what the team managed to do before the end. Only a great team could come away with a win, and that is what they did. It was a normal week. I look at the group and I feel the same way. We're focused on what we can control, are very motivated, courageous, ambitious and with a huge desire for the game to get underway."

Playing on the counterattack against SL Benfica
“In terms of counterattacks and expectations, if we look at both teams, SL Benfica have almost always won in recent games on the counterattack or on the fast break. People talk more about Sporting CP doing it, but our opponents have also scored most of their goals in transitions, because they are strong and have above-average quality, just like us. It will be a completely different game. The uneasiness in the game against Gil has no relevance to this game. Everything is different in this game, even the atmosphere and the pressure on each player. My job is to focus on what we can do as a team -with and without the ball- against SL Benfica's strengths in possession, with organised play and in transitions, and to always try to be prepared to nullify those moments in the best way possible."

A third Clássico of the season with him in charge
“These are different games. In the first Clássico, the team had just changed coaches, and that changes the game. The opposition perhaps didn’t know how we were going to play either. Then there was a final, in which they were lucky in the penalty shootout. This one could decide who becomes champions, and it will shake up a lot of things.”

Playing away
“The difference has to do with the resilience that the group have had. Throughout the season, they have managed to overcome the obstacles that have appeared along the way, showing great ambition and courage to get through everything. That is why we have to be able to deal with the atmosphere in the stadium, as it's part of our DNA. The team have to be prepared for this and I think that the side that are more focused, balanced and disciplined for longer will be the team closest to winning. We know that we are two great teams, with great players, but any moment in which there is a distraction could make one team overpower the other. Therefore, we have to be as focused as possible on our ambition to win the game and be champions."

Talk of a draw being sufficient
“We are very focused on winning. We just want to win so we can become champions. A draw would mean we have to win the last game, which will also be against a great team in Vitória SC. We are not going to settle, we are going to do everything we can to try to win the game against a team that also want to win and that have a lot of quality. Above all, we want it to be a great show and in the end, that Sporting CP are the winners.”

Pedro Gonçalves' possibility of being a starter
“Everybody is in the equation to play, and they have to be prepared, especially because I never give a starting XI away in training. They all have to be prepared to play or not to play, and Pote is the same. He has responded well and has improved in terms of his fitness. Everyone knows he’s not at 100 percent, and he knows that too, but he’s an important player because of everything he gives to the team, what he transmits to the team. He has grown, he has responded and worked towards the goal on a daily basis, and I think he is prepared, like everyone else, to respond -whether that's for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.”

His feeling about the game
“I'm calm. These games don't stress me out. I'm very focused, I've always been very confident and I have a lot of faith. I believe this is the most important game of my career, because of what it can do for us. We could become champions, and it's the first time I've been in this situation.”

Being more prepared than for the first Clássico on December 29th
“At the time, I could have said that I wouldn’t accept coming because it was two days before the big game, but I never said anything like that to the president. I always said that I wanted to come here, and everything remains the same. There is a lot of confidence, the feeling that we have the capacity and competence is exactly the same and it has been like that since I started at Mirandela. We have grown as a coaching team, of course, and that is why we are here, but everything remains the same. Nothing that people say about me, whether positive or negative, affects me. We are doing a good job, we are making decisions and now we need to have the capacity to win.”

Support from Sporting CP fans
“The fans have been fantastic in their support and in the feeling they have given us as a team. They have shown us a lot of affection. They were very important in the game against Gil and will continue to be very important tomorrow -from the departure from the Academia to the arrival at the Estádio da Luz.”

Violence between fans before the game
“We always look at these things with sadness. It’s a football match and there’s always passion, but passion can never go over the limit. There are limits to everything. The passion and rivalry that exists is good, but should never be excessive. Respect must always be there. That’s why it’s sad. I hope they focus more on supporting us, like our fans have done, showing us the affection they have for us and for what the team have done over the years.”

Ruben Amorim's words of praise
“I don’t look at the legacy he left behind. I came to a club where there was a great coach, who won a lot and who worked hard to make it happen. I didn’t send it to him, but I sent Carlos [Fernandes] a message congratulating Manchester United on reaching the Europa League final. Ruben is rooting for us, we’re happy about that, and we’re rooting for him too. I admire him for his journey from the bottom up, his character and personality, his ability and competence. He will always be someone we will look up to with admiration."

The coach reviews the win over Gil Vicente FC

After a very important victory over Gil Vicente FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his post-match press conference.

Reviewing the game
“It was a game in which we lacked inspiration in general. We conceded the goal from the only chance in which Gil Vicente FC came close to scoring, which left us feeling a bit uneasy. Throughout the first half, we made poor decisions and moved the ball around very slowly… We were tense, and at halftime we tried to adjust one or two behaviours. In the second half, we managed to get Gil Vicente to play in the final third almost the entire time. It was a difficult game against a team defending with 11 players behind the ball. The substitutions helped to calm the game down, with Morten [Hjulmand] and Zeno [Debast] coming in. We kept trying, and it was a game in which we had to keep going."

Difficulties in getting shots off
“There was a team against us defending in the box with 11 players, that’s the justification for a lack of shots. We’re not always going to score five goals and shoot a lot. If the opposing team were as competitive throughout the season as they were today, they would certainly have more points in the league. We won, and that was the objective. I think the substitutions gave us some energy. Making changes early or late on is a question of opinion. I think I made changes at the right time because we won the game. The belief of the entire Sporting CP family has been incredible. Emotionally, the team are very strong.”

Possible scenarios in the derby
“We have to work hard and focus on the game and what we can control. It’s a game like any other, as decisive as today’s was, and perhaps the last game will be too, depending on the result at the Estádio da Luz. We all feel that we were uninspired, but that’s natural; the team aren’t always going to be at their best. I want to highlight the spirit and competitive attitude that the team had until the end of the game, as that’s why we won.”

The pressure for the Clássico
“The pressure has been there since I came here. I arrived days before a derby. I’m very calm in that sense. The title may be at stake, but since I have been a coach, the big games are the ones in which I feel less pressure, because the players are motivated by themselves.”

The emotional moment in the 2-1 win
“I ended up celebrating with the group, because I think I deserved it. It was an outpouring of emotions. Sometimes we try to remain calm, but we aren’t always like that. The way the fans have got behind us also provides emotions that affect us, and the 2-1 victory was an explosion of all that, with Edu and the stadium. The energy that you feel in the Sporting CP family is indescribable. I’m happy for Edu, who is a special player here, but I would be happy if someone else scored too.”

The possibility of becoming league champions
“I don’t have any burden to do that. My happiness comes from coaching Sporting CP. I really value where I came from, because I worked hard to get here. It’s not a burden, it’s happiness about being at Sporting CP. I’m fighting for trophies, and that happiness is much greater than the pressure.”

Difficulties playing inside and ‘activating’ Gyökeres in the game
“They defended in front of the box, which is difficult for Viktor and any other striker to overcome. There were always two competitive and fast defenders in front of him, covering 2-on-1, who created this difficulty. They created these difficulties for us. We had a lot of interior play and ‘one-twos’, but the space was so limited that we made more mistakes. Inspiration is not always at its peak.”

Sporting CP strike in stoppage time to stay top of the table

Two late goals earned Sporting Clube de Portugal a 2-1 turnaround against Gil Vicente FC, on the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season. Maxi Araújo and Eduardo Quaresma were the scorers for a Sporting CP side who remain in the driving seat in the standings, heading into next weekend's huge derby against SL Benfica.

To face a Gil Vicente FC in 14th place and coming off two wins – and needing just one point to mathematically guarantee their survival, Rui Borges made just two changes to his starting XI. Jeremiah St. Juste came into the centre of the defensive trio, replacing the suspended Ousmane Diomande, and Hidemasa Morita started for the first time since March 15th, in place of Morten Hjulmand.

Before the game, there was a minute's silence in memory of José Carlos, a former captain of Sporting CP who was also one of the 'Heroes of 1964.'

The first chance came almost immediately, as Francisco Trincão shot went slightly wide. Sporting CP continually entered the Gil Vicente area successively, but without the required accuracy to open the scoring.

At the other end, the visitors made a transition, for the first time, after the quarter hour. Zeno Debast had to make a sliding tackle to prevent the danger in the area.

Sporting CP went behind in the 25th minute, as a penalty was called against St. Juste. The club's former academy player, Félix Correia, converted the spot kick to make it 0-1.

Despite their constant efforts to equalise, Sporting CP continued to lack the final ball to provide the breakthrough, and went into halftime trailing.

In the second period, Pedro Gonçalves opened up the chances with a strike still narrowly wide of the post. With the game becoming increasingly tense and with no changes on the scoreboard, after the hour mark, Rui Borges took a risk and made three substitutions at once, bringing on Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder for St. Juste, Morita and ‘Pote’.

Increasingly, Sporting CP were camped out in the opponent's half, and often in the Gil Vicente area, but neither the numerous crosses nor the many attempted combinations reached their intended recipient.

However, their persistence would bear fruit in the 81st minute, when they finally found an equaliser. A blocked shot by Harder fell to Maxi Araújo in the area, and the Uruguayan fired home as the packed stands at Alvalade erupted.

Sporting CP went all out, and first of all had Trincão denied a great goal when his shot hit the post.

The game moved into stoppage time, and finally the turnaround was compleded by Eduardo Quaresma. Following a corner, the ball ended up on the edge of the area, where he took a perfect shot that left goalkeeper Andrew Ventura rooted to the spot.

A hard fought 2-1 win made it 15 consecutive games unbeaten, heading into the most anticipated and decisive derby in living memory.

At the Estádio da Luz on Saturday (6pm), the game away to Benfica could see either side clinch the title. Sporting CP would win the league in the event of victory in the derby, whilst a draw would keep them in first place, despite the equal points – as a result of the 1-0 victory in the first encounter this season.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma, Jeremiah St. Juste (Morten Hjulmand, 63’), Gonçalo Inácio [C], Geny Catamo (Biel Teixeira, 83’), Zeno Debast, Hidemasa Morita (Geovany Quenda, 63’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão (Matheus Reis, 90+5’), Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 63’) and Viktor Gyökeres.

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.”