The group work on Tuesday

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training this Tuesday, with a session at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete.

Due to the absence of many first team players still away on international duty, coach Rui Borges once again called on many young players from the youth system to participate. Lucas Anjos, Rodrigo Dias, Samuel Justo, Rafael Nel, Rafael Besugo, Bruno Ramos, and José Silva were included in the workout.

Another training session is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

The club recruit the Greek international striker

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed Fotis Ioannidis from Panathinaikos FC. The 25-year-old Greek striker joins on a contract through to 2030, with a €100 million release clause.

Presented at the Estádio José Alvalade, Ioannidis expressed his satisfaction with the move.

"I want to thank everyone for welcoming me here so warmly. I really like what I’ve seen of the club and its ideas. I'm going to be playing at a very high level against very tough opponents, with very good teammates," he told Sporting CP media.

“Sporting CP are a great club with a massive culture, so the goals are always big here. We always have to be fighting for the top spot. I'm ready for it, and I know I can do it," he added.

When asked to discuss his characteristics, Ioannidis asserted that he is "a versatile striker.”

"I can do a lot of things on the pitch, as well as helping my teammates a lot and contributing to our strategy. Of course, I can score goals and provide assists."

"I love being in Lisbon. It’s a very good city, with very warm people who are very welcoming. I'm happy to challenge myself in this league and at this club. Playing in the UEFA Champions League wearing the Sporting CP shirt will be an honour," he stated, before talking about one of the main influences on his making the move.

"I spoke with Georgios Vagiannidis, with whom I exchange many messages because we're very close friends. He's an excellent person and a great player. He told me all the best things I could hear about Sporting CP, and I'm very happy. I'm going to speak more with the rest of the team now. I know they're very good and humble people, and we'll definitely have a good connection," he said.

Curiously, Ioannidis will represent the Greek national team alongside Vagiannidis in the coming days, and one of the matches they will play will be against Denmark -featuring Sporting CP skipper Morten Hjulmand.

"I’m looking forward to meeting him, especially because I've heard very good things about him. I'm very happy for him to be my captain from now on,” said the striker.

“I have the same goals as the rest of the team. I want to be a champion with Sporting CP and contribute to a great European campaign by helping with as many goals as possible."

He has already experienced the Estádio José Alvalade, having attended the game against FC Porto.

"I was amazed by the atmosphere, which was perfect. The result wasn't what we wanted, but I'm sure we'll respond and achieve what we want in the next games," he stated.

"I can't wait to play for the fans here, and score lots of goals so that we can celebrate together.”

Having begun his career at Levadiakos FC, Ioannidis moved to Panathinaikos FC in 2020 establishing himself as a key player for the team by scoring 51 goals in 190 matches. In 2025/26, he has already played five games, all in European competitions.

The coach reflects on the 1-2 loss to FC Porto

After Sporting Clube de Portugal’s 1-2 loss against FC Porto, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to review the performance.

The game
"It was an evenly matched, intense game, well-played by both sides, and it was competitive. We started the first half well. FC Porto brought the ball out and they were strong in the duels, but we managed to be the better side in the opening minutes. As time went on, the game evened out, and the first half was quite well balanced. We started the second half well, and just when we were in the best position, a five minute spell proved costly. We were pushing FC Porto hard, and nothing indicated what would happen in those five minutes. Above all, the team were capable of more. Conceding the second goal could have seriously sunk us, but the team fought back, made it 1-2, and could have made it 2-2.

FC Porto didn't deviate from what we had expected of them. They engage in a lot of duels, and play man-to-man. At times, we were able to connect inside, and at others, we connected on the outside. We had to look for space, and when we did that with quality, we created danger. The team understood when they needed to look for the long ball, and I'm happy with what we did."

The quality of Liga Portugal
"The big teams have strengthened with more quality. They are more capable collectively. They have more solutions to be capable of responding to setbacks, which makes the game more competitive."

The transfer market
"Nothing has changed. I'll talk after the transfer window closes. I'm happy with the squad I have and the conditions we have."

Clássicos at the beginning of the season
"This doesn't change our ambition at all. I'm proud and happy with the squad I have at my disposal."

The substitutes he used
"Those who came on, played well. They have responded and are waiting for the coach to give them opportunities. I'm happy with what they did."

Starting a new streak at Alvalade
"I can promise a lot of hard work and ambition to win every game. This team have already shown that they are very capable. I have no doubt that we will be very happy."

Sporting CP fall 1-2 to FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a 1-2 defeat against FC Porto on Liga Portugal Matchday 4, as two goals against the run of play in the second half saw their rivals snatch victory.

For the game, played in front of 50,000 fans at the Estádio José Alvalade, Rui Borges made only one change to his starting lineup, with Giorgi Kochorashvili replacing Hidemasa Morita. Matheus Reis returned on the bench.

After Morten Hjulmand was honoured for reaching 100 appearances with Sporting CP, receiving a commemorative jersey from president Frederico Varandas, O Clássico got underway.

Almost immediately, FC Porto had a goalscoring opportunity, as Borja Sainz hit the post. A subsequent William Gomes' long-range shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Rui Silva, and Sporting CP responded in the ninth minute with an effort of their own: Luis Suárez received a throw-in from Ricardo Mangas and curled a shot just wide of goal. Shortly after, Ricardo Mangas fired over the crossbar off a scramble.

In the 14th minute, Suárez stole the ball from an opposition defender in the FC Porto box and passed to Francisco Trincão, whose strike was blocked. At the other end, Luuk de Jong's shot was held by Rui Silva, and Victor Froholdt sent the ball out off Morten Hjulmand.

Sporting CP managed to mount a very dangerous counterattack in the 21st minute, as Suárez set up Pedro Gonçalves and a defender intervened. FC Porto's William Gomes tried his luck again on the half-hour mark, with Rui Silva saving.

Both Victor Froholdt and Rodrigo Mora shot off-target in the following moves, while Alan Varela tried his luck from distance.

Geny Catamo, played through at pace by Iván Fresneda, advanced into the Porto box and was brought down by Francisco Moura, but referee João Gonçalves waved play on, no penalty was given, and the first half ended 0-0.

The second half opened with Sporting CP dominating again, pushing FC Porto back. High pressing forced a mistake in the opposition's build-up play in the 48th minute, allowing Kochorashvili an opportunity that he put wide.

Suárez also failed to keep a shot between the posts, as his hit was deflected out.

Hjulmand had a header and Trincão forced Diogo Costa into a save, as the chances continued to mount. However, against the tide, FC Porto scored a goal from out of nowhere, through Luuk de Jong.

Rui Borges responded by bringing on Georgios Vagiannidis and Geovany Quenda, replacing Iván Fresneda and Geny Catamo.

FC Porto immediately scored again, this time through William Gomes. In the blink of an eye, Sporting CP rather unfairly trailed 0-2.

Conrad Harder replaced Kochorashvili in the 67th minute, and Sporting CP began to put pressure on their opponents again. In the 70th minute, Quenda worked his way excellently down the right and sent the ball into the middle of the box, requiring Diogo Costa to step in.

Sporting CP finally got a goal in the 74th minute: Gonçalo Inácio found Ricardo Mangas, who tried to set up Harder, and the FC Porto defence sent the ball into their own net.

Spurred on by the goal, they continued to attack. A venomous cross from Geovany Quenda nearly led to another own goal in the 77th minute. Then, in the 84th minute, Suárez's shot was saved by Diogo Costa.

The Colombian threatened further two minutes later, when he smashed a shot that needed a great save from the opposition goalkeeper. Ricardo Mangas then headed wide.

Hjulmand's shot over the bar and a few attacks near the FC Porto box rounded off the game, which concluded in a harsh loss for Sporting CP.

After the international break, the team travel to take on FC Famalicão.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 63'), Ivan Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 63'), Zeno Debast, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas, Morten Hjulmand [C], Giorgi Kochorashvili (Conrad Harder 67'), Francisco Trincao, Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 89') and Luis Suárez.

The coach looks ahead to the Clássico against FC Porto

This Saturday at 8:30 pm, the Estádio José Alvalade hosts the first Clássico of the season. In his pre-match press conference before the game against FC Porto, coach Rui Borges highlighted the new dynamics of the opposition that Sporting CP face.

The UEFA Champions League Draw
"I'm happy, above all, that we can enjoy this competition, which is the best in the world at club level. We want to honour Sporting CP in the best way possible, do our best, and continue on our path, always taking each game at a time, with great passion and a desire to achieve great things."

FC Porto
"We've had some time to understand FC Porto's dynamic under their new coach. They're a side that's true to their style, very strong in terms of acceleration, very dynamic and aggressive with the ball, and very hard pressing, competitive, and strong in defensive duels.

Physically, they’re stronger now, with taller players, and they win many duels with their first press. We have to be prepared to balance this momentum and then impose our style against strong opponents. We are two confident teams that play good football. Above all, let it be a great game, at home, in front of our fans."

Differences between Sporting CP and FC Porto
"We don't have many players whose primary individual strength is winning duels, but we have the technical quality to overcome that.

We're used to teams using man-to-man marking with us, so I believe the team are prepared for the physical demands of the game. These are two teams that like to press and have the ball, and that display good quality in their play."

FC Porto's attacking options
"FC Porto, as their president has said, had the biggest spending transfer window in their history. They have many options, a lot of quality, are a big club, and have great players capable of delivering a good response.

Luuk de Jong brings some solutions, Samu others, but I look more at the collective than the individuals. I believe Samu will play, but we'll be prepared for either solution."

Changes in FC Porto's approach
Strategically, there may be different behaviours from them, depending on the opposition. But I believe that FC Porto -based on our knowledge of [Francesco] Farioli-, will not compromise much in their approach, whether offensively or defensively. FC Porto will try to be a pressing team, and it's up to us to be able to counter that pressure.

Who the favourites are
I can say that we could be slight favourites because we're playing at home. Our fans can tip the scales in our favour. That's what led us to become champions last season.

Set pieces
Regarding set pieces: We've conceded three goals from them. CD Nacional were stronger than us in that aspect, always creating danger from set pieces, but we were very competent throughout the game. It's natural that at some point we would have conceded a goal from a set piece by now. We know FC Porto are strong in this aspect of the game, but we have to be competitive and outplay that. Our focus and momentum haven't changed at all because we conceded from a set piece.

Responding to FC Porto
It's important to respond in every game, because tomorrow's game won't decide who will be champion. We're on Matchday 4. It's an important game on our journey, a big game against a great team, but these are the games that stress me out the least. We want to be strong, in front of our fans, and keep winning.

Conrad Harder
Conrad [Harder] is prepared for the demands of the FC Porto game. It's that simple. He and Luis Suárez are in our plans. They're different attackers, who offer different things. I'm happy with both of them, but the choice of who plays depends a lot on the opposition’s profile and the strategy for each game.

The transfer market
I'm not thinking about it quite honestly. I'm thinking about tomorrow's game, which will be very difficult, and I want to make the most of it. We want to go into the international break with a win, but the game will demand a lot from us. That's my focus.

Sporting CP start their European campaign away to Bayern Munich

Sporting CP's opponents in the league stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League were announced on Thursday, in a draw that took place in Monaco.

Giorgio Marchetti, secretary general of UEFA, plus former players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kaká, oversaw the draw.

In the single-leg league stage, teams from the same country do not face one another. The first game of the stage will be held on September 16-17th, with the last on January 28th, 2026.

The UEFA Champions League final is set for May 30th, 2026, at the Puskas Arena.

Sporting CP's League Stage opponents:

- FC Bayern (Allianz Arena)
- Paris St. Germain (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Juventus FC (Allianz Stadium)
- Club Brugge KV (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Olympique Marseille (Estádio José Alvalade)
- SSC Napoli (Diego Armando Maradona Stadium)
- Kairat FC (Estádio José Alvalade)
- Athletic Club (San Mamés Stadium)

The squad begin preparations for the clash with FC Porto

Sporting CP returned to training on Tuesday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo to continue preparations for their match against FC Porto.

For the session, coach Rui Borges called up centre back Rômulo from the B team, while Maxi Araújo, Ousmane Diomande, Nuno Santos, Daniel Bragança, and Hidemasa Morita were assigned to the Performance Unit.

On Wednesday, the squad will train in the morning, behind closed doors, in Alcochete.

The coach reviews the win over CD Nacional

Rui Borges analysed the 1-4 win over CD Nacional in his post-match press conference, looking at the key factors in the turnaround victory.

Analysis of the game
"What unlocked the match was the team's seriousness. We remained consistent and realised that we could turn the result around. It was always a difficult game, even when we were against ten men. Last week, CD Nacional -also with ten men-, drew 1-1 with Rio Ave FC. Sometimes it doesn't make the game easier, but actually more difficult, and in this case, on top of that, they were winning 1-0. CD Nacional created danger for us with three chances: Two corners and a free kick. Otherwise, the game belonged to us, with several chances for us to score. In the first half, we lacked proactivity; we were very reactive. It was a game where we dominated from start to finish. We had a great game again."

Pedro Gonçalves' "best version"
"This was the best version of Sporting CP: 'Pote,' Trincão, Luís [Suárez], Geny, Quenda... The guys who came on did very well, like Harder, Quenda, and Vagiannidis. They maintained the momentum we were building in the second half on the right. We were able to create danger and create overloads. Giorgi [Kochorashvili] also came on and did very well, despite Morita's misfortune. It's the best version of Sporting CP I've seen. They look focused, ambitious, and we're a team, above all, who are happy when we are playing."

Hidemasa Morita's injury in the 32nd minute
"He felt a little discomfort and we didn't want to take any more risk with him. He also signaled to us immediately to make the change. We'll find out the severity of the injury and see when we can have him back."

A hat trick helps Sporting CP to a 1-4 triumph against CD Nacional

Sporting Clube de Portugal came home with all three points from their trip to Funchal, on the island of Madeira, as they defeated CD Nacional 1-4 on Matchday 3 of the Liga Portugal season. It continued their perfect start to the campaign.

In the third minute, the home team took the lead following a corner kick, and only in the second half, with CD Nacional reduced to ten men, did Sporting CP fight back with a vital contribution from Pedro Gonçalves: He scored the first two goals, provided an assist for Conrad Harder and, completing his hat trick, rounded off the goals.

Up against a side with just one point thus far in 2025/2026, Rui Borges used the same starting XI he had fielded against FC Arouca last time out. Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Zeno Debast, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas, Morten Hjulmand – playing his 100th game for the club –, Hidemasa Morita, Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves, and Luís Suárez all featured on a sunny afternoon at Choupana.

They could have created a significant threat in the opening seconds, with Suárez only denied by a charge when preparing a shot -and no penalty was subsequently awarded.

CD Nacional, meanwhile, did have joy going forward. Their first attack came from a corner kick, and resulted in a goal just three minutes in. At the far post, Léo Santos met Liziero's cross with a header to make it 1-0, as Sporting CP conceded for the first time this season in the league.

After the setback, the visitors immediately upped the intensity, and had chances to equalise within the first ten minutes. Suárez misread a deflection in the box, and shortly after, 'Pote' hit the post with a powerful shot.

Sporting CP monopolised possession and continued to reach the final third, albeit lacking accuracy in front of goal: Catamo, in a good position, sent a weak shot straight into Lucas França's hands, and then neither Trincão, with a first-time right-footed shot, nor Gonçalves, with a curling strike, could find the net.

In the final stretch of the first half, CD Nacional were reduced to ten men. Giorgi Kochorashvili had come off the bench to replace the injured Morita, and the Georgian was clattered into on the edge of the box, resulting in Pablo Ruan's second yellow card and his dismissal.

Hjulmand and 'Pote' had chances to equalise before halftime, but the captain headed wide and his teammate also struck off-target.

A final chance of the first half went to CD Nacional, which Matheus Dias headed over.

A response was imperative, and it arrived quickly at the start of the second half. In the 53rd minute, a beautiful team move culminated in a powerful shot from Gonçalves inside the box, to score his first goal of 2025/26. It had started with an attacking recovery by Trincão, who released the ball for a combination between Catamo and Fresneda before Luis Suárez back-heeled the ball into Gonçalves' path.

The team gained new energy with the introduction of Geovany Quenda and Georgios Vagiannidis on the wings. The Greek fullback only failed to make an immediate impact because, in a move he played a leading role in, which ended in Suárez putting the ball in the net, a VAR check denied the goal for offside.

Gonçalves popped up again to become decisive in the final 15 minutes. After snaking in from the left, he ducked inside and, with a low shot, found the back of the net, making it 1-2.

CD Nacional provided a scare from another set piece, with second-half substitute Lucas João appearing in the goalmouth but heading over.

Conrad Harder came on to replace Catamo, and soon left his mark on the game. From a low cross from 'Pote', the Dane slid to the ground to turn the ball in.

Shortly after, Suárez showed his generosity by laying the ball off to Gonçalves, but an opposition defender managed to clear away.

In stoppage time, Gonçalves rounded off his hat trick, striking from the edge of the area off an assist by Suárez.

The game ended 1-4, and Rui Borges has now gone 22 consecutive league games unbeaten as coach of Sporting CP.

Next up for Sporting CP is a big game against FC Porto at the Estádio José Alvalade on Matchday 4.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 64’), Zeno Debast, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas (Geovany Quenda, 64’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 32’), Geny Catamo (Conrad Harder, 77’), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves, Luís Suárez.

The coach looks ahead to the game against CD Nacional

Ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal’s trip to Madeira, where they will face CD Nacional on Saturday, coach Rui Borges talked to the media in a press conference.

CD Nacional
“On the last matchday, their opponents snatched a draw when playing with ten men, which ends up being motivating for their growth and belief. They are in a phase of adaptation, seeking to gain more and more consistency in their play. Five or six players from last season's starting lineup have left, and they are looking for a better dynamic.

Despite everything, they are quite a tough side at home. I've been there and I know firsthand what it's like to play at Choupana. It will always be difficult: Due to the weather, which we don't know what it will be like, the humidity, the heat... We have to be prepared for whatever we can control.

Last year, CD Nacional were the team with the sixth or seventh most shots on goal. They are very direct and will be highly motivated to face the reigning champions. For that reason alone, any team will be motivated -but we will be prepared too."

Rumours about Conrad Harder
"Sporting CP are a big club, with very capable departments, always prepared for the demands of daily life, and prepared for any departure. That means any departure. We had a wonderful season last year, and it's natural that clubs will come looking for our players at any time.

But, as I’ve said before, there are buyout clauses. If someone comes along, meets the clause, and the player wants to leave, we can't do anything other than be proactive in anticipating these situations.

We're prepared for any departure. My job, more than focusing on the transfer market, is to prepare the players for the game. I work at a big club, and if I were to focus on the transfer market, I wouldn't be coaching.

Harder is in the squad for tomorrow's game. Everyone wants to be a starter; it's natural. He's been working very well, working to play more and more, so we'll just have to wait and see what the coach decides."

Rumours about Morten Hjulmand
"It's natural that people talk about him too, but he's focused on Sporting CP. He's grown a lot, he's very important to our dynamic, he's our captain and leader, he's been named in the squad for tomorrow and will certainly have another good game.

In training, no player seems affected [by the rumours]. The response from all the players has been as expected: they show they're committed to training, the game, and the club. They're happy, as I've always felt, and they're a true family."

Injured players
"We're rushing to find out when and if we can have Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araújo back. We want to have them available for the next few matches, but I can't say exactly when they'll be back."

Offensive set pieces
"There are several players who, technically speaking, have the ability to take set pieces, whatever they may be.

Pedro Gonçalves, [Francisco] Trincão, Zeno [Debast]... It depends on the shot, the moment, the inspiration of each player -which counts for a lot-, and the space on the pitch. But our players are great and capable of responding in any situation, whether from a set piece or not."

Opportunities for Rayan Lucas
"Rayan is a B team player. We see a lot of potential in him and believe he's a mature player who is capable, despite his young age, of helping the kids here. He's a national team player who should be playing for Brazil at the U-20 World Cup. He's a kid who likes to listen and learn and works very hard, but he's adapting to the demands of European football and Sporting CP.

He trains with us most of the time and has responded well. Despite his young age, he has a different level of maturity, is very humble, and I believe he could be important in the first team in the future, but he came here to help the B team. The idea is to help him become a first team player as well."

Integration of new signings and Vagiannidis' situation
"Everyone has responded to the need for a starting role. [Giorgios] Vagiannidis is growing, and he looks happy with his new situation. He stepped out of his comfort zone and has adapted very well, despite some shyness that's still noticeable -even on the pitch. He's trying to fully integrate into the dynamic and gain knowledge of his teammates, but he's prepared for any decision the manager makes. Everyone will start: Some today, others tomorrow.

He came on at halftime because Iván [Fresneda] was already on a yellow card, but both have responded very well, and they're two players who are prepared to be starters at any moment.”