First-half strike from Alan Ruiz unable to secure the three points

Sporting CP was held to a frustrating draw by Vitória de Guimarães, on Liga NOS matchday 24.

After stealing the limelight earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, it was again Marega who spoiled the party, netting in a second-half of notably low quality football. The first-half was, however, a different story, with the double of Bas Dost and Alan Ruiz having their fair share of opportunities. The big Dutchman, despite being unable to find the net, had a decent evening and it was him who set up Ruiz (34') for Sporting CP's only goal.

The goal came right in the middle of Sporting CP's best spell and four minutes later Bruno César had a golden opportunity to double the lead, but the Brazilian was unable to get the better of the Gumarães keeper. Another four minutes later, Alan Ruiz set up Alvalade's number 28, but the tight angle was always going to complicate the finish.

Sporting CP had controlled proceedings in the first-half, but the interval took the energy out of the attacking play and Guimarães made the most of the opportunities to get forward. Hernâni, who had been testing Ricardo Esgaio all evening, created the visitor's first real chance (57'), but Paulo Oliveira was able to put in a last ditch clearance. Sporting CP responded through a shot from Campbell that finished up the wrong side of the post, before Marega netted with 14 minutes let on the clock.

Yellow cards for Bruno César (23') and Alan Ruiz (33') mean that Jorge Jesus will be forced into making chances for his side's next outing, with the pair suspended for the coming trip to Tondela (11th of Match).

Squad list for Liga NOS matchday 24

Jorge Jesus has released his squad list for Sunday's hosting of Vitória de Guimarães (20h30):

1 – Rui Patrício
26 – Azbe Jug
34 – Beto Pimparel

2 – Ezequiel Schelotto
4 – Jefferson Moreira
7 – Joel Campbell
10 – Bryan Ruiz
11 – Bruno César
13 – Sebastian Coates
14 – William Carvalho
15 – Paulo Oliveira
20 – Luc Castaignos
28 – Bas Dost
31 – Marvin Zeegelaar
35 – Rúben Semedo
47 – Ricardo Esgaio
56 – Daniel Podence
66 – João Palhinha
77 – Gelson Martins
99 – Alan Ruiz

Jesus looks ahead to Liga NOS matchday 24

Estádio José Alvalade will host Liga NOS matchday 24 between Sporting CP and V. Guimarães this Sunday, with Sporting CP looking to put together a fourth consecutive win.

For coach Jorge Jesus, there is no margin for error against a Guimarães team that also have their eyes on a European spot: "The obligation to win is part of being at Sporting CP. Our last few wins have given us confidence and you can see the players improving. We know we will be facing one of the league's better sides, so I am sure it will be an emotionally charged game."

Schelotto highlights Jorge Jesus' influence since his arrival in the Portuguese capital

Sporting CP's Ezequiel Schelotto gave an extensive interview with Sporting TV this week, speaking about his relationship with Jorge Jesus and his new-found opportunity to show what he is capable of.

"This is a very well known team, where really famous players like Beto Acosta have played. Sporting CP is always in European competitions and I already knew Jesus for what he had been doing. I didn't hesitate for a second when he called me", opened the wing-back, adding: "I wasn't playing a lot and I took a decision together with my wife. After two years with Parma I decided to finish my contract. After that I waited for two months for an opportunity, which came through Jorge Jesus. He wanted to take to me and I am really greatful."

Schelotto also revealed what was said in his first conversation with Jesus: "He said to be: Ezequiel, you are coming here to play at right-back. We spoke on the phone, because I was in Italy, but when I arrived in Portugal he told me that he would help me adapt to the new position and that I would have to work hard because no one is guaranteed a place in the team here. It took me two months to adapt and I had already been out of training for two months. I really like Jesus' energy and all I can do is try and repay the confidence he has shown in me. I have learnt a lot."

Jorge Jesus happy with his side's third consecutive Liga NOS win

"We are looking to turn in consecutive wins to build up more confidence", opened Jorge Jesus at the final whistle on Saturday evening, after watching his side beat Estoril 2-0.

Despite having tallied what is now a third consecutive Liga NOS win, Jesus is keen to see his team put away more of the abundance of the opportunities being created: "We played well, although we were better in the second-half. We were better today than we were against Rio Ave and the lads are starting to understand better now our defensive processes, which gives us time to score. We didn't have a lot of chances early on, but we scored as soon as we did. The second-half was better for us and we had opportunities through against the Estoril keeper. We have to be more effective when we have chances like those."

Asked to comment on his midfield choice, bringing in Palhinha in place of Adrien, along side the injured William Carvalho, Jesus was full of praise for the pair: "William played a lot better after the break. He wasn't playing in his usual position, so he was a bit lost in terms of positioning in the first-half. Palhinha is a young lad who is learning to keep his cool, but he is really strong physically and I am sure he will have a great career. Step by step we will give the youngsters opportunities."

Bryan Ruiz and Bas Dost secure third consecutive Liga NOS victory

Two Sporting CP goals in Estádio António Coimbra da Mota without response secured a third successive Liga NOS win for Jorge Jesus' side this weekend. It was Bryan Ruiz and Bas Dost who found the net, with the latter taking his season tally to 18 in 20 matches.

Dost's late goal (86') was the cherry on the top of the cake after some quick attacking football that first found the net in the 22nd minute, when Alan Ruiz broke away down the right and drove a cross into the box. Schelotto failed to capitalise, but Bryan Ruiz was on hand at the far post to slot in from close range. In all honesty, Sporting CP could and should have walked away with a much more express margin of victory, but a lack of a more clinical touch in front of goal saw various opportunities left wanting.

Jorge Jesus sits down with the press ahead of the weekend's short trip to Estoril

Although Estoril Praia are having a tough season, Jorge Jesus did not dismiss the potential of this Saturday's opponent, particularly on home turf.

"Playing in Amoreira is always hard for the big teams. They need the points to try to get out of a position that they aren't used to being in, but we need them as well to get closer to our rivals. It is going to be a hard fought game and we will be under pressure at times, but that is part of it. The best teams can't always dominate", said the Sporting CP coach, adding: "We will have to do the best we can with the players we have available and we fully trust in the lads. Obviously Adrien would be in the team and he is our captain, so it won't be the same, but we believe in whoever comes in."

Currently nine points off 2nd in Liga NOS, Jorge Jesus dismissed the idea of difficulty in motivating his players. After all, playing for Sporting CP is enough to fire up any athlete: "It isn't hard to motivate players, because this is a club that always fights to be at the top. Tomorrow our objective is to ge the three points and we want to secure a Champions League place as soon as possible."

The Alvalade boss finished with an analysis of Estoril, led by Pedro Carmona: "The new Estoril coach is still implementing his ideas. It won't be an Estoril team that looks to get forward, that is our job. They will be well organised at the back, from dead balls and attacking on the break."

Ticket news for Liga NOS matchday 23

Tickets for Liga NOS matchday 23, between Estoril Praia and Sporting Clube de Portugal, will go on sale at the Estádio José Alvalade ticket offices (from 10h00 to  20h00) as follows:

WEDNESDAY | Club Members with a Gamebox 2016/2017
THURSDAY | Club Members
FRIDAY | General public

A valid Gamebox or Member card must be presented on the first two days of sale (January 2017 fees paid), with each card valid for 1 ticket. Each person may present a total of 4 cards.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h15 on Saturday the 25th of February, in Estádio António Coimbra da Mota. Tickets are for the North Goal End and are priced at 12€ each. 

Adrien Silva

Following the injury sustained in the match Sporting CP - Rio Ave FC, the player Adrien Silva was evaluated by Sporting Clube de Portugal's medical department, with the following diagnostic:

Rui Patrício makes 400th senior apperance with brilliant display

He was the star of the show, making his 400th appearance and putting in one of his finest performances in the process.

"We all went out to get the win and that is what matters most. That is what we want to do in every game and that is how this club is. I had to do a lot tonight, but that is part of the game and we all do our best. The best way to celebrate was with the win", said Rui Patrício at the final whistle on Saturday night.