Memorable comeback sees Sporting through to the Europa League knock-out stages

With just 25 minutes left on the clock, the odds were certainly stacked against Sporting: Lokomotiv held a lead a lead in Albania and Besiktas were 1-0 up in Alvalade. However, Jorge Jesus' side once again showed a cool head that has been so characteristic of this season, coming back to win 3-1 and secure a place in the next round of the Europa League.

It was Sporting who made the stronger start of the two sides, creating a chance almost from the off with a delicate first touch from Montero and a shot from João Mário to test Zengin. However, Besiktas soon found their footing, courtesy largely of some aggressive midfield play and high pressure defending that saw a fair share of passes miss the mark. Again Montero was the instigator up front for Sporting with a dangerous shot that was deflected wide, before the the visiting Turks saw a few chances of their own go wanting.

Clean chances on goal for Besiktas were few and far between, but the Turkish outfit did a commendable job of smothering the space down the middle. Reading the game, Jorge Jesus introduced  Gelson Martins into the action in place of Montero, bringing João Mário into a more central role in a move that saw Sporting almost instantly improve.

Sporting started the second-half with more possession, but passes continued to go wayward. Quaresma made the most of a hashed counter-attack to put a ball across the face of goal that Mario Gomez comfortably converted on to open scoring. Facing an uphill battle, Jesus brought on Teo Gutiérrez and the tables soon turned in the hosts' favour. After a warning shot on 63 minutes that ended up just over the bar, Slimani struck three minutes later after showing nerve to stretch for a pass from Ruiz to beat the onrushing Zengin. On 72 minutes, Bryan Ruiz completed the turnaround with a low drive that the Besiktas keeper could to little to keep put.

Besiktas could do little but admire the Sporting rally, as Gelson's speed and Teo's movement carved holes in the their defence as the clock ticked over. It was actually the two substitutes who finally finished off the Turks, with showing some brilliant composure to wrong-foot a defender and score Sporting's third.

The win sees Sporting finish in second place in Group H with 10 points, being Lokomotiv Moscow.

Gelson Martins and Bryan Ruiz on Thursday's Europa League win

"We kept looking for the win. We fell behind but we showed character and we didn't give up", is how Gelson summed up his side's 3-1 win against Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Bryan Ruiz was also on hand to share his thoughts on the win. "It wasn't an easy game. Besiktas are a great side, but we knew we had to win tonight. It was made that bit harder when we conceded, but we carried on working and we are really happy right now", said the Costa Rican at the final whistle, adding: "We have some tough matches coming up in the league and the cup. We are hoping for another win on Sunday and we will push on from there."

Jorge Jesus praises his team's fighting spirit in 3-1 comeback against Besiktas

Jorge Jesus was understandably full of praise for his side at the final whistle of Thursday's comeback against Besiktas, securing a place in the Europa League knock-out stages.

“The lads worked really hard to win 3-1 after being 1-0 down. We didn't just lay down and accept defeat. I want to highlight the quality of this squad. We played against the top team in Turkey and the second placed team in Russia. Our group had two really strong teams and it really wasn't a Europa League group. We are through, which was our goal, without risking what we are doing domestically", opened Jorge Jesus.

The Sporting coach went on to dedicate the win to president Bruno de Carvalho, before casting his thoughts to coming fixtures: "This one was for the players, the fans and especially the president, because he has changed this club over the last two years. In February the team will be stronger in every competition, because have some time now to work. However, what matters most now is our next game on Sunday."

Jorge Jesus included 18 for Besiktas showdown

Jorge Jesus has named a squad of 18 to face Besiktas this Thursday night, on matchday six of Europa League Group H.

Squad list in full:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício and Marcelo Boeck;

Defenders: João Pereira, Ricardo Esgaio, Paulo Oliveira, Naldo, Tobias Figueiredo and Jefferson;

Midfielders: William, Adrien, Aquilani and João Mário;

Forwards: Gelson Martins, Matheus Pereira, Bryan Ruiz, Fredy Montero, Teo Gutiérrez and Slimani.

Sporting-Besiktas will kick off on Thursday the 10th of December at 20h05, in Estádio José Alvalade.

Jorge Jesus ahead of Thursday's hosting of Besiktas

Speaking in a Europa League matchday 6 pre-match press conference, Jorge Jesus warned caution for what is a powerful Besiktas front three, while affirming that his side have some tricks of their own in the race for a spot in the last-32.

“It is a game what will define qualification for Besiktas and Sporting. If we win, we carry on in the competition, which is what we want. We will be facing the team that is in first right now in the Turkish league, they are a strong side and they have three good players up front in Mario Gómez, Quaresma and Töre. Behind them three as well they have Sosa. They have really good players at the top end of the pitch and it won't be easy to stop them, but we are ready", opened the Alvalade boss, going on to comment on the usual subject of squad rotation: "We have reached the final game and we can still qualify, but that doesn't change my mind about the Europa League, which is an important competition for us. The domestic league is the most important thing anywhere in the world, but that won't take away from our responsibility tomorrow."

Revealing that Ewerton will not be available and that Teo Gutiérrez will be a late call tomorrow, Jesus also commented on the press linking Quaresma to Alvalade: "Nobody has any doubt that most Sporting fans would like to have Quaresma back. It has only come up to sell newspapers."

Esgaio ahead of Thursday's hosting ofao encontro Besiktas

Tomorrow's hosting of Besiktas has a place in the next round of the Europa League riding on it and only three points will do the trick for the team from Alvalade. For Esgaio, his side have more than enough quality to overcome the powerful Turkish visitors.

“Of course it will be a hard game. Besiktas are a good team, but we will work hard to reach our objective. We know that they are an excellent team, with excellent players. Quaresma? He is a quality player, he is Portuguese and everyone knows him, but we are all focused on what we have to do to get the three points. The squad is more and more confident with every game we play and that is really important", affirmed the young wing-back, going on to add a word on Jorge Jesus' policy of rotation: "All of the lads are ready to play and the team that plays is the one that the boss believes is the best for each particular game. We all do our best to make sure we take our chances when we get them."

André Carrillo

With consideration to constant attention being given to the issue, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD would like to note the following:

1. No deal agreement with the player André Carrillo has been reached for the renewal of his contact.

2. The disciplinary process against André Carrillo is underway and is awaiting the testimony of the parties involved.

3. The player is still suspended from all sports activity.

Tiago Antunes for II Liga matchday 20

Tiago Antunes, 34, from the Coimbra Football Association, has been named to take charge of Sporting B's hosting of Desp. Aves, on II Liga matchday 20.

Pedro Miguel Ribeiro and Paulo Brás will act as linesmen.

This will be the first time Tiago Antunes officiates over a Sporting B encounter this season.

Sporting B-Desp. Aves will get underway at 15h00 on Wednesday the 9th of November, in the CGD Stadium Aurélio Pereira, at the Sporting Academy.

Players and staff enjoy the festive season

Sporting's senior squad held their annual Christmas lunch this week, hosted in Lisbon's Páteo Alfacinha.

The entire squad took part, as well as the whole technical team. 

Manuel Gräfe named for Europa League showdown

The German referee Manuel Gräfe, 42, has been named to take charge of Sporting's Europa League Group H matchday six hosting of Besiktas.

Guido Kleve and Mark Borsch will act as linesmen and Marco Fritz and Benjamin Brand as additional referees. Christoph Bornhorst has been named as the 4th official.

Sporting-Besiktas will kick off at 20h05 on Thursday the 10th of December, in Estádio José Alvalade.