The coach talks after the 2-1 loss to RB Leipzig

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference to analyse the game.

"With everything the team were able to do, they didn't deserve to leave here with no points. Overall, we were the better side. We managed, especially in the second half, to be more proactive and intense, and we didn't let them focus play inside as much. We started well in the first half, then didn't do so well, and in the last 10 or 15 minutes we took control of the game again with more clarity. We finished the first half on top," he explained.

"At the start of the second half we didn't do well, but after the first five minutes and the substitutions, we ran play. We pressed, were strong in duels, but, after our goal, we conceded a second goal from a situation in which we have to be much more mature and practical -and we were penalised. Then, we still had two or three more chances on goal."

According to the coach "Sporting CP were ambitious from start to finish" and Viktor Gyökeres "was on the bench for tactical reasons, like in the last game."

"He's the best player in the league at the moment, the most sought after. If he was at 100%, of course he would play. He's tired, but Sporting CP are very good in all departments. There's a lot of communication between everyone and the time set for him was the time he played, so as to not worsen the problem. If he played from the beginning, we could lose Viktor for a long time -and that's not what we want," Borges stated.

After confirming that Jeremiah St. Juste went off in the first half it due to injury, Borges addressed the issue of the January transfer window.

"For someone to come in, someone will have to leave. For now, the most important thing is to feel that Daniel Bragança and Hidemasa Morita came on for longer periods and gave a good response. We are, little by little, getting everyone back to 100% fitness," he said.

Sporting CP fall 2-1 to RB Leipzig in the Champions League

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost 2-1 to German side RB Leipzig on the seventh matchday of the UEFA Champions League league stage.

A cold night, with temperatures close to zero degrees, greeted coach Rui Borges' debut in the competition. Sporting CP wanted to mathematically guarantee a place in the playoff stage, whilst their opponents were looking to score their first points in the competition this season.

Borges made two changes in the starting lineup to that fielded in Vila do Conde, including  Franco Israel coming in for Rui Silva (ineligible to play until the next stage). Alexandre Brito and Denilson Santos were called up on the bench.

Sporting CP started strongly, showing great personality in the opening minutes. In one of their first attacks, the opening chance arrived: A beautiful passage of play on the left, with Geovany Quenda feeding Maxi Araújo, who in turn served up the ball for Conrad Harder, but the Dane shot over. Soon after, the striker tried his luck from long distance, but goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt saved.

In response, RB Leipzig had shots through Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda. They made it 1-0 shortly afterwards, when David Raum appeared in space on the left and set up Benjamin Šeško, who finished at the far post.

The German team continued to apply pressure, as seen in the attacks from Amadou Haidara and Xavi Simons, although both did not result in anything dangerous. At the other end, Sporting CP threatened again when Geny Catamo picked out Maxi Araújo on the far side with a great pass, the Uruguayan denied by Christoph Baumgartner.

Gonçalo Inácio replaced Jeremiah St. Just in the 29th minute, and RB Leipzig put the ball in the back of the net again at the half-hour mark -this time with a goal by David Raum that was disallowed for offside.

Towards the end of the first half, Harder shot over with a deflection off a defender, and there was almost an own goal when Geovany Quenda's hit from a corner clipped Xavi Simons, but the ball went narrowly wide.

Just before the break, Inácio played upfield for Catamo and the Mozambican looked for Harder, but it was Iván Fresneda who found a shot -blocked by David Raum. The Spaniard repeated the feat on the next attack, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu using his head keep the strike out.

In stoppage time, after a great move by Francisco Trincão, a rebound fell to Zeno Debast, who powered a chance very close, but a RB Leipzig defender deflected the ball out for a corner.

In the second half, it was RB Leipzig who began better, and had the first chance when Xavi Simons took advantage of Franco Israel's run out to aim for the goal -shooting over. Shortly afterwards, Amadou Haidara hit the post and Manfredas Lukjančukas went close from a free kick.

In response, Borges brought on Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança and Viktor Gyökeres into to replace Zeno Debast, Geny Catamo and Conrad Harder, and there was an almost immediate impact, as the Swedish striker received a cross from Trincão and tried to head home. Then it was Morten Hjulmand's turn, shooting hard and wide.

Sporting CP continued to get closer and closer to pulling a goal back. Bragança made a dangerous cross to the first post that Maarten Vandevoordt grabbed and Maxi Araújo, from distance, shot well over the top.

Finally, 15 minutes from the end, the goal came: Bragança launched a ball forward to Viktor Gyökeres and the striker snaked away from Willi Orbán before smashing the ball into the net.

RB Leipzig took the lead again thanks to Yussuf Poulsen's goal, and in the closing moments Benjamin Šeško forced a straightforward save by Franco Israel. Sporting CP had two headers wide, from Gyökeres and Inácio, but fell 2-1 on the night.

Sporting CP now play CD Nacional at home in Liga Portugal on Saturday night.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Iván Fresneda (Ricardo Esgaio, 76'), Ousmane Diomande, Jeremiah St. Juste (Gonçalo Inácio, 29'), Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast (Hideasa Morita, 54'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 54'), Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Conrad Harder (Viktor Gyökeres, 54').

The midfielder looks ahead to Champions League action

Daniel Bragança spoke to the media on Tuesday, previewing Sporting Clube de Portugal’s game against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

"The team feel good and are motivated to achieve a good result. We are coming off a very good victory in a game that was very well played on our part. The team are back to feeling confident, but these are different competitions. We need and want to get more points in this competition, and tomorrow we will fight for it.”

The midfielder, who returned from injury in Vila do Conde in Liga Portugal this past weekend, assured that he is now working to get back to his best level.

"I've already recovered 100% and it's always good to return. I'm prepared and looking to get into the best shape as quickly as possible."

Admitting that there is quality competition for the midfield spots, he said that "it's no surprise at Sporting CP, where there are always excellent players. The team got used to the new coach really quickly and I will try to do the same.”

Finally, he spoke about RB Leipzig, commenting that "We analysed RB Leipzig very carefully. People can look at the zero points they have at the moment in the UEFA Champions League, but I look at the fact that that they are fighting for the top places in the Bundesliga.”

The coach speaks before the Champions League tie with RB Leipzig

Sporting Clube de Portugal face RB Leipzig on Wednesday, on the seventh matchday of the UEFA Champions League.

After the team's arrival in Germany, coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his press conference and started by emphasising that his debut in the UEFA Champions League "only has real meaning if the victory that guarantees access to the playoffs comes -and that's the goal."

"RB Leipzig are dangerous all together. I look at their team and the formation they have fielded, which has been different between the UEFA Champions League and the Bundesliga. I'm focusing on that to get my players ready for tomorrow," he told reporters.

"At a team like Sporting CP, we only think about winning. We know that there are opponents who will cause us more problems and make us suffer more, but we will always fight for victory. Our objective is clear: To reach the playoffs. To do this, We have to win tomorrow against a great team," he continued by saying.

The coach admitted that reaching UEFA Champions League level "is a dream come true."

"Maybe a year, or a year and a half ago, I was on the couch watching the games and dreaming of being there. I'm very proud of what brought us here as a coaching staff, which was hard work."

"I feel that the team are very well prepared. We've had some very difficult games since taking charge, and the team gave a fantastic response. With few training sessions and a change of formation, we could have had more difficulties, but the players are intelligent and have a lot of quality, as you can see from the response on the pitch," he told the media.

For Borges, fitness "could be crucial, especially because the RB Leipzig press a lot and are competitive in the individual duels. We will have a lot of duels and we have to be able to match their physical and athletic capacity. So, we have to be smart to understand what the game is giving us in terms of space, to be able to be on top of the game. We are going to have a nice challenge, but I think we will be prepared."

Finally, Borges addressed the Sportinguistas.

"We know that physically they are not here, but that they will be cheering and suffering a lot for us at home, so that we can leave here with victory."

The coach talks after the win against Rio Ave FC

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-3 victory at Rio Ave FC, coach Rui Borges reviewed the game for the media.

"We could have scored more goals, with the quality we had from start to finish. We were always switched on and could have scored more from transitions. We could have been calmer in that regard, but we controlled things from start to finish with a lot of quality. We had a huge spirit and a great ability to understand the game in strategic terms. The game against Vitória SC served as an example," he explained.

On Rui Silva, who debuted in goal, he said "he had a good game, with the little he had to do. He always gave peace of mind to the team. I want to mention Franco Israel, who has played some wonderful games. I'm happy about Rui's debut and I hope that, in the future, when he has work to do, he shows that he is present."

In relation to Zeno Debast, who occupied a midfield position, Borges considered that the Belgian "had a great game and only went off due to fatigue. I work with him every day and I know what he is capable of. He is very intelligent in reading the game and has above-average decision making. He has a fantastic personality and he wants to learn. We talked and found out if he was comfortable and available to take risks to help the team. He was always willing and responded brilliantly."

He also commented on the returns of Gonçalo Inácio and Daniel Bragança.

"I'm happy to be able to have Daniel Bragança with us again, and Gonçalo Inácio had a great game. Above all, I'm happy with the response that everyone gave," he said.

Asked about Conrad Harder, Borges reiterated that the Danish striker "worked hard and had a great game, even though he didn't score. He did everything we asked, even at a tactical level. He will grow and gain maturity and we all believe in him a lot, because he has a lot of potential."

Finally, Borges talked about Iván Fresneda, who "has had opportunities and has responded. The group like him and he likes the group and the club. I'm very happy with what has happened there, and I believe he can have a very good second half of the season, at the level of what people expected from him."

Sporting CP win 0-3 against Rio Ave FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal took an emphatic 0-3 away win at Rio Ave FC 0-3 in Liga Portugal, having been by far the better side throughout on a cold night in Vila do Conde. An own goal by Aderlan Santos put them ahead, followed by a penalty by Morten Hjulmand and a late strike from Viktor Gyökeres.

Coach Rui Borges made several changes to his starting XI, including handing a debut to new signing Rui Silva. Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast and Conrad Harder came in for Edwards, Quaresma, St. Juste, Simões and Gyökeres.

It took just three minutes for Sporting CP to get out in front, as Geovany Quenda's cross was met by Iván Fresneda. The hit was blocked by a defender, before Aderllan Santos' attempt to clear sent the ball into his own net.

Sporting CP continued to be the better side exerting a high press that made it impossible for Rio Ave FC to build from the back. The opportunities kept coming, in the form of shots from Conrad Harder and Morten Hjulmand that were saved by goalkeeper Cezary Miszta.

In the 15th minute, Miszta made another stop from Francisco Trincão, but the second goal came soon after. A handball in the box led to a penalty, which Hjulmand dispatched to double the lead.

Geny Catamo then threatened with an arcing shot that went slightly over and, in the 38th minute, Quenda was set up by Conrad Harder, struck hard and hit the crossbar.

Soon after, the Portuguese tried to feed the Dane, who was denied by Miszta, and just before the break Catamo went down the right and teed up Harder, who narrowly missed the target.

Shortly after the second half got underway, Sporting CP continued to create a large number of chances. Quenda sent an effort wide and Harder was inches away from a deflection that would have made it 0-3. The striker then had a large number of dangerous moments, which included another Miszta stop and a rebound slashed wide. Hjulmand was also denied twice by the home goalkeeper.

Quenda and Conrad Harder had more efforts kept out by Miszta, before the pace of the game slowed down. With ten minutes to go, Catamo and Harder made way for Daniel Bragança - back after more than a month out due to injury - and Viktor Gyökeres. The Swede's impact was immediate, as he could have scored almost instantly.

When he did get his goal, it was in the 88th minute, as Bragança led the counterattack and Gyökeres cut in from the left to the middle and shot with precision for his 33rd goal in 31 games in 2024/25.

Gyökeres also hit the post before the end, as the score remained 0-3 at the final whistle.  Sporting CP will now travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Zeno Debast (João Simões, 68'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 80'), Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão (Ricardo Esgaio, 89') and Conrad Harder (Viktor Gyökeres, 80').

The coach previews Liga Portugal Matchday 18

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to Vila do Conde this Saturday to face Rio Ave FC, on Matchday 18 of the Liga Portugal season. Coach Rui Borges previewed the game in his press conference.

"The team are tired, the same players have been playing almost always due to the injuries we have had. There is some overload and we have to be careful. I could work on one or two more details, but I won't do that with just two days."

Revealing that "Daniel Bragança could feature, although having been out of action for some time it is necessary to take precautions with him," Borges also confirmed the absence of Eduardo Quaresma and the doubt regarding Viktor Gyökeres.

Asked about the possibility of seeking solutions for absences in the transfer market, the coach explained that if he did this for each injured player, he would end the season "with 50 footballers."

"We have to adapt to injuries. We Portuguese coaches have been valued because we are capable of adapting to all contexts. Of course, Viktor is an important player and I believe we can use him the game and in the next games, but If it's not possible, we have to find some way to be competitive and win. That's what football is about: It's about being able to adapt and focusing on the problem."

After confirming that Marcus Edwards is out of the squad and that Hidemasa Morita is in doubt, Borges spoke about newly signed goalkeeper Rui Silva.
"Rui has arrived and is training, so he is an option for the game and is available. I have him in mind, just like any other goalkeeper".

Regarding this Saturday's game, he said that he expects a tricky contest.

"I'm focused on Rio Ave FC, which will be a difficult game. They are a team that haven't lost at home in 20 games. We want to go there and have a good game against a very competitive team, like their coach is, with a lot of quality. We're going to have some problems, but we want to emerge victorious regardless of everything," he assured.

"It's part of our job to understand what Rio Ave FC may or may not be able to do, given what we present. The coach, in strategic terms, always tries to adjust one thing or another within his idea for the game, to try to nullify the opposition. It's a difficult game at a difficult ground."

The group prepare for their next Liga Portugal match

On Thursday, Sporting Clube de Portugal held a training session ahead of their visit to Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal.

Once again, youngsters Alexandre Brito, Bruno Ramos, Denilson Tavares, Samuel Justo, Rafael Nel, Mauro Couto and Nilton Cardoso were integrated into the session, under the orders of the coaching staff led by Rui Borges. Daniel Bragança also trained with the team.

On Friday, another training session is planned in the morning, behind closed doors, at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, where the pre-match press conference will also be held at 12:30.

Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC face each other on Saturday, at 6pm, in Vila do Conde.

The coach reflects philosophically on the Taça da Liga defeat

Rui Borges reflected on the Taça da Liga final that Sporting CP lost on penalties to SL Benfica, and considered that his side were the better team.

“It was an evenly balanced game, with a more dynamic first half in terms of goals and in the second half more play in midfield. In the first half, where there were more opportunities, the best chances were ours. Therefore, despite the final result, I'm satisfied with what the team did and I leave here calm, with the certainty that we will be very strong over the next few months. The fact that we haven't won the Taça da Liga is because there is something better saved for us. I think that overall we were the better side, and they were happier with it going to penalties," he explained.

“Would it be different without so many players out? I wanted to have everyone, but I'm not complaining and the team were able to put on a good performance and be intense. They only lost on penalties, where SL Benfica's goalkeeper ended up being more adept. As I said, I couldn’t be more satisfied and at ease with what the team are producing,” he said.

Rui Borges reiterated that this result cannot affect his side.

“The impact of this game has to be just one night. Now we have to rest and think that we have a game next weekend, which will be difficult, but if we have the same attitude as we have been showing, the future will be bright”.

“I'm very positive about my path forward. I really believe that things happen for a reason and, as I said, if we don't win it's because something better awaits us. If we behave as we have, with this competitive side, this dedication and ambition, the future will be bright. The players really want to be champions and today they demonstrated all the ambition they have.”

Borges also spoke about Francisco Trincão, praising the Portuguese international and saying that he doesn't have to feel down about his missed penalty.

“It was him today, and it could have been someone else. He has already given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so. You have to lift your head up again and follow the path.”

A 1-1 draw with SL Benfica means the competition is decided with a shootout

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost out in the final of the Taça da Liga on penalties to SL Benfica at the Estádio Municipal de Leiria, after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Viktor Gyökeres scored the goal for Sporting CP.

For the game -a rematch of the 2021/22 final-, coach Rui Borges chose Franco Israel, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Jeremiah St. Juste, Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo, João Simões, Morten Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyökeres as his starting lineup.

SL Benfica began with more of the ball, but Sporting CP responded with a series of quick moves and opportunities. Quenda had the first chance, with Otamendi cutting it out in time, then two corners in a row piled on the pressure. The danger only passed after  Hjulmand missed his shot from the edge of the area.

In response, Di María also tried to score from outside the area with a low shot, but Franco Israel had no trouble holding it. Gyökeres made a fast move from the right, ending with his shot taking a deflection and going wide. From the resulting corner, Maxi Araújo forced goalkeeper Trubin to make another save.

A very intense opening spell continued with Sporting CP coming very close to a goal in the 15th minute: Set up by João Simões, Quenda had his effort kept out by Trubin. At the other end, Franco Israel made a save from a low cross from Tomás Araújo. The follow-up from Di María was blocked by Morten Hjulmand.

The match then lost some of its initial pace, but opportunities continued steadily. SL Benfica opened the scoring after half an hour of play, with a goal from Schjelderup.

It didn't take long for Sporting CP to try to equalise, with Quenda fed by Viktor Gyökeres and firing a shot wide. Eduardo Quaresma also threatened with a hit from inside the area, but it also went off-target.

Sporting CP finally pulled back level from a penalty: Maxi Araújo was brought down in the area by Florentino, before Gyökeres converted the spot kick.

In the second period, the first chance of note was a deflected strike from João Simões at the edge of the area, after a delivery from Gyökeres. Franco Israel had more work to do in the Sporting CP area, thwarting consecutive moves by Di María and then by Kökçü. In response, after insistence from Sporting CP, Catamo pulled the trigger from the edge of the area, but António Silva managed to deflect it with his shoulder. 

Close to the 70th minute, Rui Borges then started to make changes, bringing on Iván Fresneda for Eduardo Quaresma. Ten minutes later, he made another two substitutions, withdrawing Geny Catamo and João Simões and bringing on Zeno Debast and Conrad Harder.

Despite the insistence of both teams, the scoreline remained deadlocked and the game went straight to penalties. Trubin saved Francisco Trincão's spot kick, and it was SL Benfica who lifted the Taça da Liga.

Sporting CP will play again on Friday, away to Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal.