The team are put through their paces in a morning session

The Sporting Clube de Portugal first team squad trained this Saturday morning at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete, in order to prepare for their Liga Portugal Matchday 26 game against Moreirense FC.

The contest takes place on Monday at 8:15pm local time.

Daniel Bragança and João Palhinha underwent rehabilitation work during the session.

The team will have another workout on Sunday at 10:30am, behind closed doors, whilst the pre-match press conference will take place at 12:30pm.

The team are eliminated by Manchester City, holding them to a 0-0 draw away

Sporting Clube de Portugal's UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end in England, with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Round of 16. The first leg result, a 0-5 loss at the Estádio José Alvalade, decided the tie.

Some 2,000 Sportinguistas made the trip to Manchester for the occasion, and coach Rúben Amorim fielded a strong lineup for the game, albeit with five changes to the starting XI that played against FC Arouca. Pedro Porro, Luís Neto, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Tabata and Paulinho were all included, whilst issing were the suspended Matheus Nunes and the injured Daniel Bragança, João Palhinha and Pedro Gonçalves.

With a practically impossible mission ahead, but with the will to give a different more positive showing, Sporting CP played compactly and did not allow many chances to the opposition, despite their superior possession. After an initial twenty minutes at a slower pace – marked by the patience of Manchester City's buildup play– Sporting CP went forward through a pass by Porro, which Islam Slimani was unable to finish off.

At the other end, Luis Neto had to cut out a chance for Raheem Sterling, and Antonio Adán kept out the first well-aimed shot of the match, coming from Phil Foden.

Defensively, the team remained solid. With the ball, they grew in confidence as the minutes went by and sought to exploit either the counterattack or the large space left behind the opposing defensive line. In one of those opportunities, a pass from Pablo Sarabia found Paulinho, but again there was no end product.

Before the break, in what was the most dangerous chance of the first half, Adán got the better of a one-on-one with Sterling.

Right at the start of the second half, Gabriel Jesus put the ball into the net, but after a check by VAR, the goal would be disallowed. 

In response, Tabata had the first shot on target for Sporting CP, and Marcus Edwards was brought on in place of Sarabia – the English winger also striking immediately into the hands of Ederson. 

Coates cut out a move by Riyad Mahrez, and several transitions put Manchester City FC on the back foot. After Matheus Reis and Porro's misplaced shots, Edwards ran upfield and set up Paulinho perfectly, but he could not beat Scott Carson -the substitute goalkeeper who had just entered the match for his first appearance of the season.

The forward was taken off injured from the resulting clash, and Nuno Santos replaced him at the same time that Ricardo Esgaio came on for Porro. 

Both sides lacked effectiveness in front of goal, and Amorim brought on forward Rodrigo Ribeiro for his debut for Sporting CP, aged just 16.

The game remained 0-0 at the final whistle, and Sporting CP would be eliminated from the competition. It was their second time in the knockout stages, and had come thanks to a second place finish in Group C, just behind AFC Ajax and ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş JK.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Matheus Reis, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Luís Neto (Zouhair Feddal, 89'), Pedro Porro (Ricardo Esgaio, 78'), Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Tabata, Paulinho (Nuno Santos, 78' '), Pablo Sarabia (Marcus Edwards 58') and Islam Slimani (Rodrigo Ribeiro, 89').

The coach reflects on elimination from the Champions League

At the end of the 0-0 draw for Sporting Clube de Portugal with Manchester City, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the performance of his side in the UEFA Champions League, which they bow out of at the Round of 16 stage.

"There's a lot to learn. We understand the level, but the team learn fast and every detail counts: Luck in the draw and experience -which was especially important in the beginning, like in the game against AFC Ajax. That's why it's very important for us to get into the UEFA Champions League again. We are sure to be better next year", he began by telling journalists at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm always proud of the team, even in the 0-5 defeat at Alvalade. This doesn't taste like victory, because we were eliminated. We have to be aware of the differences between the teams, but of course it's always better that way for the future. We've been eliminated, the important thing now is the league, and I will say it again: The important thing is also to be back here again", he stressed.

About the tactics used against the Premier League champions, Amorim explained that Sporting CP have evolved a lot since the first leg.

"We were better in one against one situations on the wings. The full-backs were good, we controlled their breaks and did well in terms of our defence. We didn't concede goals from set pieces and it must be remembered that, in Lisbon, they had five shots and five goals. We were competent, we defended deeper and didn't go forward with enough quality in the first half. In the second half we did that, and [Marcus] Edwards helped us; he had a huge impact on the team. He's going to grow a lot and he has to realise that he has to do this regularly. Keeping it up is what he is lacking, as the talent is there".

The coach assured that the experience will help the team to grow. "We spent a lot of time defending and we don't do that in the league. We have learned and grown a lot. We know what it means to play against these teams. We have to take away what was good, come back in a year and show that we have got better", he said.

Asked about Rodrigo Ribeiro, the 16-year-old forward who made his maiden appearance against Manchester City, Amorim said that he "didn't say anything special" to the player, wishing him "a good debut". He also commented on Bruno Tabata's performance.

"I always like his performances. He doesn't get the minutes that he deserves. He has to train well and he is an example for everyone, so I'm very satisfied with the whole team and especially [Bruno] Tabata, the way he works and waits for his opportunity. I'm very satisfied with his game, even playing out of position. He is not a midfielder, but he has to play in the midfield, in my opinion".

Finally, Amorim revealed the content of the exchange of words he had with Pep Guardiola after the final whistle.

"He wished me all the best and I did the same to him".

The player speaks before the second leg against Manchester City

Upon arrival in England for Sporting Clube de Portugal's Champions League fixture against Manchester City, player Ricardo Esgaio was the team's representative in the pre-match press conference. 

“We are going to enjoy the game to the fullest”, he said. “We know that the tie is practically over, but it is a game that we want to win -despite the result of the first leg. We are going to make the most of the fact that we are still in the Champions League and enjoy ourselves”.

“We have our ideas and that doesn't change; we always play to win. We will have to have a good game and give a different response to get a positive result”.

Being one of the players with the most experience at Sporting CP, the versatile player assured that, despite the absentees for the game, “the team are doing well”, adding that he is “available to help” in any position on the field.

Asked about the competition for places provided by Pedro Porro and Gonçalo Esteves on the right wing, he praised that the squad are “like a family”, because “we know that everyone can play”.

The squad for the European contest includes several youth team products, including Renato Veiga and Rodrigo Ribeiro. Esgaio commented that “this is already starting to be a normal thing, and the Sporting CP project goes through that”.

Amorim previews the second leg of the Champions League tie against Manchester City​

Sporting CP are back in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday night, taking on Manchester City in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. Whilst the first encounter ended 0-5 in the English champions' favour, coach Rúben Amorim is not expecting a let-up for the rematch.

The squad have a Sunday workout at the Academia

The Sporting Clube de Portugal squad trained on Sunday morning at the Academia, in Alcochete.

The starters from the previous night's 2-0 win against FC Arouca undertook the usual post-match recovery work, whilst the rest of the group worked under the orders of Rúben Amorim.

Pedro Gonçalves, João Palhinha and Daniel Bragança underwent treatment at the facility.

'Os Leões', who will play on Wednesday against Manchester City, in England, have another session scheduled for Monday at 10:30am.

The coach reflects on another victory in Liga Portugal

Rúben Amorim was pleased with the victory for Sporting CP over FC Arouca and explained that the opening goal had been key to the 2-0 triumph.

“What changed from the first to the second half was that we scored on the first move after the break, and that loosened up the players. We started the game well and if Pablo [Sarabia]'s goal had counted, then the game would have been different. After that move, we rushed things a bit. In the second match we scored right away, and then we had more space, the energy changed and it ended up being natural,” he began by saying.

“The changes that I made had nothing to do with the game against Manchester City, but rather with this game and the next one in the league in mind. Our priority is the Liga Portugal and the Taça de Portugal."

He added that the game in Manchester will be important, above all for the growth of the team.

“It's another opportunity to grow. This tie is practically over, but we want to come back next year. We are outsiders in the Champions League, but we are a big club and we will do our best. The tie is over, but the game is not.”

With his sights set on the future, Amorim also spoke about Dário Essugo, who became the youngest Sporting CP player to make a start in the league.

“He is a 16-year-old boy, he has very good characteristics and will get even better. He has a lot to work on and it's another sign that this is our project. Our central midfielders were injured and he came into the game having been training very well."

​The forward finds the net twice in the second half

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat FC Arouca 2-0 on Liga Portugal Matchday 25, at the Estádio José Alvalade. Islam Slimani scored his first two goals since his return to the club in the winter transfer market, earning the three points for the team.

Rúben Amorim made several changes to the starting lineup compared to the midweek game against FC Porto, fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio, Dário Essugo, Matheus Nunes, Rúben Vinagre, Pablo Sarabia, Islam Slimani and Nuno Santos.

Dário Essugo, who debuted for the first team last season, made his first start, aged 16 years, 11 months and 20 days. He overtook the record previously set by Luís Figo for the youngest Sporting CP player to feature in the first XI in the league.

Sporting CP started the match well and focused on attacking the opposite goal, but the visiting team, pressing high, attempted to disrupt their buildup. This only increased after a goal for Pablo Sarabia in the 10th minute was disallowed.

Unable to score, despite their dominance, their best chance fell to Nuno Santos. After receiving the ball from Dário Essugo, the winger took an opponent out of commission and tried to lob the away goalkeeper, but shot wide.

FC Arouca also had a good opportunity, in the 37th minute, for Tiago Esgaio, but Antonio Adán would make the best save of the night to deny him.

It was 0-0 at the break, and Amorim made three substitutions immediately: Rúben Vinagre, Ricardo Esgaio and Dário Essugo went off, and Pedro Porro, Manuel Ugarte and Paulinho were introduced.

There were still Sportinguistas returning to their seats from the interval when the team won the first corner of the second half. From it, Pedro Porro sent the ball in and Islam Slimani, in the heart of the area, headed straight into the net to end the stalemate.

Five minutes later, after Paulinho had hit the woodwork, Slimani got his second: A perfect combination between Paulinho and Nuno Santos concluded with the winger serving Slimani with the ball to make it 2-0.

From then on, Sporting CP began to dominate play. Matheus Nunes had two opportunities to score, thwarted first by Victor Braga and then missing with his shot after receiving from Pablo Sarabia. Slimani also had the chance to complete his hat-trick, but struck wide.

Bruno Tabata came on with ten minutes to go, and Sporting CP continued to press hard in search of a third goal that never arrived. Nevertheless, they claimed all three points at home.

In the next round of the Liga Portugal season, Sporting CP travel to FC Moreirense. Before that, they play Manchester City away in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

The coach looks at this weekend's league game

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Arouca to the Estádio José Alvalade this Saturday (8:30pm local time) on Matchday 25 of the Liga Portugal season.
 
In his press conference, coach Rúben Amorim stressed that the players are prepared to face the match, and also analysed the opponents.
 
“We are ready for a difficult game against a team that have grown a lot in their way of playing with the ball. We have compared the game from the first half of the season with the last few games for them, and they have grown a lot: David Simão has come in to give quality to the midfield. They have three strong players up front for the transitions and, although they don't live off that alone, they have great ability,” he began by telling the journalists present.
 
“Arsenio had some problems and Antony came in on the left, and he is a faster player and perhaps helped with that aspect of the game. They had a great showing in Guimarães, which is not easy. We expect a very difficult game, but we have to win and we are prepared for that. FC Arouca are dangerous on transitions and they will be comfortable with the results they have had, and for them it is a game without any responsibility. We have to go after them and win,” he underlined, before considering that it is necessary to use Sporting CP's recent performances to see what there is to improve.
 
“We had an advantage at Dragão, and we have to understand why we didn't do other things after that. Against CS Marítimo we didn't win out of misfortune, but we were good enough to score a second goal. In this last game with FC Porto, the same thing happened; we have to think about what occurred after the penalty. That has to be the focus. We are a team that are not used to these phases. It's a question of explaining to the players that everything is open. It's more difficult, but it's possible -and when it's possible, that's enough for teams to exceed themselves," he said.

After confirming that João Palhinha, Pedro Gonçalves and Daniel Bragança are unavailable for the match, Amorim was asked if, given these absences, he could use youngsters like Dário Essugo to fill the midfield.
 
"These are always the right moments to do that, although it's easier when the team are winning. If we do that, the team won't lose our identity, so it could be an opportunity to field some of the kids. I don't know if we're going to do it this week, but it's always a possibility”, he said, before reinforcing his desire to return to winning ways.
 
“It's easier when you win. You recover faster, the games don't have as much impact and the feeling is good. Our focus is for us to be able to win the next game, and the one that comes after that. It's not the first time that we have had a run in which we have lacked results, so it's a matter of facing it with normality - although for teams like us it always holds a great weight of responsibility."

The team prepare for their latest Liga Portugal challenge

With the return to Liga Portugal action in sight, Sporting Clube de Portugal trained on Thursday in the run-up to Saturday's match against FC Arouca at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The starters against FC Porto carried out recovery work, whilst the rest of the squad trained on the pitch. Pedro Gonçalves continued to undergo treatment, and Daniel Bragança (sprained left ankle) and João Palhinha (myalgia to his right adductor) were sidelined through injury.

The league game kicks off at 8:30pm local time on Saturday.