The coach previews the game against Beşiktaş JK

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face Beşiktaş JK this Tuesday at Vodafone Park, in the third round match for Group C in the UEFA Champions League.

In his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim admitted that the game is “crucial” in terms of qualifying for knockout stages of the competition.

“Few teams with three defeats to their name from the first three games of this competition made it to the next stage, but that is our main objective. Entry into the Europa League isn't in our plans. The main objective is to go through to the next stage and this game is crucial for the points, mentality and comfort of the team. We know that and we have to face the game with enthusiasm, but I think that the team face these moments with a lot of courage", he said, promising that fans will see a better performance than in the previous two games.

“There are two factors that will have a great influence: The desire to win and the need to have a cool head and be better in defence than we were against AFC Ajax -and better in attack than we were against Borussia Dortmund. Inexperience sometimes has its good side, as players will get stuck into the game. That's what I want them to do. We have to put together the best things from the previous two games. That's what I hope”, he said, before addressing Pedro Porro's fitness.

“Pedro Porro is going to undergo tests today. Yesterday he did reduced training, and if he's in good condition on the pitch today, then he'll be playing tomorrow”, he guaranteed, before also assuring that Pedro Gonçalves will be included in the squad for the game.

“He is clearly in a position to be used from the start, and he is a very robust player. On the bench against CF “Os Belenenses”, he immediately made clear that he could play longer. He goes through a department that understands a lot more about these things. I don't know if he's going to play the whole game or start, but he's prepared for that".

The coach acknowledged that he hopes to “have a lot of ball” against Beşiktaş JK, but reminded the media that “nobody knows what will happen during the game".

“We normally have plenty of possession in the Portuguese league, and we tried to do that against AFC Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, which they often don't let you do because they spend a lot of time in possession. Beşiktaş JK were champions in Turkey and dominated many games. It will be a fight between two teams that want the ball and to be dominant. We want to be the team with the most possession and the most chances. We are a team that concedes few goals and we want to continue like that, improving in the offensive aspect as well”.

“Beşiktaş JK have passionate people around the club, from fans and players to the culture of football itself. As we did with Borussia Dortmund, but not with AFC Ajax, we want to have the ball, as well as score and dominate from the first minute. Nevertheless, we know that the opposition are a great team with excellent players, and that the fans will be supporting them. They ride the wave created by the fans, but we're used to that because we are Sporting CP and our fans do the same to our opponents”, concluded the coach.

A 0-4 win over CF “Os Belenenses” earns progress to the Fourth Round

Sporting Clube de Portugal earned a place in the Fourth Round of the Taça de Portugal with a 0-4 win against CF “Os Belenenses” on Friday night.

It was Os Leões' return to Estádio do Restelo after three years away, playing the team who currently ply their trade in the Campeonato de Portugal. Rúben Amorim gave full debuts to João Virgínia and Gonçalo Esteves, a first start to Ugarte, and welcomed back Pedro Gonçalves after a month and a half out through injury.

Beginning their quest for an 18th Taça de Portugal, Sporting CP needed just one chance to open their account in front of goal. A slick move begun by Gonçalo Inácio at the back saw Vinagre break through, crossing low into the box for Tiago Tomás to convert to make it 0-1.

Spurred on by the early goal, they continued to go forward and enjoyed another opportunity when Vinagre picked out Jovane Cabral, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Feddal headed an effort over, and Gonçalves was unsuccessful from close range.

The first half was one-way traffic, and just before the interval Tomás and Inácio were both denied by opposition stopper Marcelo Valverde.

CF “Os Belenenses” had a resurgence in the initial minutes of the second half, but there was soon a return to the script of the first period. Gonçalves struck wide from a free kick, and Gonçalo Esteves had a powerful shot tipped out for a corner.

Coach Amorim brought on Pedro Porro and Nuno Santos for Esteves and Gonçalves in his first changes, just before Sporting CP extended their lead: A corner kick from the left was knocked on by Feddal for Tomás to dive at the ball to convert.

Just ten minutes after coming on, Porro would be stretchered off following a heavy challenge. He was replaced by Matheus Nunes, whilst Feddal made way for Matheus Reis.

A pair of penalties confirmed the victory for Sporting CP, as first Jovane Cabral and then Nuno Santos converted from the spot.

A footnote for a 0-4 win was provided with the debut of João Goulart, as Sporting CP finished the game with six academy products on the pitch.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio (João Goulart, 83'), Zouhair Feddal (Matheus Reis, 75'), Gonçalo Esteves (Pedro Porro, 63' and Matheus Nunes, 75'), Manuel Ugarte , Daniel Bragança [C], Rúben Vinagre, Pedro Gonçalves (Nuno Santos, 63'), Jovane Cabral and Tiago Tomás.

The 22-year old extends his stay at Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal and Daniel Bragança have renewed the player's contract with the club through to 2025, with a buyout clause of 45 million euros.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete. The Portuguese Under-21 international put pen to paper in the presence of Frederico Varandas, chairman of the Board of Directors, and expressed what the extension means to him.

"It is a recognition by the club of my work over the years. I am very happy about this renewal, and for the opportunity to continue with my story at this club," he told the media.

"It gives me more motivation to continue doing my job, which is to represent this club. It also gives me more responsibility. I will establish my goals again, and continue to give my all for this club, who believe in me," he added.

He listed the league title, Super Taça and Taça da Liga wins from last season as the three most memorable moments of his career so far, and also praised his teammates for making such feats possible.

"We have great unity at this club. It is also because of them that I am here today to renew my contract. I am very grateful to them, because we had an excellent year. It is also because of them that I will continue to work, because this group deserves 200% effort from all of us."

Bragança has been at the club since the 2007/2008 season, and his rise up the youth ranks serves as an example for young talents.

"Getting here was a childhood dream. I arrived at the academy aged 13, and it was always a goal to reach the first team. I hope that the young players believe in themselves, just as I believed in myself. Dream big, because one day it will come. If you have quality and if you have the focus, good things happen."

Finally, Bragança addressed Sporting CP's members and fans.

"May they continue to support us and believe in us, because they are very important in our victories and the confidence of this group. Now that we have 100% capacity available, I want them to fill the José Alvalade."

“The team are prepared, as always," say the pair

Nuno Santos and Ricardo Esgaio spoke to journalists this week, as they continue to train at the Academia Sporting during the international break.

The two players explained the confidence and the good atmosphere that abounds in the squad, before a series of five games that will take place before the end of October.

“The team are prepared, as always. We have a fantastic group that are ready for adversity. As always, we are taking things game by game: In the Champions League, in Liga Portugal and in the cups,” said Santos, adding: “First we have a game against CF “Os Belenenses” in the Taça de Portugal. We respect our opponents, but it's a game that we have to win and gain confidence from, so that we can then move on to the Champions League, where we will face Besiktas JK with the greatest motivation."

“We have a small group, but with a lot of quality and we are even stronger this year. We are prepared for what is to come,” he continued.

Focused on the team and on Sporting CP's objectives, the winger had been praised recently for his performance and goal against FC Arouca.

“It was another goal and an important victory, but it represents only that. It was, above all, another victory -and the group needed that for morale. I like to play and I want to help the team."

Esgaio, who usually plays on the wing, has already been played in the centre of the defence due to absences for other candidates, but is willing to adapt. “Everyone knows me as a player. I will occupy any position to help the team achieve its goals," he insisted.

“We have had a quiet week, in which we were able to recover and get ready for what is to come. However, with our coach you never get a chance to take things easy; even if there is no competition, he likes to keep the intensity levels up and doesn't let the team relax. That's how we have been working to return to action with high motivation and fitness.

The defender also spoke of Pedro Gonçalves' return, saying that “Sporting CP needs everyone, and Pote is a great asset."

Esgaio, who has come back to the club after four seasons away, revealed that he found “a different Sporting CP” on his return, and was pleased to be able to have the support of Sportinguistas in the stands.

“It has been fantastic to play in front of them. Their support is amazing, as seen in Arouca in the rain. We are grateful for their willingness to help us, and I hope that they will always be with us."

Rúben Amorim once again watches several youth players

Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team squad trained on Thursday morning during the international break.

With several players away representing their respective countries, coach Rúben Amorim has brought up several youth team players to help with sessions and to assess their progress.

Edson Silva, Hevertton Santos, Gonçalo Costa, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Vando Félix, José Marsà, João Goulart, Bernardo Sousa, Lucas Dias, Tiago Rodrigues and Edu Pinheiro have all participated thus far.

Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves are undergoing physio and conditioning work on the pitch during this week's workouts.

Os Leões will train again on Friday, in Alcochete, at 10am local time.

Sporting CP beat SCU Torreense 3-0

This Friday's session for the Sporting CP squad featured a training game against Liga 3 side SCU Torreense. Rúben Amorim's team won 3-0, with goals scored by Paulinho (x2) in the first half, and Bruno Tabata in the second.

All available players were used, as well as several youth team talents. The Sporting CP starting XI consisted of João Virgínia, Matheus Reis, Zouhair Feddal, Bruno Tabata, Manuel Ugarte, Rúben Vinagre, Paulinho, Pedro Gonçalves, Ricardo Esgaio, Daniel Bragança and Lucas Dias.

The squad will next train on Monday, at 10:00am local time, at the Academia Sporting.

The coach looks at his side's performance against FC Arouca

After the 1-2 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against FC Arouca, Rúben Amorim, coach of Os Leões, talked in a press conference to analyse the game.

"We deserved to score more goals in the first half. We could have done that, and then the game would have become easier. We didn't, so we went into the second half and they drew level off a transition, but we were able to react. From there, we closed up the game, in order to not suffer from more counterattacks. It was a fair victory. We didn't play as well as in other games, but the important thing was to win," he stressed.

Asked about the decision to bring Ricardo Esgaio, Daniel Bragança and Nuno Santos into the starting eleven, Amorim said that changes were made "with our offensive game more in mind."

"It was important to bring in new players and they are all prepared. We tried to play using the characteristics of our players and I opted for two full-backs next to the centre backs, because they are faster," he pointed out, adding that: "In midfield we wanted to take advantage of [Daniel] Bragança's good form. FC Arouca played higher up than we expected, but we ended up winning."

"With the pressure from FC Arouca we had several transitions where we could have done better, and in the end fatigue started to take over, but we held our advantage," said the coach, before highlighting the defensive work done by the team.

"We didn't give them many chances. The evolution of the team happens at the back, and it takes time. We didn't have a great game, but we controlled things and in the future we will improve," concluded Amorim.

Os Leões overcome FC Arouca 1-2 on Matchday 8

Sporting Clube de Portugal won 1-2 against FC Arouca on Matchday 8 of the Liga Portugal season, as Matheus Nunes and Nuno Santos found the net and sent the team into the international break off the back of three consecutive wins.

The trip to the Estádio Municipal de Arouca brought several novelties: Coach Rúben Amorim gave starting roles to Ricardo Esgaio and Daniel Bragança – for the first time this season - and Nuno Santos, dropping Zouhair Feddal, Luís Neto and Tiago Tomás to the bench.

There was also full attendance permitted, in accordance with the announcement by the Portuguese government on Friday. A heavy contingent of Sportinguistas were present in the district of Aveiro, braving the wet conditions to cheer on their team.

With the opening whistle, the intentions of Sporting CP became clear. The 3-4-3 formation had Esgaio on the right of the three centre backs, Nuno Santos on the left wing and Bragança alongside Palhinha in midfield, with Matheus Nunes moving further upfield. The attacking strategy was evident, and Os Leões threatened twice in the first ten minutes: Efforts from Sarabia (1') and Paulinho (9') would be saved by Fernando Castro, the opposition goalkeeper.

The goal was not long in coming, however. Before the quarter hour was out, Nuno Santos crossed to the back post, Sarabia cushioned the ball down and Matheus Nunes scored for the first time in 2021/2022. The assistant referee initially signalled for offside, but after a lengthy review by VAR, the goal was validated.

Some defensive inattention allowed FC Arouca's first opportunity, which Oday Dabbagh missed for the hosts.

Sporting CP got back in charge and captain Sebastián Coates - playing his 250th game for the club - was just a few centimeters away from converting a ball from Paulinho.

In response, Adán repelled a dangerous deflection from Abdoulaye Ba off a set piece, followed by Sarabia having two chances saved by the opposition goalkeeper before the break.

The action continued in the second half and then with two early goals - one for each side. Oday Dabbagh equalised for FC Arouca off a quick transition, but the reaction was as rapid as it was effective: Just three minutes later, Nuno Santos entered the area and struck powerfully to score.

Amorim opted to change things up in his front line, putting Tiago Tomás and Bruno Tabata on in place of Paulinho and Sarabia. At the start of the last ten minutes there was a lot of fighting for possession, and once more the coach adjusted with the introduction of Jovane Cabral and Manuel Ugarte for Matheus Nunes and Bragança.

There would be no change in the scoreline, and a late push from FC Arouca was capably held off. The 1-2 result means that Sporting CP move up to 20 points in the Liga Portugal table.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Pedro Porro (Luís Neto 61'), Ricardo Esgaio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Nuno Santos, João Palhinha, Daniel Bragança (Manuel Ugarte 81'), Pablo Sarabia (Bruno Tabata 71'), Matheus Nunes (Jovane Cabral 81') and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás 71').

The coach targets greater effectiveness in front of goal

On Friday, Rúben Amorim previewed Sporting Clube de Portugal's match against FC Arouca, scheduled for this Saturday, saying that he does not expect an easy contest but believes a good result will go his side's way.

“It will be a game like any other. It's away from home at a tough ground, against a team that are certainly well prepared and who in the last game deserved a better result. We know FC Arouca well and we will be prepared, he began.

“We have to win the game and improve, especially in our finishing."

"Even without so many goals, we have created several opportunities. The statistics are worth what they are worth, but they show that we have created chances and got into the box. The only thing lacking is scoring. We're not scoring many goals, but I always believe that in the next game we'll do more -and it's also important not to suffer, because we always score a goal”.

Amorim also spoke about Paulinho, praising the striker once again and saying that he only talks about him so much because of the questions that are asked.

"Paulinho has improved the team a lot. He only has to improve his finishing. He does what I ask of him, he just isn't doing what would make others value him more, which is get goals. I'm very honest in my appreciation for my players. There are periods in which strikers score fewer goals, and you might say that it's a long period, but I've seen strikers from other teams go a year without scoring and then explode."

Os Leões will play at the Estádio do Restelo in the Third Round

Sporting Clube de Portugal will take on CF “Os Belenenses” in the Third Round of the Taça de Portugal.

The draw took place at the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol headquarters on Wednesday, at the Cidade do Futebol.

The match, against the side currently third in Série E of the Campeonato de Portugal, will be held on the weekend of October 16th-17th, at the Estádio do Restelo.

Eighteen Primeira Liga clubs enter the competition in the Third Round.