A 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund provides a place in the Champions League knockout stage

Sporting Clube de Portugal booked their ticket for the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League by beating Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on Matchday 5 in Group C. A brace from Pedro Gonçalves and a further strike from Pedro Porro earned the team a tenth consecutive victory in all competitions, and qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare.

 At a packed Estádio José Alvalade, Rúben Amorim made a change to bring back Sebastián Coates from injury into the starting lineup. Borussia Dortmund were without several key members of their squad, such as Haaland, Hummels and Thorgan Hazard.

The two teams cancelled each other out in the initial stages of the match, limiting any chances as the contest developed into an intense fight in the centre of the park.
After half an hour, Coates hit a long ball upfield to the attack, reaching Pedro Gonçalves, who took advantage of a mistake by the defence to break free, go one-on-one with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and slide the ball past him to make it 1-0.

Soon after, Borussia Dortmund responded with a shot that hit the post, but Sporting CP got back on top with several attacks. They bore fruit in the 39th minute, when 'Pote' scored his second goal with an excellent shot from outside the area.

2-0 up at the interval, Sporting CP had a strong start to the second period, as Pablo Sarabia forced a good save from the opposing keeper after a pass by Pedro Gonçalves. and The Germans would have a goal eventually disallowed due to offside in the immediate aftermath.

Dortmund became more active in attack, with Sporting CP switching to a more compact style, waiting for fast transitions.

Ricardo Esgaio and Nuno Santos were brought on in the initial two substitutions, as the game got ever more intense. A turning point then arrived when Emre Can was sent off, leaving the visitors down to ten men.

Sporting CP capped the scoring when the referee blew for a penalty for a foul on Paulinho in the 80th minute; Gonçalves failed to convert, but Porro burst in to head in the rebound to take the score to 3-0.
 
Malen got a consolation goal for Dortmund before the end, whilst Sporting CP youth product, the 18 year old Flávio Nazinho, came on for Pedro Gonçalves to make his debut in the other good news from the night.

With nine points to their name, Sporting CP are through to the Last 16 before their away fixture against Ajax on December 7th.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Pedro Porro (Manuel Ugarte, 88'), Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Reis (Ricardo Esgaio, 67'), João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Pablo Sarabia ( Nuno Santos, 67'), Pedro Gonçalves (Flávio Nazinho, 88') and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás, 86').

​Words from the centre back before a crunch clash with Borussia Dortmund

Sporting CP defender Zouhair Feddal spoke on Tuesday in the press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.

The centre back rejected the idea that defensive consistency could be the key for Os Leões to achieve victory, stressing that the team always act as a whole.

“We always work both offensively and defensively, and we have a very compact block. The strength of our group is that we are a family and we always transmit this on the pitch. We are going into a very important game, after having achieved two good results. We have been growing in this competition, and it is a dream for us to compete in it", he began by saying.

 The Moroccan is one yellow card away from suspension in European competition, but stated that this would not affect the way that he approaches the match.

“Everyone always wants to play, but tomorrow we have a very important game for Sporting CP. We will play with motivation and desire. We're going to be up against great opposition and I hope I don't get a yellow card, but first I have to see if I play", he said before emphasising that the team are focused only on winning the match.

"We aren't thinking about celebrating going into the Round of 16, but rather on starting the game well and achieving our objective. There are three points available, just like any other game, but it's very important. We're only going to be focused on the game”.

Feddal also commented that he was very happy to be playing his debut season in the UEFA Champions League. “Over time I realised that I was right when I made the decision to come to Sporting CP, because the club gave me the opportunity to play in this competition. It's a dream for any child, and shows that dreams do come true. Fortunately, I managed to achieve this objective".

​The coach looks ahead to the game against Borussia Dortmund

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday at the Estádio José Alvalade, on Matchday 5 of Group C of the UEFA Champions League. The team have the opportunity to guarantee a place in the Round of 16 of the competition.

Rúben Amorim, the Sporting CP coach, explained in his pre-match press conference that he was confident of getting a positive result after a good performance in the previous meeting in Germany, but asked for more from the team.

“I believe we can always do more and better. We have always said that we are in this competition to go through to the next stage, aware of the difference in experience. Borussia Dortmund were singled out as favourites in the group, but AFC Ajax did very well and are clearly the best team in the group at the moment. Nevertheless, despite Borussia Dortmund being used to decisive moments, we are going to go into  tomorrow's game to compete", he opened by saying.

“In the game in Germany we did well defensively, but offensively we have to be much better, because we need the result. It's not the case that because we were defeated in this game, I don't believe we can win. We will do our best to win the game”, he assured.

 “If we have to defend, we defend, and if we have to counterattack, then that's what we're going to do. There were stages in the game in Germany where we had the ball, but we weren't very aggressive in attack. That was the observation we made to the players this week: We can have the ball and be more aggressive when we vary our play".

As for the team that he will pick, Amorim revealed that "We have almost the entire squad available, except for Rúben Vinagre and Jovane Cabral, which gives us more solutions. I'm expecting a team prepared for every moment, knowing that we can have the ball and control things at certain times. Borussia Dortmund will definitely try to push us into our own area, but we are strong at defending”.

Amorim also played down the absences in the opposing squad, which will not be missing big names like Erling Haaland, Mats Hummels and Thorgan Hazard.

“At the beginning of the competition we had several players out injured, and I didn't pay attention to that aspect then either. We will face Borussia Dortmund, who still have players like Bellingham, Witsel, Marco Reus, Donyell Malen and Raphaël Guerreiro. They are a great team that are used to these occasions and are one point behind FC Bayern München in the Bundesliga, despite all these players who are out. They have more than enough players to change the team around when they need it. Borussia Dortmund have the capacity to win at the Alvalade, but we know that we can win too. They will always be the best Borussia, just like we are always the best Sporting CP, no matter which players play”, he considered.

In closing, the coach also stressed that Sporting CP have made progress in the Champions League.

“We grew a lot, but we were also the team that had more room to evolve. The games against Beşiktaş JK helped, as did those in the league and us bringing back certain players. The scenario is different now, and much of our attacking improvement comes from the psychological side. That's what we're going to try to do tomorrow, knowing it's a decisive game".

“We're going to throw ourselves into the game with a lot of heart, but also a cool head”.

Gonçalves strikes twice in a 2-1 win over Varzim SC

A return to action after the international break saw Sporting Clube de Portugal edge past Varzim SC in the Taça de Portugal, with a 2-1 win taking them through to the Round of 16. A brace from Pedro Gonçalves included a late strike that put the team back in front, and earned a ninth consecutive victory for the side.

As is customary in the cup, coach Rúben Amorim changed six players from the starting XI against Paços de Ferreira: João Virgínia, Gonçalo Esteves, Zouhair Feddal, Daniel Bragança, Bruno Tabata and Jovane Cabral all began the match, with Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio and Sebastián Coates all out of the squad entirely, and João Palhinha,

Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Gonçalves on the bench. Rúben Vinagre, Manuel Ugarte and Tiago Tomás (with tonsillitis) were missing, with André Paulo and José Marsá included in the squad.

Varzim SC had already eliminated top flight side CS Marítimo in the competition, but were on the back foot against Sporting CP from the start. Width on the wings was the main weapon for the home team, as Varzim SC packed the midfield.

The visitors did, however, create a good opportunity on a quick transition, albeit safely defended by the back line. Sporting CP's first chance was in the 25th minute, when Tabata fired a shot from a distance that Ismael Lekbab had to keep out, before also needing to fly across to prevent a Bragança strike.

In a frantic finale to the first half, Jovane hit the crossbar with a direct free kick, with Matheus Reis missing the rebound. In a one-on-one, an inspired Lekbab got the better of Matheus Nunes; and Virgínia also caught a dangerous shot from Zé Ferreira to keep things 0-0 at half time.

Right at the start of the second half, after Tabata couldn't find a finish inside the area, Matheus Reis rushed in and shot straight at Lekbab.

On 57 minutes, Jovane would go off injured, with Pedro Gonçalves on  to replace him. It was he who finally broke the deadlock, ten minutes after his introduction: In the right place at the right time, he chased a loose ball in the six yard box and made it 1-0 with a poke across the line.

However, in the 77th minute, a Varzim SC side who had not yet caused danger in the second half won a penalty and Heliardo levelled.

Os Leões looked for the advantage again, and pushed the visiting team further and further back. With less than five minutes remaining, Porro was brought down in the area, and this time around it was Gonçalves who elected to take the spot kick. He stood firm, and converted to seal a 2-1 win.

The team will be in action at the Estádio José Alvalade again next Wednesday, November 24th (8pm), in an important UEFA Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GR], Gonçalo Esteves (Pedro Porro 67'), Ricardo Esgaio, Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Reis, Nuno Santos (Luís Neto 89'), Daniel Bragança [C], Matheus Nunes, Bruno Tabata (Pablo Sarabia 67'), Jovane Cabral (Pedro Gonçalves 57') and Paulinho.

Several youth players feature in the session

Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team squad returned to training this Wednesday in Alcochete.

Coach Rúben Amorim called up several youth players, such as João Goulart, Tiago Rodrigues, Lucas Dias, Hevertton Santos, Edson Silva, José Marsà, Vando Félix, Gonçalo Costa, Gilberto Batista, Edu Pinheiro and Geny Catamo, for the session.

In addition to the players away representing their respective national teams, the only absences were Sebastián Coates, Pedro Porro and Luís Neto, who are still receiving treatment for injuries.

Sporting CP will train again this Thursday, at 10am, behind closed doors.

The coach assesses the 0-2 win on Matchday 11

Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's victory over FC Paços de Ferreira, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the performance that saw his team pick up the three points away from home.

"Our team were, once again, very focused. They had more energy than in Arouca. We controlled the game much better. We knew that FC Paços de Ferreira were very strong and their defence was very good. We got into positions to finish many times in the first half. FC Paços de Ferreira had a few breaks, but without much danger. In the second half, with the opening goal from another set piece, we settled in better. FC Paços de Ferreira had to go after the result and the game practically ended with our second goal. We could have scored more", he said in his post-match press conference.

"I want to give special praise to Tabata, who has suffered a lot of injuries. The way he came in today was very strong. We controlled the game from there."

Asked if Sporting CP began the game under pressure, considering FC Porto's victory at CD Santa Clara, Amorim explained that, at this time of the season, the table is not given more than a cursory glance.

"We are always under pressure, because we are on a winning streak and we know it is difficult to maintain. The focus must always be on our team. FC Porto's game doesn't concern us. At this stage of the season, it is of no interest", he said.

For the coach, a run of eight consecutive victories and the football played by his side make this the strongest point of the 2021/2022 season so far.

"It's a good moment. We're solid. We have brought back Tiago Tomás, [Luís] Neto felt a problem with his leg again, but otherwise we have all of our players available. When we have all the players and we are playing well, it's a good moment. I can say it's the best moment of this season."

Finally, he assured that the results that Sporting CP have achieved as of late have less impact on the group than the way in which these triumphs have been obtained.

"Results are important, but the way we're playing and winning, the concentration and the fact that we don't concede goals, have a very good impact on the group and on the fans. It creates a healthy wave of momentum. It's about riding this wave knowing that some day - and I hope it's not too soon - things can change", he concluded.

A 0-2 win takes Sporting CP into the international break

Sporting Clube de Portugal took a 0-2 win away to FC Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 11 of the Liga Portugal season, through goals by Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves.

The game took place amidst cold temperatures and in front of a large number of Sportinguistas at the Estádio Capital do Móvel cheering on the team after their success in the Champions League in midweek. 

Coach Rúben Amorim made two adjustments to the starting lineup from the game against Beşiktaş JK: Ricardo Esgaio and Nuno Santos replaced the injured Pedro Porro and Zouhair Feddal, who started on the bench.

In the first ten minutes, Sporting CP had two chances to score. Firstly, the in-form Sebastián Coates headed a corner kick taken by Pablo Sarabia, with goalkeeper André Ferreira saving. Shortly thereafter, a powerful shot by Ricardo Esgaio from a cross by Nuno Santos was also kept out.

In response, FC Paços de Ferreira shot wide through João Pedro, as Sporting CP remained solid in defence and did not give the home team space to get close to scoring.

Shortly after half an hour of play, Sarabia spotted Esgaio on the right, the latter sending an effort whistling across the face of goal.

Just before halftime, FC Paços de Ferreira had their best opportunity in the first half, with former Sporting CP player Vitorino Antunes striking and Matheus Reis heading out for a corner.

The start of the second half proved to be extremely important for the outcome of the match. After 47 minutes, Esgaio crossed for Nuno Santos to shoot into the side netting off an opposition player, and from the ensuing corner kick, Sarabia put the ball in the area, Sebastián Coates flicked on and Gonçalo Inácio headed in to make it 0-1.

FC Paços de Ferreira could have levelled soon after, in a chaotic sequence that saw several shots blocked by the defence, but the visitors dominated the second half.

In the 59th minute, Pedro Gonçalves shot wide and, close to ten minutes later, Bruno Tabata replaced Sarabia. He would play a part in the second goal, releasing Esgaio on the right for a well-placed assist for Gonçalves.

Paulinho, Matheus Reis and Tabata all had attempts at a third, whilst Coates had a goal disallowed for offside.

Jovane Cabral's introduction and a Daniel Bragança chance on 90+5 minutes were late highlights, in a game that ended 0-2 and earned another three points for Sporting CP.
The team will be back in action on November 18th, hosting Varzim SC in the Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 80'), Nuno Santos, Pablo Sarabia (Bruno Tabata, 68'), Pedro Gonçalves (Jovane Cabral, 89') and Paulinho.

The pre-match press conference before facing FC Paços de Ferreira

Back in Liga Portugal action after the Champions League triumph against Beşiktaş JK in midweek, Sporting CP visit FC Paços de Ferreira on Sunday on Matchday 11.

Previewing the match, coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference in which he talked up the importance of winning the next match and equaling the best run of consecutive victories from last season. 

“Winning is always important. We want to win the game to maintain our position, and the feeling going into the two-week break is always better with a victory. We are still alive in the UEFA Champions League, we are in the Taça da Liga and then we have a game to play in the Taça de Portugal. It will be much better to win and have that break, because the players also need to rest”, considered the coach, adding: “Those who go away with the national team also rest and train, but with a change of environment. If they stay, they'll have to work very hard, but then I'll give them some time off, because they deserve it”.

To that end, Amorim turned the focus back to FC Paços de Ferreira: “It will be a very difficult game that will be completely different from the UEFA Champions League. The players are prepared for the change in competition. FC Paços de Ferreira will be much more aggressive and they are a team who know us much better than Beşiktaş JK”,  he said. 

“When you play against a big team, your team plays without responsibility. A full week to prepare always helps, they have an experienced coach and they have Vitorino [Antunes] there, who must have helped them. We have to be prepared for a team who react very well when they lose the ball, who commit a lot of fouls and are very incisive in attack. That's what we have prepared for, without having much time. We did it well and we have our way of playing set out”.

Tiago Tomás will be available again, having recovered from an injury, but Pedro Porro was confirmed by the coach as being sidelined.

 “Tiago has recovered and will be called up to the squad. He can't play for long, but he is an important player for us. Porro is out, but we have to look on the positive side: He has two weeks to recover and we have [Ricardo] Esgaio and [Gonçalo] Esteves in the meantime. We're ready for anything”, he guaranteed.

Amorim also addressed the offensive production of the trio comprising of Pedro Gonçalves, Pablo Sarabia and Paulinho.

“They've been doing well. The three spots up front are not guaranteed. Nuno Santos has had a great impact on our team, both in terms of goals and assists. Those who have to play know that the others have had a great impact as well - and I don't forget that”, he stressed.

Finally, he expressed his gratitude for praise from opposition coach Jorge Simão, but reminded journalists that “there are great teams in Portugal and we could lose to FC Paços de Ferreira. We know that we have to score and win the game”, he concluded.

The coach was content with a 4-0 win in the Champions Leaguejj

After the win over Beşiktaş JK in the UEFA Champions League, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim praised his side and highlighted the great performance from the entire team.

“The players made everything easier. We started well and, despite Porro's injury taking away some of our quality and breaking the rhythm of play, we came back and scored the goal. Then we moved our way naturally into a 3-0 lead. In the second half we managed the game, but we had opportunities to score more goals. We weren't as tight at times, because we were comfortable, and we lost some balls that we shouldn't have lost,” began the coach in his post-match press conference.

“Beşiktaş JK having players unavailable helped us. They weren't as strong as they were in the game in Turkey, but I'm very happy because it was all down to our players,” he explained, before talking about the importance of the home fans.

“I want to say some words to the fans. It wasn't necessary for the coach and the players to ask for their presence, because they were going to be here anyway. Last season, even without being able to watch the games, they always waited for the team outside the ground. It's nothing new for us, but we thank them very much.”

As for Paulinho, who scored in the match, Amorim expressed appreciation for the confidence that the fans have been giving the striker.

“Paulinho has to be grateful for the recognition that the fans have for his work, not just for the goals he scores. When he has to play, whether applauded or whistled, he will always give his all. I'm very happy for Paulinho, and he deserves it,” he reflected, before addressing Pedro Porro's condition after he went off injured.

“He has a muscle injury and it will be more difficult for him to recover overnight. We shall see tomorrow, but it's not worth hurrying him. The most important thing is to look at the performance Esgaio had when he came on. If Esgaio is tired or can't play, Gonçalo Esteves is ready and the kids need those opportunities.”

Asked about the club's hopes in the Champions League, the coach said that: “Even before the game played in Turkey, we said that we were not thinking of third place, but rather of qualifying for the knockout stage. In football, anything is possible, and we proved that last season. We are inexperienced, but we believe a lot in ourselves and when this is the case, everything is possible,” he concluded.

The goalscorer reflects on the 4-0 win over Beşiktaş

Paulinho, who scored the third goal in the match against Beşiktaş and was one of the most prominent players for Sporting CP, talked after the final whistle, and commented that "it was the team that made this game easy".

"Beşiktaş JK are a good team. They are very dangerous and have very good players up front. We were very competent and we carried out our plan to the letter",  explained the 28-year-old forward, thanking the Sportinguistas for their support.

"Their support has been constant and today, once again, the affection they gave me was noted. I hope I can reciprocate that; their support has been incredible and it's not easy to describe what we feel", he revealed.

For the Portuguese international, the team playing at home again against Borussia Dortmund could prove to be an advantage.

"The fact that we will be at home could make a difference because of the atmosphere, as we saw today. When we played in Dortmund, despite it being a mythical stadium and the atmosphere created there, we spent the 90 minutes hearing our fans sing. That factor can make a difference", he stated.

"The support I've received has been incredible and it hasn't been about whether I've scored or not, but rather for the way my teammates and I perform on the pitch. The fans see how we defend and how we give everything for the club in every game. When we fail, they know that it's not due to carelessness or distraction. Sometimes it's bad luck and sometimes we're a little tired because we run a lot. I can only promise total dedication", he concluded