The reaction from the Sporting CP coach to the 0-0 draw with FC Porto was a positive one

After the 0-0 draw away to FC Porto, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim reacted to the result in his post-match press conference.

"All games are a test, and defensively we performed well. We get a lower mark for our ability to get into the last third. We have to take the ball there. Tiago Tomás played much better, but he's a young player and still has to grow. We came forward well a few times, but we have to improve our ability to have the ball in the final third," he said.

"We were facing a great team: Juventus conceded two goals here. We kept another clean sheet."

Amorim also commented on his decision to bring on Matheus Nunes in the second half.

"We knew Matheus' ability to carry the ball upfield, and how many metres he covers. We only lacked the finish from him. He was another player to bring the ball between the lines and get into space when he has to. Whenever Sporting CP players come on, they do well."

Amorim expressed his belief that games like 'O Clássico' are "very important for the growth of our players, like [Gonçalo] Inácio and Nuno Mendes. They are very young and these games have great intensity. Nuno Mendes was playing against kids, and now he's playing against Corona, Marega, Manafá... We had a very mature and consistent game. We go home without having conceded any goals, and we could have scored on the opportunity for Matheus [Nunes]. We have a lot to improve and I'm very proud."

The Sporting CP coach also refused to comment on the performance of referee João Pinheiro, preferring to highlight the good work done by his squad.

"I was very focused on the game. It was a very difficult game and this is not the result of the referee. I am not going to give my opinion of the referees. It was a combative and difficult game. It wasn't very spectacular, but it was more of a competent game from a young Sporting CP team who are on the right track."

"In Barcelos against Gil Vicente we wanted to win the game and we almost only held back. Obviously we wanted to win the game tonight. If we didn't do it, it was because we couldn't and because we have to grow. Holding out for the result is not our way. Our idea is always the same: we want to win. This time we didn't succeed," said the Sporting CP coach, who added that "I'm not going to be a hypocrite: This draw keeps the difference over the reigning national champions, and it was a different game from the one against Rio Ave FC. We wanted to win."

The away game against FC Porto ends 0-0

A stalemate in 'O Clássico' on Matchday 21 of the Liga NOS season saw Sporting Clube de Portugal maintain their advantage in the table over closest rivals FC Porto, as the away game at the Estádio do Dragao ended 0-0.

Pinpointed as a massive game in the title race, the encounter saw several attempts to establish a lead, but the spoils shared in the weekend's attention-grabbing fixture.

Coach Rúben Amorim chose the same starting XI as he had against Portimonense SC the previous weekend, the last round, with five homegrown players in his lineup: Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha, João Mário and Tiago Tomás.

Both teams used very high pressing and intensity, making it difficult for either side to create from the back in their usual way. This led to many duels in the midfield and attempts at a more direct style of play, with the first half relatively low on chances.

In the fourth minute, Sebastián Coates appeared in the nick of time to prevent a shot from Marega, and soon after it was Sporting CP's Pedro Gonçalves who managed to set Tiago Tomás free with an excellent pass -his teammate just unable to play across to serve Nuno Santos. Around ten minutes later, Gonçalves tried a shot on goal, but the ball ended up going just off target.

Goalkeeper Antonio Adán had to intervene for the first time in the 25th minute, when Manafá fired straight at the Spanish shot stopper. Although tentaive, FC Porto gradually provided a few problems for the defensive line, which managed to respond with quality.

FC Porto's Iranian striker Taremi had two efforts before halftime, with the first deflecting out off Gonçalo Inácio and then his header from the resulting corner grabbed by Adán.

The first half concluded 0-0, and after the break there were some more perilous chances to face for Sporting CP. Zaidu struck wide with a cross-shot, then Marega missed the target. In the 57th minute, Taremi failed to convert a setup from Corona.

Amorim reshuffled the pack after the hour, exchanging Nuno Santos for Matheus Nunes and moving  Pedro Gonçalves to the left side of the attack. Five minutes later, Tiago Tomás was withdrawn and Bruno Tabata came on.

On 73 minutes, Matheus Nunes carved out the best opportunity of the game for Sporting CP: After a great counterattack sprint from the right, leaving opposition players in his wake, he went one-on-one with goalkeeper Marchesín and struck just centimetres over the top of the crossbar.

The home team's response was not long in coming, and it was usual suspect Taremi who threatened twice -firing wide on both occasions. He also headed towards goal, but Adán was untroubled by the catch.

With the final score 0-0, Sporting CP remain standout leaders in Liga NOS, with 10 points more than FC Porto. Next time out, they play CD Santa Clara at the Estádio José Alvalade

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Pedro Porro, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Nuno Mendes (Matheus Reis, 86 '), João Palhinha, João Mário (Jovane Cabral, 86'), Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos (Matheus Nunes, 64 ') and Tiago Tomás (Bruno Tabata, 70'). Unused substitutes: Luís Maximiano [GR], Luís Neto, João Pereira, Vitorino Antunes and Daniel Bragança.

After a 2-0 win over Portimonense SC, the coach praises the handling of the game

After a Liga NOS Matchday 20 win against Portimonense SC, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim praised his team for their showing and admitted the importance of two goals scored in quick succession.

“It is always important. Those were decisive goals. For the second, we took advantage of a dead ball, pressed, won possession and finished. We can never expect the goal to happen sooner or later -that doesn't exist. We have to go looking for it and work hard, which is what we did, even though we had some chances in which we could have finished much better”, he said in his post-match press conference.

“In the first half we played well and always found a man free. When it was 2-0 we did much better than in other games in managing the game. In the second part the surface made things difficult, because we wanted to build from the back and many times we had to play through. I think this was an entirely fair result. Portimonense SC grew in the second half, but we managed the game well”, Amorim stated.

After explaining that Paulinho had dropped out of the squad due to discomfort felt in the final training session, and that it will be 'difficult' for him to feature against FC Porto next weekend, the coach singled out Zouhair Feddal for praise.

“He has adapted well. We knew him from his time at Real Betis and saw many games of his. The big surprise was his fitness, not his quality. He brings us a lot of commitment and quality, and he is very good on the ball. He marked many quality forwards in the Spanish league, and that makes players grow. He is a very important player for us”.

Finally, Amorim admitted that it is normal for Sporting CP fans to be confident, but stressed that the team's focus is always on the next game.

“Football is all about the moment, and I realise that some fans will never forgive us if we lose this advantage, but that is more a matter for the coach. The players are visibly growing, the squad is becoming more valuable and Sporting CP are now more of a club in all areas. Sporting CP always go out there to win. The only person who can deal with this problem is the coach and we are prepared for that. We are going game by game, without additional pressure. That's our idea”, he concluded.

Sporting CP see off Portimonense SC 2-0 at home

Sporting Clube de Portugal made it six league wins in a row on Matchday 20 of the Liga NOS season, beating Portimonense SC 2-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade. First half goals for Zouhair Feddal and Nuno Santos ensured the three points stayed with Sporting CP, who remain outright leaders.

With Paulinho out of the squad due to last-minute physical problems, Rúben Amorim kept Tiago Tomás in the eleven and bet on Nuno Santos returning to the starting lineup, in a game in which the pitch was in good condition, despite the heavy rain feel during the day and that fell with intensity throughout the first part.

With Paulinho out of the squad due to some last-minute discomfort, coach Rúben Amorim brought Santos back into the starting lineup.

The pitch was in good condition for the game, despite the heavy rainfall during the day and throughout the first half.

Sporting CP started the game strongly, building play patiently but also creating opportunities on goal. After 6 minutes, a run by Nuno Santos ended with a shot, saved by Samuel Portugal.

Just before the half hour, the opening goal finally arrived. Off a free kick sent in by Gonçalo Inácio, Coates headed on target. The rebound fell to Zouhair Feddal, who took advantage of a scramble in the area to prod the ball into the net. It was his first goal for Sporting CP since joining the club last summer.

Portimonense SC attempted a first half response, and had a goal disallowed for offside, but were stifled as Sporting CP controlled possession and eased into halftime.

As rain continued to fall going into the second half, Sporting CP adopted a more conservative approach to proceedings, and allowed Portimonense SC to have more of the ball. In an attempt to attack on the counter, coach Rúben Amorim brought Jovane Cabral on for Tiago Tomás.

The visitors had problems finishing their chances, and it was Os Leões who came closest to scoring again, from two efforts by Pedro Gonçalves: his first shot went wide, with his second forcing Samuel Portugal to make another good save.

In the final fifteen minutes, with Portimonense SC pushing forward in search of a goal, it was Jovane Cabral who almost made it 3-0 in another one-on-one, but in the end the score remained 2-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade.

With this result, Sporting CP have 54 points in Liga NOS, 13 more than nearest rivals - and next opponents - FC Porto.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha (Matheus Nunes, 87 '), João Mário, Nuno Mendes, Pedro Gonçalves (Daniel Bragança, 88'), Nuno Santos (Bruno Tabata, 71 ') and Tiago Tomás (Jovane Cabral, 62')

The pair won Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender and Best Goal, respectively

Antonio Adán and Pedro Porro were winners of individual honours in January, and the pair received their trophies this Thursday at the Academia Sporting.

For the second consecutive month, Adán scooped the Best Goalkeeper award in Liga NOS, whilst Porro was chosen as Best Defender for the third time in a row and was also the scorer of the Best Goal in league competition.

Adán participated in four league matches in January and conceded just one goal, making him the logical choice for his award. He collected 27% of the votes in the poll of Liga NOS coaches.

"I am grateful to all the coaches who voted for me to win the award again. It is even further motivation for what lies ahead but, as I always say, this prize is down to the good work done by everyone, so I hope that the entire team continue to receive these awards," he said at the club's training ground.

Porro, who has shone at right back this season, explained what was going through his mind when he scored his wonder goal against Boavista at the  Estádio do Bessa on Matchday 15.

"Sometimes you just have to shoot, because you never know what might happen. In the moment, my only thought was to take the shot, and luckily it went in," he said of the goal that was voted for by fans as the best of the month.

In addition, the Spanish Under-21 international also received 31% of the votes from Liga NOS coaches in the Best Defender category.

'Os Leões' triumph 2-0 against FC Paços Ferreira

Sporting Clube de Portugal bested FC Paços Ferreira 2-0 in Monday night Liga NOS fixture, taking their advantage in the standings over nearest rivals FC Porto to 10 points. Goals from João Mário and João Palhinha earned 'Os Leões' their latest win.

Rúben Amorim made some adjustments to his starting eleven, which consisted of Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Mário, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, Tiago Tomás, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves.

The first warning from Sporting CP came 10 minutes into the game, as Paulinho attempted to backheel in a cutback from Pedro Gonçalves.

Next to try his luck was Pedro Porro, whose shot was tipped over the top by the FC Paços Ferreira goalkeeper -although the referee awarded a goal kick.

The visitors tried to respond through set pieces, but were mostly on the defensive. In the 19th minute, Rebocho took down Pedro Gonçalves in the area, with a penalty kick immediately given.

Stepping up to the penalty spot, João Mário duly dispatched, making it 1-0 and putting the wheels in motion for victory number 16 of the league season.

Sporting CP continued to control the game, but received a scare when FC Paços Ferreira had a chance on 42 minutes. Luther Singh took a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Adán denied him with his foot.

Sporting CP reacted immediately and, after insistence and some confusion in the area, at 45 + 1 minutes, Coates sent the ball over the goal of FC Paços Ferreira, missing the opportunity to increase the advantage.

The lead immediately extended after the return from the halftime break, and goal number two came from a corner: Pedro Porro delivered it in, Zouhair Feddal flicked the ball on with his head and João Palhinha, free at the back post, converted.

Amorim made the first substitution shortly thereafter, bringing on Nuno Santos and resting Paulinho.

In the 65th minute, with Adán off his line, Feddal kept out an initial effort from Tanque, who shot again into the side netting. Three minutes later, it was Luther Singh who tried to reduce the deficit, but without success.

Ten minutes later, João Mário, Pedro Gonçalves and Tiago Tomás were replaced by Matheus Nunes, Tabata and Jovane Cabral.

FC Paços Ferreira nearly got a consolation goal in the final ten minutes, but João Pedro would be thwarted by Adán for the clean sheet to be completed.

Now with a double-digit lead in the standings, Sporting CP will be back at the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday, playing Portimonense SC in an 8:30pm kickoff.

Sporting CP coach says team are focused on Monday night fixture

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Paços de Ferreira to the Estádio José Alvalade on Monday, and Rúben Amorim gave his thoughts on the Liga NOS game in a pre-match press conference. The team have already won twice against the opponents, who lie fifth in the table, but their coach is not overlooking the encounter.

"We have to have a great game and be at our best. We have to be intense, disciplined and humble, right from the opening minute. FC Paços de Ferreira are a very good team who are in fantastic form, with a coach who is doing an incredible job. They are a courageous team. We know FC Paços de Ferreira well, and they know us well. We have prepared for the game and we need the inspiration of the players. We are ready for a great match," he told journalists at the Auditório Artur Agostinho.

"We brought the players attention to what went wrong against Gil Vicente FC, but also to the good things we did after the break," Amorim continued.

Sporting CP are currently in limbo in a situation involving their use of player João Palhinha in the derby against SL Benfica, whilst awaiting the overturning of a fifth yellow card shown to him against SL Benfica. As the saga drags on, Amorim guarantees that the midfielder "is calm."

"This week I saw a conversation between him and Hugo Viana, asking for him to be calm. Sporting CP did what they had to do and we are all waiting for a decision. We have no concern whatsoever in this regard. Sporting CP have safeguarded ourselves and we did everything according to the law. We have zero concerns," he promised.

Asked if he is responsible for a greater sense of unity amongst Sportinguistas the coach gracefully preferred to highlight the players' contribution.

"The merit has to be given to the players, because they are the ones on the pitch. We were at a stage when we were not doing so well at the end of last season, and at that time we did not feel any of that. The unity that exists at this moment is down to the players and the results that they have had. Committing to bringing through players and having many Portuguese players in the squad attracts people, who feel that connection. I am the one who enjoys the quality of the players, the connection and the work that has been done at the club. I am reaping the fruits of that work. I guarantee that if the results change, then things will be different. We have this perspective," he assured.

For now, the focus is on FC Paços de Ferreira, and the Sporting CP boss highlighted some of the most important points and players.

"They are very aggressive and strong on second balls. The wingers are always trying to break, Tanque is very strong at holding up the ball and crossing. Bruno Costa was the player of the month, Luiz Carlos has intensity, Eustáquio has been having a good season. They are a team without any responsibility in this game, with confidence, up against a team that also want to win. In my opinion, it will be a great game. If it isn't then the important thing is that Sporting CP win."

"The table shows that we have the most points, but we don't look at what our rivals do so much. We look at what is going on in our games. We should have done more in the first half against Gil Vicente FC and that is our focus," he concluded.

The defender reached the milestone on his first game back

João Pereira is one of Sporting Clube de Portugal's recent reinforcements, and the first game of his third stint at the club was a special match for more than one reason. The game against CS Marítimo allowed him to reach 150 official matches for Os Leões.

To mark the milestone, this past week Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas presented Pereira with a personalised shirt, a trophy and a commemorative bottle of Super Bock, one of the club's partners

Before signing for the club for a third time, the Portuguese international had already accumulated four years playing in green and white, between 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 and 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.

Pereira arrived at Sporting CP for the first time in the 2009/2010 winter transfer market, joining from SC Braga. After more than 100 games spread over two and a half seasons, he headed to Spain's LaLiga to represent Valencia CF. This was followed by a spell at German side Hannover 96, and in 2015 he returned to Portugal. Another year and a half at Sporting CP followed, during which he won a Portuguese Supertaça (2015). After leaving in January of the 2016/2017 season Trabzonspor, the right back is back in Lisbon on a free, with a contract until the end of the current season.

The Brazilian enjoyed minutes against Gil Vicente FC

The defender reacted to his debut with a publication on social media, in which he said: "After five months, making my first appearance for this club and feeling the emotion of going out onto the pitch, as well as earning the three points, is priceless. We keep going at full strength."

Sporting CP's coach praises his team's late turnaround against Gil Vicente

At the end of the amazing 1-2 comeback victory against Gil Vicente FC in Liga NOS, Rúben Amorim reviewed the challenging contest in his post-match press conference.

"Once again, the game only ends when the referee blows his whistle. It was a very tough  game, as we knew it was going to be, against a team who had us well-studied", he told journalists.

"We started well and we could have scored right away. From then on, we were lax and slow and let the game pass us by. After halftime the team changed their mentality. We pressed more, we had more of the ball and we looked for space better. We had a lot of crosses, but just needed someone to put the ball into the net".

"We scored the equaliser, we believed until the end and we got the second. Gil Vicente FC did well in the first half, but stopped playing football in the second".

Amorim praised his goalscoring captain, Sebastian Coates: "He was very good at both defending and attacking. He set an example. Congratulations to him. He is our leader and captain and he deserves it".

"Today was not about luck -it was about belief. In some games we have had good fortune, but not this time. We tried hard until the end. The referee hadn't blown the final whistle and I felt we could score a goal. Scoring a goal enabled us to win the way that we did", he explained.

Regarding Paulinho, the coach admitted that "it was not the best game for our striker, but that's normal".

"He's coming into a new team. Against CS Marítimo he had more space, and this time the Gil Vicente FC's block was closer together. In the second half he had some crosses come to him. He didn't connect with the ball well, but that's part of a striker's life. He has to work hard. He is very happy and I am very happy with him. He has integrated well and that is the main thing", he said.

Asked about the changes he made at halftime, Amorim revealed that "attention was drawn to our lack of intensity, the problems and where the space was".

"There had to be a change in mentality. Gil Vicente FC closed up space in the middle. We needed a winger instead of a full-back and Nuno Santos improved us by providing many crosses. Neto was doing fine in the game, but Inácio is very good at bringing the ball out. We wanted a variation".

"Our team are always more motivated when they dominate the game and concede no opportunities. That gives motivation to them. We will be more aware of what we have to do in the coming games", he concluded.