​The team fall 3-2 against CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal lost in Liga Portugal for the first time this season, as they were beaten 3-2 by CD Santa Clara away from home. The game saw the side coached by assistant Carlos Fernandes, with Rúben Amorim unavailable due to COVID-19 protocol.

The first half was evenly matched and saw opportunities for both sides. The visitors had more of the ball, but CD Santa Clara didn't allow them to rest on their laurels.

Sporting CP managed to open the scoring after ten minutes. A good move on the right between Pablo Sarabia and Ricardo Esgaio, and a challenge by a defender, sent the ball over to João Palhinha, who in turn shot hard into the net.

A Nuno Santos rocket and a shot off target by Cryzan continued the back-and-forth battle, and Matheus Nunes also put CD Santa Clara under pressure, whilst the Azoreans were centimetres away from levelling when Jean Patric shot wide.

Second time around, Jean Patric would get his goal: On the half hour, Sagna crossed perfectly for him to head in the equaliser.

Before the break, Sporting CP had several opportunities to get back in front: Two from Gonçalves, with one hitting the side netting, and one from João Palhinha, who wasn't able to beat the goalkeeper. At halftime, it remained 1-1 in the Azores.

The start of the second half was played at a high tempo, and Sporting CP made it 1-2 after 50 minutes. A fantastic cross by Gonçalves found Sarabia, who provided the finish.

There was little time to relish the goal from the Spanish international, because CD Santa Clara levelled again soon after. Lincoln took the scoreline to 2-2.

Bruno Tabata was introduced in place of Luís Neto's on the hour mark, with Esgaio dropping back as a result. Shortly after the change, a Gonçalves free kick was deflected out by a defender, and the follow-up saw Sebastián Coates head into the hands of Marco Pereira.

With just over 20 minutes to go, from a move similar to that which resulted in Sporting CP's second goal, Gonçalves once again found Sarabia, who this time had his shot blocked.

In response, CD Santa Clara struck again to make it 3-2. On a clinical counterattack, Ricardinho appeared in a dangerous position and sent the ball past Antonio Adán, completing the turnaround.

In the final ten minutes, Daniel Bragança replaced Matheus Nunes and Sebastián Coates moved forward, as a big presence in the opposition box. However, the change would not last for long, as Bragança would be sent off by referee Rui Costa at the start of time added on.

Paulinho came very close to an equaliser late in stoppage time, but missed the target when in an excellent position. In the end, CD Santa Clara would hold on for a 3-2 win.

Sporting CP will now visit Leça FC for the quarter finals of the Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Luís Neto (Bruno Tabata, 58'), Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 83'), Nuno Santos, Pablo Sarabia, Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho.

The assistant coach takes over on Matchday 17 in the absence of Rúben Amorim

Opening 2022 and closing the first half of the Liga Portugal season, Sporting Clube de Portugal take on CD Santa Clara this Friday on Matchday 17. The team remain unbeaten, and are joint leaders with 44 points.

With coach Rúben Amorim isolating, his assistant, Carlos Fernandes, took the press conference in the Auditório Artur Agostinho at the Estádio José Alvalade.

He began by analysing the opposition, warning that "they have more quality than their league position indicates".

"Let's remember that, at the beginning of the year, they only just missed out on European qualification and eliminated FC Porto from the Taça da Liga, so it shows that they have that ability", he stressed, adding that "they are a team with very specific characteristics: A goalkeeper who plays very well with his feet, a squad with solutions and very fast players up front and capable of hitting you on the break".

Fernandes singled out Lincoln, Anderson, Morita and Rui Costa among the top players for the Azorean side.

CD Santa Clara are going through an unpredictable period of the season, occupying 15th place and with a third incumbent in the dugout in the form of interim coach Tiago Sousa. Nevertheless, Fernandes wants to keep the team alert, saying that "We know that CD Santa Clara have the ability to beat any team in Portugal, they've already shown it and we have to be prepared".

Asked about the absence of Rúben Amorim in the Azores, the assistant coach talked about the "positive energy" that the head coach transmits to the group, but assured that the preparation for the match had not been affected.

"The most important thing is that he and his family are doing well. As soon as he tested positive for COVID-19, one of the first things he told me was that I could come to the press conference to practice, so his spirit is always very upbeat".

"With new technologies, even today he was watching training live and was able to help us to make some corrections in real time. During the game, he is a coach who gives the players space, so the only difference we will feel is we won't have his energy in the moment. In terms of tactical, technical and physical preparation, we are just the same as before".

"I'm lucky to work with someone who gives this opportunity to both players and coaches. Our coaching staff is a mix of people like Mister Vital, with decades of experience in the Primeira Liga, and me and Adélio Cândido, who have been here for two or three years", he said.

Fernandes guaranteed that Zouhair Feddal will be in the squad, whilst Pedro Porro has returned to training but is not at 100% and Bruno Tabata has completed his period of isolation.

Finally, when asked about Pedro Gonçalves' dry spell in front of goal, the assistant coach praised him for other aspects of his game.

"This is probably the period in which Pote provided the most assists. It is important that people look at the player as a whole, because if he hadn't scored so many goals a year ago, no one would be looking at that now. He continues to do what the coach asks of him and what matters is that he plays his game without worrying about whether he scores or not".

The session sees Zouhair Feddal back with the team

Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team squad returned to training at the Academia Sporting on Tuesday, with a trip to the Azores on the horizon. The team will play CD Santa Clara at the Estádio São Miguel on Matchday 17 of Liga Portugal, at 5:30pm local time.

Zouhair Feddal was back training with the rest of the squad, providing a boost for coach Rúben Amorim. Pedro Porro and Jovane Cabral continue to undergo treatment with the medical department.

Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Tabata remain in isolation.

Os Leões will return to training on Wednesday at 10:30am local time, behind closed doors.

The coach speaks after the 3-2 win over Portimonense

In his post-match press conference following a 3-2 win over Portimonense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim discussed what was an eleventh league win in a row.

"It was a difficult game, in which we started well, but the two counterattacks by Portimonense SC left us a little uneasy. There was the goal situation. We are a team that is not used to being behind, especially in the second half, but that is the merit of the opposition. After half-time we came back stronger when it was 11 against 11, and the sending-off helped us; we put pressure on and the goals came with calm", he began by telling the media.

He also praised the star of the match, hat trick scorer Paulinho.

"It was his night because he scored three goals. He was decisive. It was a credit to Paulinho and the fans too, as when he wasn't in form they were always supporting him. But this doesn't end here. Now we move on to play CD Santa Clara".

Asked if 2021 was a perfect year, the coach commented that "I think 2022 is going to be the year, the continuation of our work. 2021 was a great year, but we have to do more and do better. We have to go game-by-game, that's how we think".

A game that takes place this Thursday between FC Porto and SL Benfica could change the situation at the top of the league table, and Amorim did not hide the fact that he would rather his club end the year as outright leaders.

"It's good to be in first place. Whatever happens is good, and I don't have a great preference for who wins that game. Many points will still be dropped. But I would like to have more of a lead in the table".

The forward leads a comeback in a 3-2 triumph

Sporting Clube de Portugal won 3-2 against Portimonense SC in their last game of 2021. A hat trick from Paulinho enabled the team to overcome an initial deficit, as they continued a run of domestic victories.

The game at the Estádio José Alvalade started with an early chance, as in the third minute Matheus Nunes made a drive towards goal -but allowed the ball to go just out of play. On seven minutes there was a strong shot by João Palhinha from outside the area, that goalkeeper Samuel Portugal was required to save.

It was 10 minutes into the match before Antonio Adán was called into action: Nakajima fired a hard shot goalwards, but the goalkeeper deflected the ball onto the crossbar. 

In the 20th minute, Pablo Sarabia had everything in his favour, but struck over the top with his first opportunity.

The deadlock would eventually be broken through an own goal by Matheus Reis, when the Sporting CP defender tried to intercept a cross and ended up turning it into his own net.

Paulinho and Pablo Sarabia led the charge in search of an immediate equaliser, but both would be denied.

Just past the half hour, Pedro Gonçalves called the goalkeeper into action again, and Portimonense SC held onto their lead into the interval -Sarabia and Nuno Santos coming close with their respective chances.

On their return from the dressing room, Sporting CP did not want to waste time and, in the first minute of the second half, Ricardo Esgaio shot just outside the right post. In minute 54, it was Paulinho who had an effort saved.

60 minutes in, coach Rúben Amorim brought on Geny Catamo, providing the 20-year-old with his debut for the first team. Shortly thereafter, Coates had a chance stifled by a last ditch challenge.

The equaliser would finally arrive, however, when Nuno Santos, on the left, crossed onto Paulinho's head - the striker making it 1-1.

What followed was a masterclass from Paulinho. With a quarter of an hour to go before the end of the game, the 29-year-old forward scored for a second time, following up on a Gonçalves shot.

In the lead for the first time, the team went looking for more. With five minutes to go, Paulinho scored the third from a Gonçalves cross from the right.

Lucas Possignolo got a late consolation goal for Portimonense SC, but the victory went to Sporting CP to round off 2021 top of the league.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio (Geny Catamo, 60'), João Palhinha (Daniel Bragança, 55'), Matheus Nunes, Nuno Santos, Pedro Gonçalves, Pablo Sarabia and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás, 90').

The coach casts his eye over a Wednesday night fixture

In his last pre-match press conference of 2021, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim previewed the Liga Portugal game against Portimonense SC, scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm local time.

"It's going to be a difficult game against Portimonense SC. They are a team who play very well. They have taken more points away than they have at home, they defend well, they're good at set pieces and they have players up front who can create difficulties for the opposition", he told journalists ahead of the Matchday 16 contest.

"The Sporting CP players are prepared. We are used to the system that Portimonense SC play, and prepared for if they show up with three central defenders. Nakajima has been a very important player for them and can create problems, and we focused on that. We are treating the game against Portimonense SC as if it were a final: We have to win the game and play well. It's important to keep the fans behind the team, and they are always there for us. We have to be humble, be strong and have fun in the game".

The Sporting Clube de Portugal boss also revealed what he feels will be the keys to victory: "If we are strong in our buildup, we won't give them any chances or lose the ball in the first phase. I think we'll be able to push Portimonense SC back if we do that, and the team are used to doing that. We have to be strong in one against one situations. We have everything prepared and we are motivated. I think that we will win".

Regarding possible absentees, Amorim revealed that Tiago Tomás will come into the squad, but that any novelties may only be seen against CD Santa Clara next time out.

Asked also about the rotation of players in defensive positions, the coach praised the adaptability of his squad.

"It was important, when we had everyone available, to keep working on things. The players are getting more and more adapted to positions. We also have a goalkeeper, Antonio Adán, who has made some very important saves. But the team in general are defending very well, which is the reflection of a good team and the solidarity between the players. We have defended well as a team". he concluded.

Amorim reacted to the draw for the Taça de Portugal with a brief comment: "Playing against Leça FC will be a tough game. It's a cup game, and I still remember seeing them in the Primeira Liga. We'll be at full strength, very aware of the difficulties we may face, and we want to go through to the next round".

​The fixture will take place between January 11th-13th

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face Leça FC in the quarter finals of the Taça de Portugal. The draw for the competition was held on Monday at the Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras.

The fixture pits the current Liga Portugal leaders against the team currently playing in the Campeonato de Portugal, the Fourth Division. It takes place at the Estádio do Leça FC between January 11th and 13th.

Should they win the game, Os Leões will play either FC Porto or FC Vizela in the semifinals. The first leg of that round will be played between March 1st and 3rd, with the return leg held between April 19th and 21st.

The final session before Christmas is held on Thursday

Coates and Sarabia goals earn 1-2 win against Casa Pia AC

Sporting Clube de Portugal triumphed 1-2 on Wednesday night away to Casa Pia AC, in the Fifth Round of the Taça de Portugal. Through goals scored by Sebastián Coates and Pablo Sarabia, the team secured a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Rúben Amorim returned to the place where he began his coaching career, and made several changes to the starting XI for the occasion: João Virgínia, João Palhinha, Daniel Bragança, Flávio Nazinho, Bruno Tabata and Ricardo Esgaio came into the side.

Casa Pia AC -who ply their trade in the second division- started well, and opened the scoring after eight minutes. Poloni crossed from the left and Jota Silva appeared for a well-placed header, to hand the home side the lead.

Sporting CP reacted with a series of attacks, and started to get closer and closer to an equaliser. João Palhinha headed over the top and Daniel Bragança forced an intervention from goalkeeper Lucas Paes. Finally, the goal arrived in the 32nd minute: A corner kick taken by Pedro Gonçalves was deflected by the defence to the far post, where Sebastián Coates converted.

Before halftime, two more moves could have brought Sporting CP a goal: In the 34th minute, Bruno Tabata went through, but Lucas Paes saved. In the 42nd minute, Daniel Bragança struck wide.

Amorim brought on Paulinho at the interval, taking off Flávio Nazinho, and his presence in the centre of the attack immediately made an impact, providing more space for Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Gonçalves.

João Palhinha had a dangerous chance early on and, shortly afterwards, Gonçalves sent a tame shot towards the goalkeeper. On 52 minutes, a shot against the post proved that Sporting CP were well on top of the game.

Five minutes later, a great shot from Sarabia hit the crossbar, with Gonçalves being denied shortly thereafter by a great save from Lucas Paes. However, referee Rui Costa, after consulting VAR, deemed that Sarabia's effort had crossed the line, awarding the goal as the score moved to 1-2.

Sporting CP continued to put pressure on, and efforts for Gonçalves, Paulinho and Bruno Tabata all came close.

Tabata was sent off in the 71st minute following an incident with Jota Silva, making the task more difficult for the visitors.

With 15 minutes to go, Nuno Santos, Matheus Nunes and Manuel Ugarte came on for Pedro Gonçalves, Daniel Bragança and João Palhinha, respectively, whilst Casa Pia AC pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Sporting CP would hold on to win 1-2, progressing to the quarter finals of the Taça de Portugal. They will next be in action in Liga Portugal, playing Portimonense SC on December 29th.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio, João Palhinha (Manuel Ugarte, 75'), Daniel Bragança (Matheus Nunes, 75'), Flávio Nazinho (Paulinho, 45' '), Pablo Sarabia, Bruno Tabata and Pedro Gonçalves (Nuno Santos, 75').

Sporting CP play Casa Pia AC on Wednesday night

Sporting Clube de Portugal play in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal against Casa Pia AC on Wednesday, and coach Rúben Amorim spoke about the contest in his pre-match press conference.

Amorim knows the opposing side well, since it was there that he began his coaching career, and he made clear that his team will have to be “intense and serious” in order to progress in the competition.

“We expect a difficult game, and the game in Penafiel also served as a warning, at a distinctive ground against a team that play the same formation as us and had been rising up the table in the Second Division," he said.

"I know the coach well, and he also knows me well; we have very similar dynamics," he continued.

"Casa Pia AC have nothing to lose and we will have to be very serious. We have to go into the game knowing that we can lose, because if we're not intense, serious and don't treat the fixture as a final, we won't be able to win".

Ricardo Esgaio may be an option to start, as he is on the cusp of a return from injury, but the coach believes that whoever plays, he has no doubts.

“The strength of this group is that we have everyone prepared. The best team we have to win is that which will play. I'm not going to keep anybody in reserve, but I'm going to change some things".

Amorim also spoke about Pedro Gonçalves, who missed a penalty in Barcelos this past weekend.

“Pedro, for better or for worse, doesn't think about things too much. Obviously he wants to score and every game is a new opportunity, but he's not anxious, because it's not his profile”.

Asked about some of the youth players that he has brought through, the coach explained that “Rodrigo Ribeiro has now moved down to the B team, [José] Marsá is still with us and is getting better and better. Geny [Catamo] will also return to the B team, but he was two minutes away from coming on in Barcelos - before Nuno Santos' goal. They, and others, will have to move up, because of our needs and because they deserve to have opportunities”.