The game will be played on November 22nd

Sporting CP will face SG Sacavenense in their opening fixture of the Taça de Portugal, the country's premier cup competition. The draw for the tournament was made on Thursday.

The team will travel to Sacavém on November 22nd for the fixture, in the Third Round of the cup.

SG Sacavenense are currently top of Série F of the Portuguese league structure, and have reached this stage of the competition thanks to wins in the opening two rounds: Rui Gomes' side opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over SU Sintrense, then bested Ançã FC 3-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.

The Sporting CP coach responded to controversy in O Clássico

Following the 2-2 draw for Sporting CP against FC Porto, coach Rúben Amorim - who was sent off in the final moments of the first half - spoke in his post-match press conference, offering his thoughts on the game and criticising referee Luís Godinho's decisions.

The result
"It was clear that Sporting CP were the better team, besides for a few minutes in the first half. We should have won this game. We missed a few chances one-on-one with the goalkeeper. At times we had some clear spaces that we weren’t able to make the most of, and that’s just down to inexperience. We have a team of lions here. We drew against FC Porto, but we dropped two points."

His sending off
"There was a lot of ‘dual criteria.’ I accept the blame because I shouldn't have said what I said, but I hear the same things being said every week, and even shortly before I had heard worse from elsewhere. I was disgusted with the difference in criteria. I accept my punishment, but what I didn’t like was the double standard."

"My staff know what to do, so my sending off didn’t have any influence on the game."

The reversed penalty decision
"The referee had an influence on the result. For me, it is an obvious penalty. We have been unlucky with VAR. Last year, there was an incident in Moreira de Cónegos in which Sebastian Coates was pulled down and nothing was given. Now, a player is in the air with an opposition player’s arm on his back. For me, it's a penalty. Obviously I was annoyed because it was a big moment for the team. It was an important moment in the game."

Sérgio Conceição’s comments that Sporting CP should be happier with the draw
"It is better for everyone to look at the game itself, and not at what is said about it. I am very proud of my players. Congratulations to them. We missed out on two points, but I felt that the group were disappointed about that in the dressing room - which is a good sign."

Changes of position during the game
"It was planned. You could see by the result and the way we got into the FC Porto area that everyone knew what to do. We changed positions in training and the players were not lost. Quite the contrary."

The pressure of being a coach
"We have to win the next game, because we are at a club with the highest demands. I feel great pressure because that is how our profession is. I chose to coach Sporting CP and I have to be prepared for that."

Santos and Vietto score against FC Porto as the points are shared

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 with FC Porto in 'O Clássico' on Saturday night at the Estadio José Alvalade, thanks to goals either side of half time by Nuno Santos and Luciano Vietto. The main talking point of the game, however, would be a decision reversed by referee Luis Godinho that possibly denied the team victory.

The players took to the pitch wearing a replica of Rui Jordão's jersey from the 1979/1980 season, for one of Liga NOS' showcase games. It was FC Porto who created the first dangerous opportunity, in the opening minute, but Antonio Adán would make a good save. Os Leões would have their first chance shortly thereafter, when João Palhinha and Jovane Cabral combined well and Matheus Nunes was unable to convert the one-on-one.

The goal was not long in coming, however. On 9 minutes, a poor clearance of a Pedro Porro cross allowed the ball to fall to Nuno Santos, who struck first time with his left foot to give goalkeeper Marchesín no chance and make it 1-0.

FC Porto would level through Uribe on 25 minutes, as the game sprung into life. Pedro Goncalves and Nuno Santos both enjoyed chances, with the former hitting the ball just wide of goal.

Despite Sporting CP's frequent attacks, it would be the visitors who pulled ahead in the last minute of regular time in the first half, with Corona taking the score to 1-2.

Controversy abounded in stoppage time, when Pedro Gonçalves was knocked down by Zaidu in the area and referee Luís Godinho awarded a penalty, showing a second yellow card to the FC Porto defender. However, after consulting VAR, he reversed the decision -to the dismay of Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim, who was sent off for his protests.

The pace of the game dropped in the second half, as did the number of chances on goal. Nuno Mendes and Pedro Gonçalves were the first to attempt an equaliser, but their shots were both off target. On the defensive side of things, Adán would safely save a free kick on 64 minutes.

Pedro Porro was inches away from levelling the score 15 minutes from time, shooting agonisingly close across the face of goal.

The Clássico saw a return to action for João Mário, who came on for Matheus Nunes to play his first game since coming back to Sporting CP in the summer transfer market.

Sporting CP were the only team to try to score again, and got their reward on 88 minutes. A ball found its way to Gonçalves, who in turn set up Andraž Šporar perfectly. The striker, who had come on in place of Porro, forced a save from Marchesín, but Luciano Vietto -another second half substitute - was on hand to convert the rebound.

With the score at 2-2, Vietto had a late header and João Mário a dangerous free kick in stoppage time, but in the end the points would be shared in Alvalade.

Sporting CP will visit CD Santa Clara on the next matchday of the Liga NOS season.

Sporting CP: António Adán [GK], Pedro Porro (Andraž Šporar, 77 '), Luís Neto (Gonzalo Plata, 62'), Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (João Mário, 77 ') , Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos (Tiago Tomás, 62 ') and Jovane Cabral (Luciano Vietto, 56').

The Sporting CP coach gives his preview of the 'Clássico'

Just over 24 hours removed from this Saturday's 'Clássico' (8:30 pm) against FC Porto, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim spoke to the media about the team's big game against their northern rivals.

Players returning

“We were without Eduardo Quaresma for a while, since he was already out of action due to a positive COVID-19 test that delayed his start to the season. We always make the most of what we have; we had some players away with the national team, but others were training this week. For example, João Mário has just arrived and has adapted well to the group. There were players whose fitness we managed to improve, and others who played one game for Portugal but then did not play in the second game -which helped our preparation for this match. We will definitely be a very competitive side in this match, and we will grow game by game."

Differences between Sporting CP and FC Porto

“We are two teams in different moments. FC Porto have won two titles in three years and we are building a foundation. We are starting out. Now we are building a squad with young talents and some experienced players. A Clássico is a Clássico. Whoever wins the game will be the better side; it's always like that. I see a strong FC Porto. Two weeks ago, away to Boavista, FC Porto won 0-5 and were a solid team. That's what they are. Sporting CP are growing in quality."

João Mário

“João Mário is a player with great quality and a lot of experience. I didn't know him personally before, but he brings a presence to the team, even in training and in the way he communicates with his teammates. He will provide us with good things, but he will have to run a lot as well. He has already realised that, to take anyone's place, he will have to work hard. I am sure he will help us a lot during the season.”

The keys to the game

“What Sporting CP have to do is match the intensity and aggressiveness of FC Porto. This is a very important thing. We have to be very strong in our approach to the game. FC Porto have strengths, but Sporting CP also have ours. We are teams who already know each other well, and we know the characteristics of the FC Porto players. But if I had to mention something that Sporting CP have to do, it is to launch ourselves headfirst into the game. You have to be very strong and intense to want to win. You can't be afraid of anything and have to face the game with a lot of aggression."

"I want to show Sportinguistas and everyone else what I am really worth"

João Palhinha has extended his contract at Sporting Clube de Portugal through to 2025. The midfielder, whose buyout clause has been set at 60 million euros, spoke to Sporting CP media on Wednesday to express his excitement at the new deal.

"I am very happy to sign another contract renewal with one of the clubs that helped make me who I am, and that played a very important role in my growth," he explained.

Palhinha joined the club at a young age from SG Sacavenense. He has played for the B team and on loan at Moreirense FC (in 2015/2016), CF Os Belenenses (in 2016/2017) and SC Braga, where he spent the last two seasons. Now he has returned to Alvalade, looking to have an extended run in the first team.

"I want to offer a different image of myself to the one I left in the past. I want to show Sportinguistas and everyone else what I am really worth. I know that the people in this club believe in me."

Responding to rumours of his possibly considering leaving the club this past summer, Palhinha emphasised that it was this need to show his value that drove him to stay.

"If I had left Sporting CP, as was being speculated so much, then I would perhaps have left in a way that wasn't consistent with the journey I have been on at this club. Leaving the first team with that feeling of not having shown my potential would always leave a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm facing this new opportunity with the utmost motivation and I want to help the club to achieve its goals," he guaranteed.

Palhinha has already worked with Rúben Amorim, and says that he admires the Sporting CP boss.

"He is a coach who knows the qualities I have. On a personal level I like him very much, because of the empathy I have with him. That's why I say that I have everything on my side to demonstrate my worth - and the team do as well."

"We know that the group has quality, is young and has a lot of potential. We have an excellent squad and I believe we can cause a surprise throughout this season. We can promise that we will provide a lot of work, effort and dedication. As for everything else, things are going to happen naturally, just as they have done up until now. The important thing now is to work in the same way as we have been, to evolve in the aspects that we have to evolve in. As I said, we have everything in place to surprise people this season."

The goalkeeper reflect on his opening months at Sporting CP

Sporting CP's starting goalkeeper in the first four official matches played this season, Antonio Adán has been the most frequently featured of the club's summer signings to date. The Spaniard talked to Sporting CP Media during the international break, giving the lowdown on how things are going since his arrival.

Integrating into the group
"The group have made me very welcome from the start. I was told that this was a young and pleasant group for players. I think that both I and the new players have integrated very well. Due to the circumstances we have had to spend a lot of time together, first in preseason and then because of the COVID-19 isolation. That actually made my integration easier."

The combination of youth and experience
"I believe that the combination of youth with experience is what makes the group a good one. The older players bring experience and the younger players the daring of those who are starting out -in addition to the quality of Sporting CP's academy system. We are creating a strong group, which means good expectations. When I was in other countries I saw that there were always many Portuguese players being signed by other teams. Now that I'm here, I realise that the quality is very high. We have some very good young players that I am sure will reach the highest level."

Internal competition
"The more competition there is within the squad, the better it is for everyone on an individual, collective and club level. It makes everyone evolve and ensures that everyone is at full strength. It allows the team to grow."

The game against Porto
"Both I and the rest of the group have prepared for this game just like we prepared for all the previous games. In the end, it's three more points at stake. Of course, for Sportinguistas this is more important than that, as it is one of Liga NOS' biggest matches. Obviously, after having played in other big games in Spain, I also want to do it in Portugal. However, I think that we are preparing in the same way that we prepared for the previous two games. It's the path we have to follow until the end of the season, preparing each game as if it were a final."

"I understand that for fans there is an added importance in it being a chance to beat a direct rival, but for us it's just three more points. I understand everything that surrounds the game: When we walk down the street, the fans stop us to talk about it, but we have to be calm and remember that it's just another three points."

A possible return for fans
"It is difficult for us, not having them here. Especially for this club, the fans are very important for those of us on the pitch. What I have been told is that they help a lot, and that is very important to us. Fortunately, in specific games, such as Portugal vs. Spain, we have already seen some fans in the stands. On the previous matchdays in the league there were fans in the game between CD Santa Clara and Gil Vicente FC, and that gives us hope that, soon, we will have our fans in the stadium. I hope it will be as soon as possible, because we need them and I personally want to see what the stadium is like with people in the stands. Football is for fans. Football without spectators is missing something."

Rúben Amorim's coaching methods
"I spoke to the coach before coming here, and his ideas transmitted a lot of personality and a way of playing that fits my ideas, because I played like that at Real Betis Balompié. He likes his teams to show personality on the pitch, and I think this is ideal for a club like Sporting CP, who have to dominate the game and go after the three points."

Specific goalkeeping training
"I'm delighted to be working with Tiago Ferreira and Jorge Vital, the club's goalkeeping coaches. At the beginning I was more tired; I was coming from Atletico Madrid, where there were a lot of matches and the training was not that intense. I'm really enjoying it. Vital has many years of experience, and Tiago compliments him in a brilliant way. We have done a great job over the past few weeks."
 
"I have always kept in mind that hard work is the most important thing. Having the opportunity to do specific goalkeeping work for so many days during the week is essential for me. Our position is based on confidence, and being able to work for so much time with two people who are so well prepared makes me much more confident going into a game."

One week out from the game against FC Porto

With one eye on the return to Liga NOS action next weekend, Sporting Clube de Portugal undertook a Saturday morning session at the Academia Sporting.

The training session was less intense than that of Friday, but featured the same dedication and will to work from the players present. Amongst them were João Silva and Mees de Wit from the B team, who were called up by coach Rúben Amorim to participate.

Jovane Cabral was given individual exercises on the pitch, as well as physio treatment, whilst Zouhair Feddal and Andraž Šporar engaged in rehabilitation work.

The Lions will be back training on Sunday at Alcochete, in a 10am session held behind closed doors.

Recapping the movements in the market made by Sporting CP

The transfer market closed in Portugal at midnight on October 6th, thus completing a summer in which Sporting CP made several acquisitions. Below are a list of the players brought into the squad, both on permanent deals and on loan, as well as those that have been sent to other clubs to further their development or sold to free up places in the team.

New signings:

Pedro Gonçalves (FC Famalicão)
Tabata (Portimonense SC)
Zouhair Feddal (Real Betis Balompié)
Nuno Santos (Rio Ave FC)
Vitorino Antunes (Getafe CF)
Antonio Adán (Club Atletico Madrid)

In on loan

João Mário (FC Internazionale Milano)
Pedro Porro (Manchester City FC)

Sales

Wendel (FC Zenit)
Marcos Acuña (Sevilla FC)
Matheus Pereira (West Bromwich Albion FC)
Gelson Dala (Rio Ave FC)
Francisco Geraldes (Rio Ave FC)
Miguel Luís (Vitória SC)*

Out on loan:

Rodrigo Battaglia (Deportivo Alavés)
Abdoulay Diaby (Getafe CF)
Valentin Rosier (Beşiktaş JK)
Idrissa Doumbia (SD Huesca)
Mattheus (Coritiba FC)
Pedro Mendes (UD Almería)
Eduardo Henrique (FC Crotone)

*Sporting CP retain the rights to 50% of any future sale.

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome the new additions to the squad, and wish those departing all the best in their sporting careers.

Midfielder comes back to Alvalade after four years away

João Mário has rejoined Sporting CP on a loan deal from Internazionale, in an agreement struck on the closing day of the summer transfer window. The midfielder previously spent over a decade at the club, before a series of moves to clubs in Portugal, England, Russia and Italy.

Speaking at his presentation, João Mário said: "I feel great. I always wanted to return to a place where I was happy and where I want to be happy again. It's a great honour to come back to this place that I know well. I am here to help."

The Portuguese international, who won the 2016 European Championships with his country, explained the role that club president Frederico Varandas had in bringing him 'home.' "I have a close relationship with the president, who convinced me to return and made a great effort for me to take this decision. I know the club well, I know the people here and I want to play my best football."

As for his teammates, most of them are players with whom he has not yet become acquainted, but João Mário is looking forward to doing so.

"I've only worked with Seba [Coates]. I also know [Luís] Neto from the national team. The coach is different and I like what I've seen of him: It's a young squad and a young coach with excellent ideas. I have no doubt that I am going to adapt very well, because I identify with the project," he stated.

"Sporting CP have always been a club that have brought through young players. Coming up through that system, it makes me proud to see so many young players in the first team. I want to help them, because I've been through that phase of reaching the first team."

"I'm more mature and more experienced now," continued João Mário. "I left Sporting CP when I was very young. I spent four years away, in which I learned a lot. I had a process of gaining knowledge that was different in other countries."
 
The 27-year-old will once again pull on the No.17 shirt, and the explanation for this is simple.

"I believe that you don't mess with something that works. I like this number a lot. I tried to use it at other clubs, but it wasn't possible. The number 17 becoming available at Sporting CP for me is a sign."

Sporting CP were 0-2 winners in their Liga NOS Matchday3 fixture

Sporting CP made it two wins from as many games in Liga NOS competition this Sunday, winning away to Portimonense SC 0-2 on Matchday 3.

Coach Rúben Amorim was back in the dugout, and he made a series of changes to his starting lineup. Without the injured Andraž Šporar and Jovane Cabral available to him, he put Pedro Gonçalves into the initial XI.

A goal was not long in coming. After five minutes, Nuno Mendes recovered a ball well inside the opposing half, and got past three Portimonense SC players before sending a masterful shot into the bottom corner of the net. A great goal from the 18-year-old made it 0-1 shortly after kickoff.

Sporting CP played at a high intensity and found their second goal soon afterwards. On the right side of the attack, Vietto crossed in a ball that would be met by Nuno Santos, who finished off to take the score to 0-2 on 11 minutes.

The game would drop in pace after the first 20 minutes were out, and Sporting CP gave more freedom to the opposition -who nevertheless still had difficulty troubling goalkeeper Antonio Adán.

In the second half there was more of a push from Portimonense SC to turn the score around, and in response Rúben Amorim brought on Daniel Bragança in place of Nuno Santos. He would then give debuts to Gonçalo Inácio and Tabata - in addition to Antunes and Gonzalo Plata.

The decision almost had an effect on the advantage: In the 80th minute, Plata sent in a free kick from the left that Sebastian Coates headed in, but the goal would be disallowed due to a foul by the centre back.

Both Gonçalves and Tabata had chances before the whistle, but there was no change in the scoreline and Sporting CP claimed their second win of 2020/2021 in league action.