The coach reviews the win over FC Alverca

After the 1-4 win away to FC Alverca, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the victory in his press conference.

Analysis of the game
"I think we were the better side for the entire 90 minutes. We started well and scored against an FC Alverca team defending in a low block. Then, we entered a period of ‘controlled sleepiness’ which could have hurt us. We overdid it in that sense. It was a more subdued game then, but the second half was completely different. We were dynamic and had a different energy. We wanted to get the second goal, even running some risks at the back. It was a very good second half, both with and without the ball. It was a game controlled by us, with a second half that was better than the first."

Nuno Santos' injury
"It's a muscle injury, I can't say more than that. Unfortunately, a player who has been out for 15 months has these risks when they come back."

The yellow card given to Luis Suárez
"I think now there should be a white card. It was a strange situation, but I won’t comment much on it."

The postponed game meaning the team are the chasers in the standings
"We are focused on ourselves and we know what we have to do in this final stretch of the season. It has always been like that and the team gave another great response today. Now, some of the players will go away with their national teams and we will take a breather to prepare for an intense month."

Only one change in the starting XI
"We played on Wednesday. It was noticeable that our energy wasn’t the same in the first half, but we tried to press high. The most important thing was to recover from the mental strain of the Champions League. There were some players who had received 120 minutes and others 70, but we played on Wednesday, so it wasn’t an excuse. The team gave a great response, thankfully."

A 50th victory in charge of Sporting CP
"I’m happy. It’s another milestone in our journey as a coaching team. We’ve been doing a great job, and the quality of play and the data demonstrate that. Above all, I’m happy to have been in charge of a great Sporting CP side for all these months."

Sporting CP earn a strong victory against FC Alverca

Sporting CP defeated FC Alverca 1-4 in Liga Portugal to return to winning ways in the competition, outgunning the opposition with two strikes from Pedro Gonçalves and goals from Luis Suárez and Geny Catamo.

To face an FC Alverca side sitting in 11th place and coming off a run of five consecutive draws, coach Rui Borges made only one change to the starting XI that had made history in midweek in the UEFA Champions League: the suspended Maxi Araújo was replaced by Nuno Santos, who hadn't started a game since October 26th, 2024. Ricardo Mangas returned to the squad after more than a month out.

Sporting CP were up against a FC Alverca side who hadn't lost at home in 2026 and, moreover, had earned 19 of their 29 points at their own ground.

The team didn't take long to show their intentions, as 'Pote' was played through with a fast pass. He reached the ball on the goal line and, without an easy angle, shot straight at goalkeeper André Gomes.

FC Alverca also started aggressively, but quickly had to rely, above all, on their organisation to contain the rapid inside combinations initiated by Sporting CP.

Geny Catamo tried his luck from distance and almost surprised the goalkeeper, who prevented the opening goal. It was a goal that finally arrived just a few minutes later: On 22 minutes, Pedro Gonçalves collected a loose ball in the area and, with great finesse, placed it into the top corner to put Sporting CP ahead.

Misfortune then befell Rui Borges's men, as Nuno Santos fell to the ground, being forced to go off injured. Georgios Vagiannidis came on in his place, and the substitution coincided with a shift in momentum.

A long-range shot from Lincoln, was securely caught by Rui Silva, and the opposition managed to push up the pitch and grow stronger until halftime. After a couple of blocked shots in the area, a header from Sandro Lima didn't go far wide of the post.

In the second half, Sporting CP once again showed their lethal nature. Immediately after receiving a yellow card for simulation for a penalty initially awarded then overturned by VAR, Luis Suárez produced a masterpiece to make it 0-2. The Colombian cut inside from the left and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the back of the net, claiming his 24th goal in the competition and his 33rd of the season.

FC Alverca tried to respond quickly to get back into contention, but Nabil Touaizi shot wide in the home team's best chance.

Sporting CP took the scoreline to 0-3 through sheer force. Before the 70th minute, Geny Catamo cut in from the right and struck a piledriver of a shot to increase the lead.

Rui Borges began to make changes, bringing on Zeno Debast and Daniel Bragança for Inácio and Morita. As the final ten minutes approached, he also introduced Mangas and gave more playing time to youngster Rafael Nel.

André Gomes made a flying save to deny a fantastic goal from Vagiannidis, who had popped up in a central position.

There would be two more goals before the end of the game. First of all, FC Alverca’s Marezi found the back of the net with a cross-shot. Then, just two minutes later, Pedro Gonçalves scored his second from a free kick on the left.

Mangas hit the post in the final chance, with André Gomes getting down to deny Rafael Nel a goal from the rebound. The score ended 1-4, marking Rui Borges' 50^th win from 73 games in charge.

After the international break, Sporting CP return to action to play CD Santa Clara in April.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Iván Fresneda (Ricardo Mangas, 82’), Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio (Zeno Debast, 71’), Nuno Santos (Georgios Vagiannidis, 27’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 71’), Geny Catamo, Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez (Rafael Nel, 82’)

The coach talks before the game against FC Alverca

Sporting CP travel to Ribatejo this Sunday to face FC Alverca in Liga Portugal. Coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference ahead of the game.

Returning to domestic action after the UEFA Champions League
“Because of all the fatigue from the game against FK Bodø/Glimt, it will be a difficult task, and it will also be so because of what FC Alverca are like. They have been growing and, therefore, it will be a difficult game. The most important thing is to recover and get the players switched on as much as possible to the demands of the next game.”

Possible changes
“It's possible that there may be some changes. We will have to see how the team are feeling. In terms of the left side, we don't have Maxi [due to an accumulation of yellow cards], but we have Nuno Santos and Ricardo Mangas, who is back in. These are two solutions and either one of them gives us something.”

Luis Guilherme's Injury
“The time off that he needs could be around four to six weeks. We have to see about his ankle. The knock happened in the last moment of training. There are things we can't control.”

The impact of accumulated fatigue
“It's part of the demands of the club. Of course, there was an unusual amount of emotional and physical expenditure this week, but we have to be able to deal with it. It's not something new, it's always been here. We've played a lot of games and we're going into a very busy month of April. It's part of being where we are, but we have to find solutions to continue to do Sporting CP justice.”

Players called up for their national teams
“There are many of them, but it is what it is. We can't escape it. They also want to play for their national teams, with a World Cup comng up. I am happy, above all, to see them with their national teams, achieving another goal and dream. It doesn't mean that we're going to stop responding to demands in April.  It's difficult for the players who need time to get rest. For example, Zeno [Debast] had a long break and is good to play for 30 minutes, because if you put him in from the start he won't have that response.

Postponement of the game against CD Tondela
“It was a regulatory right that we had and we exercised it. It's a good thing we did that, because if we had that game we wouldn't have been able to give the physical and mental response that we gave against FK Bodø/Glimt. We were fantastic for 120 minutes. We'll have to put the game against CD Tondela somewhere on the calendar. Protests from rivals is noise; it's part of the game, but the postponement was a right we had.”

The historic UEFA Champions League run
“It's important to find ways to switch on the players and draw on their energy. It won't be the same this weekend, because as much as we want it, it's impossible. The rest time isn't the same, the recovery isn't either, but we have to raise our energy to a good level. We're going to face a team who haven't lost at home in 2026, have grown a lot and defend well. It will demand a lot from us. The game could be separated into transitions and we have to understand what response we can give.”

A possible contract renewal with Sporting CP
“I'm very calm about that. I know well how the interaction and mutual trust with the Sporting CP structure is. I have a contract with Sporting CP and whatever has to happen, will happen in due time.”

The many good options for the centre back
“Perhaps it’s the most difficult position to manage. I have four fabulous defenders, they all deserve to play, and that’s a headache for me. Edu [Quaresma] has responded well. Diomande had that dip which coincided with Ramadan, which is natural. Zeno is coming back and doing very well, and Inácio has had a fantastic season. I have four high-quality defenders and any one of them can be a starter tomorrow.”

Luis Suárez’s fatigue
“I don’t believe Ioannidis will be available in the coming weeks. Regarding Luis, he's very particular. We also appeal to the good sense of the national team coaches, so that they understand the players’ fatigue and what they still have to play. He has been a very selfless player, giving everything to the team, and it shows. Physically he has been phenomenal, but he's not a machine and he'll have setbacks -as he already has.”

Post-UEFA Champions League euphoria being detrimental
“The euphoria is outward. For us coaches, it's over after ten minutes, because we have little time to recover and we know how difficult the game against FC Alverca will be. The players had a break to enjoy time with their families after achieving something unprecedented, but after we started training there was no more euphoria. The most important thing is to be able to draw on our energy."

The coach previews a busy week of action for Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Nacional this Sunday at 6pm, on Liga Portugal Matchday 20. In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges talked about the fixture.

Analysis of CD Nacional
"Tiago Margarido has done a great job for them. For us coaches, and in this case for him, to be in charge of CD Nacional for a hundredth game -he must be the active coach in the league who has been at the same club the longest- it's something to be commended. They are a good team, very strong when making fast attacks and offensive transitions, and Gabriel Veron has added quality to that. Away from home, they have four defeats, but always by the narrowest of margins; they played very well against FC Porto and won in Braga, which clearly shows the quality we will encounter with them. They are a competitive team, strong in the duels, and they commit some fouls that demonstrate the intensity with which they approach games. They are strong on offensive set pieces and in Madeira we conceded a goal from that. After the UEFA Champions League, making a change of mindset is always difficult, but the ambition is there, and the motivation too. I believe we will have a great game against a good team."

Focus on the league after a European Top-8 finish
"I'm in charge of a great group, who know that games after the UEFA Champions League are difficult, due to physical and mental exhaustion. Only a great team can fight against this and maintain the same quality and intensity of play. This is a challenge for us as a team. I believe in the responsibility of the group, who know that we have to win, and that we will give everything to do so against an organised and competitive team, with the help of our fans. Our ambition, will to win and fight for the title will overcome all the difficulties that may exist in the game. I am happy for all the Portuguese teams for their success in Europe. It gives value to our football and our position in the ranking, where we have overtaken the Netherlands. Congratulations to all the teams that managed to qualify. It's good for all of us."

The squad and transfer market
"I want to use my entire squad. If someone has to leave, they will leave, whether it's Alisson [Santos] or someone else. It's a credit to the whole team, which has increased in value because of everything we have done throughout the season -in Europe and domestically-, and for the collective and individual quality we have demonstrated. These supposed departures and arrivals are natural, and I deal with it well. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sporting CP are above any player and any coach. I need everyone and I want everyone available, but when one player is missing, there are others to come in. Alisson is called up for tomorrow, he's a Sporting CP player and, therefore, I won't elaborate much further on that."

Luis Suárez and Pedro Gonçalves risking receiving fifth yellow cards
"They will come into the match without any restrictions. I'm looking at CD Nacional, I want to win the next game and that's what matters to me. They will both play, they are options, they know the responsibility better than anyone and the fact that they have four yellow cards, but it's pointless to think about FC Porto if we don't beat CD Nacional. Then, in Porto, whoever is available will give the best response."

Players unavailable
"Gonçalo Inácio is in the squad for tomorrow. Fotis Ioannidis is still out. We can bring in Souleymane Faye now. Zeno Debast is out; it's not a problem, it's just us managing the injury he had. We don't want him at 70%, we want him at 100%, because we need him in this final stretch of the season."

Different options on the wings
"They are all different. [Souleymane] Faye gives us different things than Alisson, Luís Guilherme and Geny [Catamo]. They are two very promising players that we went after. We believe a lot in the potential of both.
 I don't look at a player just in terms of his shot or the goals he scores. We have to look at several things. Alisson, for example, has enormous potential, but it's necessary to understand the context and how much he has to grow. We sign players mainly for our league games, as those are the important ones, and the performance has to be high, especially there. That's our first focus. Of course, we want them to do well in every game, but they all have to improve in some areas. Alisson, in decision-making against low blocks, because he doesn't have as much space, while in the UEFA Champions League he can go one-on-one. Faye plays deeper and goes further up without the ball more than anyone else. They are very dynamic players and, above all, different. This increases the quality we have, plus the team's strategy and strategic options throughout the games."

The most important week of the season
"The team always have an inherent responsibility. It's an important week, like all the others. I understand the question, because access to the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal is at stake; we are in second place in the league and we have that responsibility, but Sporting CP aren't happy with just a cup; we want to fight for everything. We are in these fights and we will do everything to continue. We will play the league leaders away from home, but it's a game like any other. First, we have to beat CD Nacional, so as not to let that gap widen, and then we'll think about AVS, and only then about FC Porto."

The coach reacts to the 1-1 draw against Gil Vicente FC

Following Sporting CP's 1-1 draw in Barcelos, coach Rui Borges gave his analysis of the match against Gil Vicente FC.

The result
"It all ends up being subjective, about the 'ifs', but we could have made it 0-2 to kill the game off and prevent Gil Vicente FC from growing in confidence. We started the second half very well, and in the first half we controlled play. Gil Vicente FC tried transitions and set pieces, where they created more danger, and we managed to break their press, but we lacked some quality. We scored from an attack that we should have tried more often, and then, in the second half, we started very well, but from the 20th minute onwards we let the game open up and Gil Vicente FC launched counter-attacks, which they are dangerous from."

The performance
"We had 64% possession and we had quality in the initial stages of the build-up, but we lacked more quality in the final third. Even more so in the first half, because in the second half we started very well and were very strong. Afterwards, we should have worn down Gil Vicente FC more, but we lost possession and allowed them to start counter-attacks, but the danger they provided was even greater from set pieces. We won't always finish our chances well, but the team were proactive."

Solutions to counter the way the opponent closed down the central areas
"The important thing was to break their initial press and establish ourselves in the opposition midfield, to force them to stay further away from our goal. We could have varied things more with longer balls instead of low passes which went through many players. That was lacking more in the first half -more than speed. The first half was less dynamic, the second half was better, but within what was asked of us, the team had a good game. We were penalised by what happened in the final part of the game."

The many players out
"It's not an excuse. We could have made it 0-2 and then we would be talking about something else, but we didn't manage to do that. We let a team who are having a great season believe in their chances until the end, at home. The sending-off affected the game and made the opposition believe even more. I'm not going to lament the players who were missing. I want everyone available, of course, and it was important, but the team fought well and had quality. There's no point in thinking about who's not here. I'm already thinking about the game against Vitória SC in the Taça da Liga, because I don't have Inácio due to his sending off and we don't have defenders available."

The effect of the draw on the top of the table
"Last year we had an eight-point advantage and dropped down to second place. There's a long way to go and we're only focused on what we can control and do."

Points lost late on against SC Braga and Gil Vicente FC
"These are two specific games. Here we were down to ten men and Gil Vicente FC, in those following minutes, grew in strength and deserved to get the draw, while we were still organising ourselves. With SC Braga it was a penalty, a move in the area. We ended up being penalised, but that's the nature of the game."

Gil Vicente FC score late to share the spoils

In their first game of 2026, Sporting CP drew 1-1 with Gil Vicente FC in Liga Portugal, as Luís Suárez' first half goal was cancelled out by a late equaliser from the home side.

At the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, they faced a Gil Vicente FC team that occupied a surprising fourth place in the league, on 28 points and coming into the game off the back of four consecutive draws. Rui Borges fielded largely the same lineup as had beaten Rio Ave FC 4-0, bringing back Iván Fresneda after suspension and including Matheus Reis in place of the injured Ricardo Mangas.

Whilst Sporting CP quickly took control, monopolising possession, the first sign of danger came from the opposition, as a surprise shot from Gustavo Varela forced Rui Silva to stretch and tip the ball over for a corner.

At the other end, Fotis Ioannidis sent an effort over the bar, before Gil Vicente settled into the game with an organisation and intensity which made it difficult for Sporting CP to break through the fourth-best defence in the league.

Goalscoring opportunities only arose very close to the end of the first half, with Gil Vicente's Tidjany Touré troubling Rui Silva after a free kick, followed by the opening strike of the game. From near the halfway line, Eduardo Quaresma created space for Luis Suárez to go through on goal, and he slid a shot through goalkeeper Andrew Ventura's legs to make it 15 league goals for the season for him.

Sporting CP went into the second half in the lead, but also received bad news, as captain Morten Hjulmand picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign, and will therefore be unavailable for the next game.

The second half was much more eventful, and began in absolutely frantic fashion. Andrew Ventura was kept busy with two well-aimed shots from Maxi Araújo and Francisco Trincão, and also denied Luis Suárez with his foot. The Colombian then shot low across the face of goal, with his effort going just wide of the post.

Gil Vicente FC had another header from Touré met by Rui Silva, as they continued to put a steady stream of balls into the box.

As the final ten minutes approached, Sporting CP were reduced to ten men after Gonçalo Inácio was sent off. The referee considered that the centre back was the last man and had grabbed Varela illegally, showing him a straight red card.

Rui Borges, who had moments before brought on Hidemasa Morita and Alisson Santos, had to make another substitution, and opted for B team player Rômulo Jr. to make his debut for the first team.

From the resulting free kick, a deflected shot went just over the crossbar. Then came the equaliser for the home team, in the 87th minute. After numerous attempted crosses, Gil Vicente FC's tactic paid off, with Carlos Eduardo heading in to level.

The damage could have been even greater shortly after, were it not for Rui Silva's decisive save from former Sporting CP winger Joelson Fernandes.

Whilst there was a final opportunity off a header from Hjulmand following a corner, the score remained 1-1 at full time.

Next up is a trip to Leiria to compete in the Taça da Liga Final Four. Sporting CP will face Vitória SC in the semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis (Alisson Santos, 78’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Maxi Araújo, Francisco Trincão, Fotis Ioannidis (Rômulo Jr, 84’), Luis Suárez

The coach talks about the first game of 2026

2026 begins with Sporting CP back in action on Friday, facing Gil Vicente FC in the opening match of Liga Portugal Matchday 17.

Coach Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference before the away trip.

Wishes for 2026
“I ask for good health for myself and my family, it's the only thing I always ask for. As for the rest, happiness comes from the little things. If we have our loved ones on our side and they are well, everything is fine. As for what we want for May, that requires work and, with good health, we will do everything to get it.”

The opponents and their approach
“They are a team who are having an extraordinary season. They broke their club's points record and are very organised at all times during games. They have some relatively identifiable dynamics, but they are very intense, especially at home. They vary in terms of pressing, which is sometimes higher and at other times uses a medium block waiting for the right moment to press, so we believe that the game will vary a little in that regard. I believe they will maintain a medium block. With the ball they are ambitious and have strong players in 1 vs.1 situations. They have attackers with very good characteristics, dynamic midfielders and a physically strong defensive line as well, so they are a balanced team and it's a difficult game."

The possible departure of Pablo, Gil Vicente FC's top scorer
“For us, the coaching staff, it doesn't change anything. Pablo has just returned to action and Varela has been playing, so it could be him who is playing. They are different players, but have their own qualities. They are a team who know very well what they have to do, and we are more focused on their collective performance. We'll have to be very focused."

Injuries
"Salvador Blopa is also out due to injury."

A need to go into the transfer market
"No, my need is to recover those who can't contribute just yet, and those who are away at the African Cup of Nations. If everyone is available, I'm happy with what I have. This way, we have more solutions and resources for our way of playing. If we add someone, it will always be from a perspective looking to the future, and not because of current absences. I'm focused on the entire squad being motivated; everyone is important, everyone will have opportunities and they have to deliver, and that's what has been happening."

His three wishes at a sporting level
"Very honestly, I don't know how to answer that. For now, it's to continue at Sporting CP, because I'm very happy here. We want to be part of Sporting CP's history and fight for every competition we're involved in. We know we won't always win, but that doesn't mean we'll stop being a great team. My wish is for good health to do what I love most, where I am now."

Comparisons between Viktor Gyökeres and Luis Suárez
“They are different and bring different things to the team. Viktor made history at Sporting CP and in Portuguese football, and I believe Luis will also make his mark on the club and in our league. I'm lucky to have been able to work with both of them -and also with Fotis. Luis and Fotis bring many things to the collective and to the dynamics that we wanted -and that are more in line with our coaching staff's outlook.”

The best team in Portugal
“For me, the best team is always mine. My players are always the best, even if they were in 15th or 16th place. In terms of points, the best team currently is FC Porto, because they are in first place. I never take away merit from those who are ahead of us, and it is necessary to respect that, but I always look at my team as the best.”

Precautions due to the intense run of games approaching
“I haven't asked for any precautions. The players know the responsibility they have; they are professional players and they know what they can and cannot do. They know that tomorrow we have an important game ahead of us and that a demanding month is coming, in which we'll be playing every three days. It will be a demanding month and a half in terms of games, with some absences.”

SL Benfica's role in the title race
“I think they are contenders. Last season, we didn't have a ten-point lead, but we were eight points ahead of second place and they recovered the gap. There are many games left, there are different patches of form for the teams and there are still many points to play for. In football, I've seen a lot happen. The margin for error is smaller, FC Porto are having a great first half to the season, and we have to do our part and wait for the season to unfold.”

The striker contributes a hat-trick and assist in a 4-0 win over Rio Ave FC

Closing out 2025 in the best possible way, Sporting CP took a resounding 4-0 win at the Estádio José Alvalade against Rio Ave FC in Liga Portugal. Luis Suárez scored his first hat-trick for Sporting and also provided an assist for Maxi Araújo's goal.

Some 47,032 spectators turned out to see the team's fourth consecutive victory and their eighth win on the bounce at home – the best record in the entire calendar year. The reigning Liga Portugal champions have 41 points, and continue their pursuit of leaders FC Porto.

Rio Ave FC came into the game in good form away from home, having earned 11 of their 17 points on their travels. Sporting CP coach Rui Borges made only one change to the starting lineup that had won away at Vitória SC: Georgios Vagiannidis took over at right-back in the absence of the suspended Iván Fresneda.

Sporting CP didn't take long to attack the mid-to-low block set up by the opposition, managed by Greek coach Sotiris Sylaidopoulos. In the very first minute, Luis Suárez turned in the area and shot wide, and ten minutes later, a cross-shot from Maxi Araújo forced Cezary Miszta to make his first save.

However, it took longer for Sporting to truly settle in, with their opponents always on the lookout for counter-attacks and very organised defensively. Before the half-hour mark, two more opportunities arose: Suárez, with a beautiful header, sent the ball just outside the post, and then a save by Miszta denied Ricardo Mangas a goal.

Finally, a perfectly executed set piece opened the doors in the 33rd minute. From a Maxi corner, João Simões rose to make the first flick off the ball at the near post and, at the back stick, Suárez popped up to make the decisive finish, giving Sporting CP the lead going into halftime.

For the restart, Sporting CP brought the same desire to dominate with the ball, but encountered the same difficulties in finding space inside. That was, until a chipped pass from Luis Suárez flew over the Rio Ave defence and Maxi Araújo had the composure to round Miszta and make it 2-0. It was the Uruguayan's fourth goal in his last four appearances.

It was from here that another offensive avalanche got underway. Suárez had a dangerous shot intercepted and Miszta was quick to close the path to the goal in front of Ioannidis.

On 60 minutes, Francisco Trincão sent corner kick to the far post and Suárez headed it in perfectly. Then, just a minute later, Suárez collected the rebound from Trincão's shot and tapped it in to complete his first hat-trick in the green and white. He has 18 goals so far in his debut season for Sporting CP, with 14 in the league alone, taking him joint top of the goalscoring charts along with Vangelis Pavlidis of SL Benfica.

Sporting CP smelled blood and attacked mercilessly, and immediately Rui Borges made several substitutions to manage the game. Gonçalo Inácio, Hjulmand, Simões, and Maxi were replaced by Matheus Reis, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, and Alisson Santos, and later, Flávio Gonçalves came on for Ioannidis.

Until the end, the most significant approaches continued to be from Sporting CP. The game ended 4-0 at Alvalade, where the defending champions haven't conceded a goal for exactly two months.

Rui Borges' side, who have now gone 12 consecutive league games without defeat, have a trip to Barcelos to face Gil Vicente FC to open the new year. The game takes place on Friday, January 2nd, at 6:45pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio (Matheus Reis, 68’), Ricardo Mangas, Morten Hjulmand [C] (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 64’), João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 64’), Maxi Araújo (Alisson Santos, 64’), Francisco Trincão, Fotis Ioannidis (Flávio Gonçalves, 77’), Luis Suárez

The coach looks at the meeting with Rio Ave FC

To close out 2025, Sporting CP play at the Estádio José Alvalade against Rio Ave FC this Sunday in Liga Portugal action. On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges held a press conference to preview the contest.

The dangers posed by Rio Ave FC as visitors
“Regarding Rio Ave FC, and whether they are more vulnerable without Clayton, I give as an example the game away to Benfica where they drew: Neither Clayton nor André Luiz were starters, and they are the two players who are most talked about at this stage of the season and have been the most impactful. This speaks volumes about Rio Ave FC, a team that will create some difficulties for us. Away from home, they only lost in Moreira de Cónegos, and drew at Luz and in Famalicão. This shows their competitiveness when playing away. If we think we're going to score a goal just by waiting, then we're wrong. We have to be serious and rigorous in our approach, as we were with Vitória SC."

Options for the match
“Maxi Araújo is doubtful because he's feeling ill. Debast and Dani are still in the process of reaching their best level. At the right time they will be solutions for us, but not right now. Hjulmand, who is close to serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, will play. There's no need to manage the approach based on cards, because the most important game is this one against Rio Ave FC, which is the next one. When one player is unavailable, another will play and they will respond. It has been like that up to now, and will continue to be so.”

The motivation to win three titles in a row
“My players already have enough fuel for motivation. Their greatest ambition, as was evident in some of their interviews during these last few days, is to achieve something very important that will mark the history of Sporting CP: The 'Tricampeonato.' It is the greatest motivation we have. We want to win the league again and be part of the club's history. It's natural that everyone wants to beat a winning team, and our group are the two-time champions. It's natural that there is this noise created around the champions, and our group feels it, like any other team would. Is it motivation? I believe that at some point, yes, it becomes part of it, because we keep hearing and reading things. In my teamtalks I don't use it much; I use more the fact that they are good, that they are the best."

The January transfer window
“If someone joins, it will be because everything is done in a well-structured and thoughtful way, always with a perspective for the future, and not because we have injuries or players at the African Cup of Nations. It’s natural that there’s more talk about the winger position because of Quenda’s injury and Geny’s absence, but the adaptations have been good and have provided solutions. I’m not worried. We’ll see what the market can offer us. It will be down to whether we have the capacity, think it’s the best time and it's someone who will immediately add something to the group. All these factors are important.”

President Frederico Varandas’ statements after the victory in Guimarães
“It was the president’s opinion, and I also already said what I had to say about that game [against CD Santa Clara]. The president told me right away on the plane, and I only saw the footage then. It’s always a matter of criteria; I’ve seen them be given and also not be given."

His happiest and most challenging days at Sporting CP
“I haven’t had any difficult days, only happy days. Even when I didn’t win or we lost a trophy, I was happy to be there competing and to be at Sporting CP. I’m very positive. It’s difficult to say just one happiest day. The day of the presentation is memorable for us, the coaching staff, and also the two days where we won trophies, because the title is the dream of any coach -and winning the cup, especially because my parents were in the stadium. I would say those three days.”

João Simões
“The biggest challenge is down to him. He is a very mature boy and this is also recognised by his colleagues, but he has a lot to do to grow. He is very focused, he knows he will make mistakes, but he is ready to make mistakes again and learn. He will have a bright future.”

The coach's press conference after the win over Vitória SC

After the 1-4 victory for Sporting CP against Vitória SC, coach Rui Borges gave a post-match analysis of the game in Guimaraes.

The victory being dedicated to Fresneda and the fans
“The victory is dedicated to Iván [Fresneda], for the misfortune he has suffered in recent days [the death of a family member]. He wanted to stay, help the team, and turn around this difficult moment. Regarding the game, it's not a gift, it's a victory, which we really wanted, and we also dedicate it to the fans, who have been fantastic in their support and belief in the team.”

His overall analysis of the game
“It was a tough game at a difficult stadium. It was a very good first half and we went into halftime winning deservedly. The second goal was extraordinary in terms of our collective play, and the team were very focused on what we had to do -both with and without the ball. In the second half, unfortunately for us, we allowed Vitória SC back into the game. After that, we know that this stadium takes the home team to another level, and that's what happened. After it became 1-2, we misplaced some passes, which created a bit of unease, but we improved, and with the score at 1-3 we settled down and turned the game around. Vitória SC created some problems for us with some low crosses, but the defensive line and the central defenders had a great game. It was a competitive game, as we expected, and a clear demonstration of the character and personality of this team.

The difficulties admitted by the opposing coach in dealing with Sporting CP's new dynamic
“We have to find solutions and work on them. I understand Luís [Pinto], but the dynamics are the same as always. They haven't changed much. The players bring us different things. In defensive terms, we adjusted to a different defensive dynamic. Happy, above all, because despite the absence of some important players, the team gave the response of an exceptional group, which has an enormous ambition to win and trusts in each other. They know that everyone is important here.”

Trincão and Ioannidis' movements on the right
“Trincão played in a different position than usual, but the team always have mobility, not just today. They know they can use each other's spaces as long as the team are balanced, with people in the right spots. Trincão's understanding with Fotis is natural and good. We used a lot of what our game plan is, just with different players. Maxi had a great game again. With this movement inside and the overloads, individual quality comes to the fore and at some point we will be able to hurt the opponent.”

Returning to Guimarães a year after his last game as Vitória SC coach
“It's been a special year. A year ago I didn't know I was going to be Sporting CP coach, and now I think I'm an even happier coach. I was very happy at Vitória SC; it's a special club and one for whom I will always have enormous affection. In terms of this year, it was a coach's dream that I fulfilled: To become league champion. I'm happy where I am and I want to continue fighting for my dreams to win more, get trophies and continue as part of the history of Sporting CP. May this next year be another one like it.”