The coach gave merit to his side's resilience in victory over SC Braga

After the full time whistle in Sporting Clube de Portugal's 0-1 win away to SC Braga, coach Rúben Amorim expressed his pride in his players -who battled against a numerical disadvantage when Gonçalo Inácio was sent off in the 18th minute.

"You have to give credit to the players. It was a very tough game against an excellent team. We were able to suffer," he said.

"We are good at defending in a lower block. Up to the 20-minute mark it was an even game. From then on, there was no game. There was one team attacking,  and another defending and trying to break out. We ended up scoring, we won and we have to keep going."

For Amorim, his absence from the dugout due to suspension had no influence on the game or the result.

"I have been suspended for other games. The team are doing well and the coaching staff know what to do. As we saw today, we have several leaders."

"This was another victory, and there is still a long way to go. We could lose at home to CD Nacional, just like we could lose at another ground. This was a normal game and Sporting CP’s third win over SC Braga this year, but we have to be aware that we can win at any ground and that we can lose at any ground."

On the changes he made at halftime, taking off Nuno Santos and Paulinho to replace them with Luís Neto and Matheus Nunes, he commented that "Neto is a very strong player, used to playing with the other centre backs. He is very aggressive and we have trained many times with ten men. We have to improve our offensive side with one player less. With Matheus [Nunes], it was like at the Dragão against FC Porto or SC Braga at Alvalade. He defends well and has the ability to go forward. It ended up working."
Sporting CP will have a change of goalkeeper against CD Nacional, with Antonio Adán having been shown a fifth yellow card of the season, and Amorim addressed the preparation required.

"We have to have our feet firmly on the ground. We can lose points in any game and that has to be in our heads. We have to prepare Max [Luís Maximiano], because Adán picked up a fifth yellow - I can't remember a goalkeeper receiving five yellow cards before. Max has a lot of talent, and this is how the players grow," he added.

"Our focus is on CD Nacional, and on recovering and preparing the players. Having these examples from these past few weeks, it would be a mistake for us not to go game by game. If we were three points from clinching the title, we would be candidates -because we always go out to win.

"We cannot ride this rollercoaster of emotions. I understand the supporters, but it is up to me to maintain my discernment at this point with a young group. This was a good victory, playing with a man down at an important stage of the season," he said.

Finally, Rúben Amorim explained the substitutions he made at halftime, taking out Nuno Santos and Paulinho to replace Luís Neto and Matheus Nunes. "Neto is a very strong player used to playing with the other central players. (...) He is very aggressive and we have trained many times with one less. We have to improve the offensive part with one less. Matheus [Nunes] was like in Dragão or Braga in Alvalade. He defends well and has the capacity to go forward. It ended up working, "he said.

A Matheus Nunes goal in the 81st minute earns victory over SC Braga

Sporting Clube de Portugal overcame a stiff challenge on Matchday 29 of the Liga NOS season, beating SC Braga 0-1 despite playing for over 70 minutes with ten men. The only goal of the match was scored by second half substitute Matheus Nunes, 9 minutes from time.

The game was a meeting between the teams first and fourth in the league, held on a sodden pitch at the Estádio Municipal de Braga due to torrential rain in the warmup.
Coach Rúben Amorim, still suspended by the Portuguese football federation, changed two players in his starting XI: Zouhair Feddal and Nuno Santos came in for Matheus Reis and Tiago Tomás.

SC Braga started out as the slightly more offensive side, but the game quickly stabilised. Sporting CP enjoyed their usual possession game, building play through their centre backs, while the home side used high and aggressive pressure, as well as some dangerous crosses.

A Nuno Mendes delivery into the area caused problems for SC Braga, who cleared through defender Raul Silva, and a Pedro Porro corner flicked on by Paulinho was inches away from being turned in by Pedro Gonçalves.

For the hosts, Abel Ruiz went through on goal, with Antonio Adán smothering the threat. Castro would also strike wide soon after.

Sporting CP suffered a heavy blow in the 18th minute: Gonçalo Inácio, who had already been shown a yellow card after ten minutes, was booked for the second time, being sent off. With more than 70 minutes remaining, the team were reduced to ten men, and adjusted with Nuno Mendes switching to centre back and Nuno Santos occupying his place.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, it was Sporting CP who were strongest in front of goal immediately afterwards. Pedro Porro tried to surprise goalkeeper Matheus from distance, shooting wide.

However, as Sporting CP played deeper due to their lack of numbers, SC Braga began to attack more frequently. Fransérgio's header and Galeno's shot were both kept out by Adán, and Sebastián Coates was also very important in cutting out other opportunities.

The game went into halftime goalless, and Rúben Amorim made two reshuffles for Os Leões, taking off Nuno Santos and Paulinho for Luís Neto and Matheus Nunes -Nuno Mendes returning to his original position.

After a first 15 minutes without major incidents, Coates fell in the SC Braga box and appealed for a penalty kick, which was waved away. At the other end, Galeno's header was met with a magnificent intervention by Adán.

Tiago Tomás and Matheus Reis were introduced for Pedro Gonçalves and João Mário in further modifications, and after SC Braga threatened with an Al Musrati shot wide on 68 minutes, a Horta shot into the side netting and a Fransérgio drive that Adán saved, the game went into the final 10 minutes.

It was then that the key moment of the night arrived: Pedro Porro hit a direct free kick low to Matheus Nunes, unmarked on the right. The Sporting CP midfielder, inside the opposition area, shot hard at the near post and beat Matheus, breaking the deadlock.

From there, they resolutely defended SC Braga attempts to level, and held on through to the final whistle.

Sporting CP remain leaders of Liga NOS, and face CD Nacional on the next matchday of the season.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, João Mário (Matheus Reis, 64'), Nuno Mendes (Gonzalo Plata, 90+1'), Pedro Gonçalves (Tiago Tomás, 64'), Nuno Santos (Luís Neto, 45') and Paulinho (Matheus Nunes, 45').

Sunday night's big game is previewed by the Sporting CP coach

Sporting Clube de Portugal will travel to fourth placed SC Braga this Sunday, on Matchday 29 of the Liga NOS season. Ahead of the game, in his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim said that he envisions a tough contest.

"It will be a difficult game against an excellent team, who have experience, who are still in the fight for the title, and who play very well. They have a formation that adapts to how we play, because they use a 4-4-2, but [Wenderson] Galeno is the fifth man in the wing", he explained.

"We know SC Braga well and they know us, so the game could be decided by a detail. We are working on this. We will be prepared: We know SC Braga's quality, but we are also aware of ours and we are going to play for the win".

Despite the importance of the game, Amorim says that it is "not decisive" and holds the same importance as always.

Sporting CP remain Liga NOS leaders with 70 points, four more than the team in second place, and remain undefeated in the competition. Despite their draw at home against Belenenses SAD (2-2) in midweek, their coach is convinced of the way forward.

"We are creating more chances and we have to shoot better on goal, but we are also giving opposing teams fewer opportunities. It is up to me to make sure that we continue on that path. When the results don't come, people have their doubts, but that's part of the game. You have good phases and others that are less good, and we have to face things naturally".

"Last time out, we were losing in the 82nd minute, we scored, we went to get the ball out of the net, tried our best, scored our second and once again ran to the halfway line. That to me is a sign of the team's vitality. They did their best and that is why the players are not responsible for the dropped points. I am very proud of them and we are on the right track," he stressed.

Asked about the side he will pick against SC Braga, Amorim talked about some of his players individually

"Paulinho is doing his job well, and is the best Portuguese striker around. Bruno Tabata will not travel to Braga due to injury, but  Zouhair Feddal is fit and part of the squad, after missing the last two games."

"We already have our starting XI decided, and the team are prepared. Whoever is chosen will be ready to have a great game in Braga."

A hard-fought draw against Belenenses SAD underlined the squad's belief

Rúben Amorim had no doubt that Sporting CP “deserved more” from their Wednesday night match against Belenenses SAD, in which they came back from 0-2 down to draw 2-2.

“It is much easier for me to deal with these moments when the players give everything until the end, and that was what happened. We hadn't managed to score goals, but we believed until the end, which was why the draw was a reward for the team's belief”, said the Sporting CP coach in his post-match press conference, reminding journalists that "We had a lot of shots, compared to just two for Belenenses SAD."

“We had several situations in which we could have scored, and we didn't manage to. We allowed them two shots and conceded two goals, so we always had to go after the result. It should be noted that, on a day in which everything went wrong, we still managed to maintain our unbeaten record”, added Amorim, underlining that “Sporting CP were clearly the better side, so we have to look ahead from now.”

Confident and focused only on the next game, he believes his team are ready for both the game against SC Braga and the remainder of the Liga NOS season.

“We knew it was going to be difficult until the end. Now I am only thinking about SC Braga. The season will be tough until the end; there will be teams dropping points and we have to go game-by-game. We are a difficult team to beat. We can lose points in any game, but we can also win anywhere. This is what football is all about, and we have to be prepared for it."

Os Leões dominate, but require a late comeback against Belenense SAD

Sporting Clube de Portugal fought back from two goals down to salvage a draw against Belenenses SAD on Wednesday night, on Matchday 28 of the Liga NOS season. A goal from captain Sebastián Coates and an injury time penalty converted by Jovane Cabral kept Os Leões unbeaten in league action this season, extending their best ever run for a single campaign.

Coach Rúben Amorim made only a single change from Friday's 0-1 win away to SC Farense, replacing Daniel Bragança with Tiago Tomás. Sporting CP lined up with Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis, Pedro Porro, João Mário, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves in their starting XI.

The team began the game well, controlling possession, but it was Belenenses SAD who took an early lead in the 13th minute, as Cassierra converted their first and only shot of the first half.

Sporting CP, on the other hand, had several opportunities on goal, through João Palhinha (twice), Tiago Tomás (twice), Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho. The clearest of the chances to level befell João Mário, who stepped up to take a penalty kick that was saved by Belenenses SAD goalkeeper Kritciuk saved.

Having trailed at the halftime break, Os Leões brought on Nuno Santos for Tiago Tomás for the second period to bolster their attacking output.

The script for the second half was similar to that of the first, with complete control by Sporting CP and a goal against the run of play by the visiting side in the early going.

That goal came in the 54th minute, from a backpass to goalkeeper Antonio Adán. The goalkeeper controlled the ball but, under pressure by Cassierra, hesitated to play it clear, allowing the Colombian striker to sneak in and take the score to 0-2.

A major reshuffle was made shortly afterwards, as Pedro Porro, João Palhinha and João Mário made way for Bruno Tabata, Daniel Bragança and Jovane Cabral.

The 0-2 deficit continued into the final ten minutes, until Sporting CP finally found their opening. Nuno Santos sent in a cross, and Coates rose to convert, giving his team a lifeline.

Only half of the task had been completed, and deep into stoppage time Os Leões were facing a first league loss off the season. That was until another long ball found its way into the area, where Cabral headed across. Contact with the arm of Tiago Esgaio led to the referee blowing his whistle and awarding a second penalty of the game, and an opportunity to equalise in the dying moments.

Cabral this time took on responsibility, and beat Kritciuk from the penalty spot to complete the comeback.

Although Sporting CP had the better of the play, and controlled the game, the end result allowed for a point and another display of resilience. Next up is an away trip to play SC Braga on Sunday.

A record-breaking win was analysed by the Sporting CP coach

Following the final whistle in the 0-1 win over SC Farense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim answered questions from journalists in the press room at the Estádio São Luís.
The win marked a new record in club history, as they have now gone 27 consecutive matchdays unbeaten in Liga NOS competition.

"It's good, especially at a time in which people are talking about a crisis, to break a club's all-time record. Reaching that milestone and moving past the 26 matchdays the previous team to hold the record achieved is down to the players," said the coach.

As for the game itself, Amorim commented that "We were able to hold up when it was time to struggle. We scored our goal, but we weren't able to kill the game off. We suffered at the end and, as usual, our anxiety grew, but I think it was a fair result. SC Farense had their opportunities and so did we. It was an even game and a good game, but we were worthy winners."

Asked what the "biggest challenge" he will have to face in the near future, Amorim stated "choosing the best XI for the game against Belenenses SAD."

"That is the only objective and there is nothing else on our minds. The focus is on Belenenses SAD and a game that will be, like every match, very difficult. We will give everyone the opportunity to train and show their worth, and we will pick the best players for the task. This is the big challenge for the coaching staff."

Amorim is serving a suspension and was unable to assume his position in the dugout, a situation that he says adds to the tension of the task at hand.

"It makes me more anxious and nervous, because I can't talk to the players," he commented, before explaining the tactical change he made from the game against FC Famalicão.

"We knew that the pitch here is small, and that we were going to have a lot of second balls to win. We wanted more people in the midfield in order to keep the ball. SC Farense left us with an extra player in midfield, instead of just Tiago Tomás, to have this possession.

"At times we enjoyed success. Whenever we managed to get more time on the ball and vary the play, we created danger. We had phases in which, by changing up the midfield, we managed to create the space to play -which was the idea. At times we managed it, and other times we didn't. We won, and that is the most important thing."

Regarding the rather open final minutes, he offered up several possible explanations.

"Here or there, the team showed some inexperience. It's normal, and the players will grow. I don't know if it had to do with us taking off João Mário, who was playing a good game, but the game started to break up. SC Farense also pressed up on us, and anxiety at the end of a game is normal anyway. On Wednesday against Belenenses SAD there will be anxiety once again. We are prepared for that, and that’s what we are working for," he added.

"Whatever the outcome [today], we would be a side capable of beating Belenenses SAD. We are not going to hide that there is an idea in Sportinguistas about the title, as it has been many years since the last time the club won it. The fans have to be able to suffer and think like the team are: Game by game. We only want to beat Belenenses SAD, and then we will see."

Sporting CP win 0-1 away to SC Farense

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to winning ways with a 0-1 away triumph against SC Farense, on Matchday 27th of the Liga NOS season. The only goal of the match was scored by Pedro Gonçalves, who struck for the team in the first half.

Coach Rúben Amorim was unable to occupy his spot in the dugout due to a 15-day suspension, but made several changes to his starting lineup that drew against FC Famalicão: Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis and Daniel Bragança came in for Luís Neto, Zouhair Feddal and Tiago Tomás. With that, there was also a modification in the formation, as João Palhinha, João Mário and Bragança joined the midfield, with Pedro Gonçalves accompanying Paulinho up top.

A typical intense tempo was employed by Sporting CP in the early stages, although SC Farense set out with a high pressing strategy that made it very difficult to build from the back. It was the home side who shot first, when Ryan Gauld struck over, but in response Gonçalves set free João Mário on the right; his cross in was pushed out for a corner by Beto.

In his pre-match press conference, Amorim had warned of SC Farense's threat from dead balls, and it was from a set piece that Jonatan Lucca headed just off target.

A flick on from Paulinho was latched onto by João Mário first time with his left foot, striking hard into the side netting, whilst a fantastic intervention by Antonio Adán -from a move that would have been ruled out for offside- demonstrated the even nature of the contest. Beto was also called into action soon after, when Sebastián Coates nodded Nuno Mendes' corner towards goal.

Finally, the persistence paid off, just before halftime. Following a corner kick, Pedro Porro crossed into the area, where Paulinho tried to cushion the ball for a teammate. One failed clearance from SC Farense later, and Gonçalves stepped in to convert for his 17th goal of the season. The league's top marksman made it 0-1, with a lead that they would take into the interval.

The excitement did not dip in an energetic opening salvo for the second half. Eduardo Mancha tested Adán and, in the 50th minute, Sporting CP again had a great chance from a three-on-two counterattack: Pedro Gonçalves served the ball up to Paulinho on the right and he tried to set up João Mário on the left, but the ball found its way out without reaching the midfielder.

Adán needed to be at his best when Pedro Henrique appeared in an excellent position and powered the ball towards goal, keeping out the effort with his latest unbelievable stop.

After a long range Gonçalves shot went wide, Sporting CP were denied by the club's one-time goalkeeper, Beto, as he pushed away a Paulinho effort.

SC Farense would have the ball in the net ten minutes from time, but the goal was ruled out for offside. They created some late danger through Mansilla that was met by Adán, avoiding what would have been a late equaliser for the home team.

With the final whistle, Sporting CP's victory was confirmed, as they remain Liga NOS leaders and ended a run of two consecutive draws.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, João Mário (João Mário, 71'), Nuno Mendes, Daniel Bragança (Nuno Santos, 82'), Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho (Tiago Tomás, 82').

The Sporting CP coach gives his view on Friday's fixture in Faro

Although Rúben Amorim will not be present in the dugout for his side's Friday night game against SC Farense, the Sporting CP coach nevertheless gave his opinion on the Liga NOS Matchday 27 fixture in his pre-match press conference, reviewing the two consecutive draws in league action along the way.

"We were unable to win against Moreirense FC and FC Famalicão, but we were clearly the better side in both matches", he said.

"We increased the number of chances we created, and allowed the opposition fewer opportunities of their own. However, from three shots on our goal, we conceded twice. That's part of football. Of course, it's always better to win, but the team are very calm and working well. They believe me when I say that they are doing better, because they are."

 SC Farense are currently involved in a relegation battle, although the competitive nature of the Portuguese league and the team's recent performance against SC Braga mean that they are not a side to be taken lightly.

"SC Farense are a team that play well," assessed Amorim. "Even though the results say otherwise, they have had some good moments recently and almost took points from SC Braga. In their last game they did well against CS Marítimo, conceded a goal and then were unable to turn the result around."

"They are very strong in dead balls and use this weapon very well on a smaller pitch. I think they are the team with the most goals scored from corners, and all of these details are important. We have looked at that and prepared well for the game, bearing in mind the opposition coach and the individual values of the team. We are prepared for this game."

Amorim's suspension means that he will not be able to take the reins of the team for 15 days, but he says that “the important thing is to win, regardless of whether or not I am present.” Also missing will be the injured Zouhair Feddal, who the coach feels he will be able to replace with other members of the squad.

"I am not at all concerned about the defence. Everyone has responded excellently, from Luís Neto to Eduardo Quaresma -who came in during the last game and with whom I was very happy. Sometimes I really need these opportunities to see other players."

"I'm very confident because they can give us other things. If we play with Matheus Reis or Luís Neto, then they are completely different players and, according to how the match goes, we will play around with that. We have other players who are in better condition than Feddal at the moment, and they will occupy that spot.”
 
An experiment with Pedro Gonçalves and João Mário in midfield last time out attracted attention from fans and media. Amorim played his cards close to his chest as to whether they would be used in the same role on Friday.

"We have made a choice based on what we have seen from SC Farense and our team. Gonçalves can play in midfield or upfront, and where he plays also depends a lot on the opposition. He and João Mário will not get in each other's way; they will gel well, because they think about the game in a similar way, despite having different characteristics: Gonçalves gets forward more and João Mário is more of an organiser", assessed the coach.

"We have other players for the forward line and in the middle, and sometimes the difficulty is in choosing our starting XI, because they are all training well and want to play. Overall, it shows us that we are in better shape, we have more solutions and we can confuse the opposition more."

In his final address before the game, Amorim reassured the fans that “The players are very calm because we have a very clear way of playing, and when there is not much doubt about that, it does not change depending on the results. I see a team who are prepared and focused, and I think we are going to have a great game tomorrow in Faro."

The captain scoops the award for a second consecutive month

Sebastián Coates has been chosen as Liga NOS' Defender Of The Month for March, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Sporting Clube de Portugal captain earned 24.29% of the votes from Liga NOS coaches, with 16.43% going to Nicolás Otamendi of SL Benfica and 13.57% to Pepe of FC Porto.

During March, Coates participated in two of the three league games played by the club, in winning efforts against CD Tondela and CD Santa Clara. He scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the game against the latter team.

A setback against FC Famalicão will not dampen Sporting CP's spirits, believes the coach

Rúben Amorim reacted to the 1-1 draw with FC Famalicão at the Estádio José Alvalade in his post-match press conference on Sunday night, analysing the performance by his side.

"We started the game playing very hastily. Then we settled down, created opportunities and scored our goal. We conceded the equaliser straight afterwards, which took some of the confidence out of the team", said the Sporting CP coach. "We finished the first half well, and in the second half we had several opportunities. We didn't score, however, and we were punished for that", he added.

Amorim would refuse to blame the draw on the officiating by referee Rui Costa and his assistants, despite several penalty appeals being waved away. "We could have won the game. We have a good league here and good things to talk about. We have a league full of artists. We know that and we have to give merit to the players", he remarked, although he admitted that he did not agree with the sending off he received after the final whistle. "It was the lineman who sent me off. I wasn't talking to the referee at the time", he said.

The season is heading into its final stages and Sporting CP remain in the driving seat, although he admits that "it will not be easy for anyone - either Sporting CP or other teams." "We focus on things game by game, and we don't think about the title. We are very confident. We played well against Moreirense FC and we should have won there. Today was more of the same: FC Famalicão had two shots. That's football."

"We have to think about SC Farense now. I have a lot of confidence in my players. Today we had a lot of shots and we didn't score from them. Last week we missed out on scoring by two centimetres. We are ok, we are confident and we knew that this was a possibility."

"This remains Sporting CP's best ever run of results, with a lot of young players in our squad."

Amorim was asked about Pedro Gonçalves' position in the game, and explained that 'Pote' "is a central midfielder," and thus his move from the wing to the middle of the park should not come as a surprise to anyone. "We thought that he would be more effective there and it is clearly his position. He doesn't score as many goals in that role, but he has more fun playing."

As for his decision to bring in Daniel Bragança, Matheus Reis and Eduardo Quaresma for João Palhinha, Zouhair Feddal and Luís Neto, respectively, the coach said: "When he is on a yellow card, it is sometimes not worth risking Palhinha, because he is a very aggressive player. His game came to an end with the first move, and he began to be more tentative. Feddal had a difficult week, and didn't train much, but he's a Lion. We wanted to bring in Matheus, who is faster. We also have to highlight [Eduardo] Quaresma, who is coming back from injury."

"We have a six-point advantage. If we win our next game, we will maintain our position. That is the focus," stated the Sporting CP boss. "We are paying the price in a way for the success we had before, and we have to put that in perspective. Sporting CP are a big club fighting for trophies, but we know where we started out from and where we want to go. We want to win against SC Farense."