The coach laments the 2-2 draw away to AVS Futebol SAD

Following the 2-2 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and AVS Futebol SAD, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse the match.

"With everything we did in the first half, we deserved much more. It's a very harsh draw for us. In the first half we were far superior, with a lot of quality in our play. We created chances from which we could have increased the advantage. AVS Futebol SAD pressed more in the second half, but without creating any danger. Even with less possession and more losses of the ball, we controlled the game. What happened next was a situation that can happen, although some incidents were more inexplicable than others. We were harshly punished. Playing with ten men, it's normal that we dipped a little, with the conditions we had to face. The players did the best they could and AVS Futebol SAD ended up being happy," he told journalists.

Regarding the refereeing, Borges asked that Sporting CP's games be judged with "the same criteria" as others.

"I'm not saying that the referees are wrong or right, but I'm just asking for the same criteria. In every game there are incidents like that for the penalty, which allowed the opponents to get into the game. AVS Futebol SAD grew in strength because of things we don't control. In terms of the sending off, VAR can't notify the referee, because it's not a red card decision. I'm not going to criticise the referees, but I'd like the same criteria for Sporting CP as with everyone else."

Regarding the group's state of mind, the coach guaranteed that they would be "emotionally calm."

"There's no lack of control. We were switched on, but it's difficult when inside you feel that there has been injustice. It's like that with everyone, but I didn't feel that the team lost emotional balance. That's not why we drew," he said.