The coach looks ahead to the return from the international break

Returning to action after the international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal season.

Coach Rúben Amorim gave a pre-match press conference ahead of the game, and began by commenting on the last two weeks of work and preparation.

"It was a good two weeks. We had players away with their national teams and we also didn't have the opportunity to see some of the kids, because they also went away with the youth national teams -which is a good sign. But we worked well, we had important players from the first team stay here, and that was good for them to get back to their routines and work well to prepare for this game."

"Since César [Peixoto] was appointed as Paços de Ferreira coach, they have picked up 22 or 23 points. They are a team full of confidence that come to Alvalade without any pressure. The pressure is all on us, and we have prepared the game in the best way. We know the difficulties we are going to have and we are prepared to win the game," he told journalists.

Asked whether second place is a given at this stage of the campaign, especially in the event of a victory over FC Paços de Ferreira this weekend, Amorim rejected the idea and reinforced that every match is important.

"We don't take anything for granted because we can drop points at any time. Our focus is on winning every game. We don't drop that many points and we are six points behind first place. FC Porto have dropped even fewer points than us and any game can make a difference. We are always alert, but we don't affirm anything if we don't win, nor do we guarantee anything if we win. We have to win every game if we want the title and we have to win our games to guarantee second place. When it's mathematically guaranteed, we can relax in that sense and just think about the top spot."

Regarding the players at risk of suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Amorim assured that he will field those he considers best for the game.

"All of the players are prepared and I will not keep anyone in reserve. If someone gets a yellow card that takes them out of the next game, I have other players. This is the most important game. We will continue on this path, because we have confidence in the players."

Another of the topics addressed was that of the decision to extend the five substitutions rule, with Amorim revealing that he was in favour of the move.

"It used to be very traditional in that aspect, but I think it's very good for football to have five substitutions available. In terms of our management of the squad, it's also important to have five players who can participate in the game off the bench. I think the five substitutions should stay. It makes perfect sense."

Finally, the coach spoke about the signing of Fatawu Issahaku, an 18-year-old Ghanaian player: "He will, at least, take part in preseason in the summer with us. We believe in him a lot and we have called him up to train with the first team a few times. He has made an adaptation in the B team to grow physically and adapt to the club. We can see that he needs to learn tactical concepts, which is normal for a young player coming from a different kind of football. He has great talent, is very fast and shoots from different spots. He can improve a lot, but it is on him to get into the first team. In my mind, he is a first team player. We believe in him a lot and we did a great job to convince him to come here, knowing that many clubs wanted him."

Sporting CP vs. FC Paços de Ferreira takes place at 8:30pm local time this Sunday, April 3rd, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach assesses the 0-2 win on Matchday 11

Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's victory over FC Paços de Ferreira, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the performance that saw his team pick up the three points away from home.

"Our team were, once again, very focused. They had more energy than in Arouca. We controlled the game much better. We knew that FC Paços de Ferreira were very strong and their defence was very good. We got into positions to finish many times in the first half. FC Paços de Ferreira had a few breaks, but without much danger. In the second half, with the opening goal from another set piece, we settled in better. FC Paços de Ferreira had to go after the result and the game practically ended with our second goal. We could have scored more", he said in his post-match press conference.

"I want to give special praise to Tabata, who has suffered a lot of injuries. The way he came in today was very strong. We controlled the game from there."

Asked if Sporting CP began the game under pressure, considering FC Porto's victory at CD Santa Clara, Amorim explained that, at this time of the season, the table is not given more than a cursory glance.

"We are always under pressure, because we are on a winning streak and we know it is difficult to maintain. The focus must always be on our team. FC Porto's game doesn't concern us. At this stage of the season, it is of no interest", he said.

For the coach, a run of eight consecutive victories and the football played by his side make this the strongest point of the 2021/2022 season so far.

"It's a good moment. We're solid. We have brought back Tiago Tomás, [Luís] Neto felt a problem with his leg again, but otherwise we have all of our players available. When we have all the players and we are playing well, it's a good moment. I can say it's the best moment of this season."

Finally, he assured that the results that Sporting CP have achieved as of late have less impact on the group than the way in which these triumphs have been obtained.

"Results are important, but the way we're playing and winning, the concentration and the fact that we don't concede goals, have a very good impact on the group and on the fans. It creates a healthy wave of momentum. It's about riding this wave knowing that some day - and I hope it's not too soon - things can change", he concluded.

A 0-2 win takes Sporting CP into the international break

Sporting Clube de Portugal took a 0-2 win away to FC Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 11 of the Liga Portugal season, through goals by Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves.

The game took place amidst cold temperatures and in front of a large number of Sportinguistas at the Estádio Capital do Móvel cheering on the team after their success in the Champions League in midweek. 

Coach Rúben Amorim made two adjustments to the starting lineup from the game against Beşiktaş JK: Ricardo Esgaio and Nuno Santos replaced the injured Pedro Porro and Zouhair Feddal, who started on the bench.

In the first ten minutes, Sporting CP had two chances to score. Firstly, the in-form Sebastián Coates headed a corner kick taken by Pablo Sarabia, with goalkeeper André Ferreira saving. Shortly thereafter, a powerful shot by Ricardo Esgaio from a cross by Nuno Santos was also kept out.

In response, FC Paços de Ferreira shot wide through João Pedro, as Sporting CP remained solid in defence and did not give the home team space to get close to scoring.

Shortly after half an hour of play, Sarabia spotted Esgaio on the right, the latter sending an effort whistling across the face of goal.

Just before halftime, FC Paços de Ferreira had their best opportunity in the first half, with former Sporting CP player Vitorino Antunes striking and Matheus Reis heading out for a corner.

The start of the second half proved to be extremely important for the outcome of the match. After 47 minutes, Esgaio crossed for Nuno Santos to shoot into the side netting off an opposition player, and from the ensuing corner kick, Sarabia put the ball in the area, Sebastián Coates flicked on and Gonçalo Inácio headed in to make it 0-1.

FC Paços de Ferreira could have levelled soon after, in a chaotic sequence that saw several shots blocked by the defence, but the visitors dominated the second half.

In the 59th minute, Pedro Gonçalves shot wide and, close to ten minutes later, Bruno Tabata replaced Sarabia. He would play a part in the second goal, releasing Esgaio on the right for a well-placed assist for Gonçalves.

Paulinho, Matheus Reis and Tabata all had attempts at a third, whilst Coates had a goal disallowed for offside.

Jovane Cabral's introduction and a Daniel Bragança chance on 90+5 minutes were late highlights, in a game that ended 0-2 and earned another three points for Sporting CP.
The team will be back in action on November 18th, hosting Varzim SC in the Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Ricardo Esgaio, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 80'), Nuno Santos, Pablo Sarabia (Bruno Tabata, 68'), Pedro Gonçalves (Jovane Cabral, 89') and Paulinho.

'Os Leões' triumph 2-0 against FC Paços Ferreira

Sporting Clube de Portugal bested FC Paços Ferreira 2-0 in Monday night Liga NOS fixture, taking their advantage in the standings over nearest rivals FC Porto to 10 points. Goals from João Mário and João Palhinha earned 'Os Leões' their latest win.

Rúben Amorim made some adjustments to his starting eleven, which consisted of Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Mário, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, Tiago Tomás, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves.

The first warning from Sporting CP came 10 minutes into the game, as Paulinho attempted to backheel in a cutback from Pedro Gonçalves.

Next to try his luck was Pedro Porro, whose shot was tipped over the top by the FC Paços Ferreira goalkeeper -although the referee awarded a goal kick.

The visitors tried to respond through set pieces, but were mostly on the defensive. In the 19th minute, Rebocho took down Pedro Gonçalves in the area, with a penalty kick immediately given.

Stepping up to the penalty spot, João Mário duly dispatched, making it 1-0 and putting the wheels in motion for victory number 16 of the league season.

Sporting CP continued to control the game, but received a scare when FC Paços Ferreira had a chance on 42 minutes. Luther Singh took a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Adán denied him with his foot.

Sporting CP reacted immediately and, after insistence and some confusion in the area, at 45 + 1 minutes, Coates sent the ball over the goal of FC Paços Ferreira, missing the opportunity to increase the advantage.

The lead immediately extended after the return from the halftime break, and goal number two came from a corner: Pedro Porro delivered it in, Zouhair Feddal flicked the ball on with his head and João Palhinha, free at the back post, converted.

Amorim made the first substitution shortly thereafter, bringing on Nuno Santos and resting Paulinho.

In the 65th minute, with Adán off his line, Feddal kept out an initial effort from Tanque, who shot again into the side netting. Three minutes later, it was Luther Singh who tried to reduce the deficit, but without success.

Ten minutes later, João Mário, Pedro Gonçalves and Tiago Tomás were replaced by Matheus Nunes, Tabata and Jovane Cabral.

FC Paços Ferreira nearly got a consolation goal in the final ten minutes, but João Pedro would be thwarted by Adán for the clean sheet to be completed.

Now with a double-digit lead in the standings, Sporting CP will be back at the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday, playing Portimonense SC in an 8:30pm kickoff.

Sporting CP triumph 3-0 at home to progress to Last 16

Sporting Clube de Portugal booked their place in the Last 16 of the Taça de Portugal on Friday night, beating FC Paços de Ferreira 3-0 at home through goals from Tiago Tomás, Bruno Tabata and João Palhinha.

Without Jovane Cabral through injury and Pedro Gonçalves through suspension, coach Rúben Amorim - also suspended for 15 days due to his sending off against FC Famalicão - opted to field Nuno Mendes in the starting lineup, as well as bringing in Bruno Tabata and Tiago Tomás.

Amidst light rain at the Estádio José Alvalade, the game started at a low pace, with several stoppages for fouls in the opening minutes. 

After two initial chances from Pedro Porro and then Sebastián Coates, the first goal of the match arrived on 26 minutes. Nuno Santos headed a masterful assist for Tiago Tomás to provide a precise finish past the Paços de Ferreira goalkeeper for his fourth goal of the season.

Despite a reaction from the visitors, who came close to equalising through João Amaral, Sporting CP continued to dominate, and extended their advantage just before half time. After threatening moments before, Bruno Tabata ducked into the central channel and delivered an arching shot that found its way into the net. The great goal was the first for the Brazilian in official appearances for the club.

After the break, the match became more intense and FC Paços de Ferreira came out more boldly, but it would be Sporting CP who would strike again, in the 64th minute. Following João Mário's free-kick, João Palhinha headed in to make things even more comfortable on the scoresheet.

Before the end there would be chances for Tomás and for substitute Gonzalo Plata, but at the final whistle the score remained 3-0, seeing Sporting CP through to the next round of the Taç de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán, Luís Neto (Gonçalo Inácio, 85'), Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, João Mário (Andraž Šporar, 72'), Nuno Mendes (Antunes, 68'), Bruno Tabata ( Matheus Nunes, 72'), Nuno Santos and Tiago Tomás (Gonzalo Plata, 85')

Sporting CP start the season with victory away to Paços de Ferreira

Sporting Clube de Portugal got their Liga NOS campaign off to a winning start on Sunday evening, beating FC Paços de Ferreira 0-2 away from home through goals from Jovane Cabral and Sebastián Coates. The match was the first for the team in league competition this season, after the postponement of the fixture against Gil Vicente FC.

The team came into the game off the back of a victory in Europe against Aberdeen on Thursday, and an unchanged lineup was named for the starting XI. Three minutes in, the goalscorer against the Scottish side nearly found the net again, as Nuno Mendes crossed in for him and he missed the target.

A Douglas Tanque's shot wide served as a warning for Sporting CP, who responded with an effort from Pedro Porro that required a save from the Paços de Ferreira goalkeeper. Zouhair Feddal and Tiago Tomás also enjoyed opportunities in the following minute, thwarted at the last by the home team's shot stopper.

The almost inevitable opening finally came in the 23rd minute, when the referee whistled for handball by Douglas Tanque and awarded Sporting CP a penalty. Jovane Cabral stepped up and struck it hard into the back of the net, making it 0-1.

Cabral would unfortunately be taken off injured on 31 minutes, replaced by the debuting Nuno Santos.

A Paços de Ferreira increase in risk-taking allowed them to advance further forward, but the best of the chances before the break was for Sporting CP: Tiago Tomás was played through by Luciano Vietto, but hit his subsequent shot wide.

Upon the restart things settled down, with a slowing of the pace and reduction in chances. It wasn't until the hour mark that Sporting CP enjoyed another clear opportunity, which was Pedro Porro's free kick that goalkeeper Jordi forced away.

The definitive second goal finally arrived on 63 minutes, as Nuno Mendes crossed into the area and Feddal headed towards the back post. There, Sebastián Coates appeared to tuck the ball into the net and take the score to 0-2.

The introduction of Daniel Bragança in place of Vietto after 65 minutes produced moments of magic, and additional substitutions late on gave Antunes his official debut for the club.

Sporting CP would take a comfortable victory in their season curtain raiser. Now the focus returns to the Europa League, and a game on Thursday against Austrian side LASK at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Pedro Porro (Antunes, 79'), Luís Neto, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, Wendel, Tiago Tomás (Andraž Šporar, 79'), Luciano Vietto (Daniel Bragança, 65') and Jovane Cabral (Nuno Santos, 31').

The Sporting CP assistant coach looks ahead to the game against Paços de Ferreira

Sporting CP start their Liga NOS campaign on Sunday, on what is Matchday 2 of the Portuguese league season. After their game against Gil Vicente FC last weekend was postponed, Os Leões' first official fixture came in midweek against Aberdeen in the UEFA Europa League, and now their focus turns to domestic competition.

With coach Rúben Amorim still unavailable due to COVID-19 protocols, assistant coach Emanuel Ferro spoke to the media to preview the meeting with FC Paços de Ferreira on Sunday (6:30pm local time).

"We have had two days in which to get ready for this game, as recovery after the Europa League game affects your preparation time. We are going to make some tactical adjustments against FC Paços de Ferreira that we haven't been able to work on quite as much as if we had more time between games, which means that the players have to understand the situation we are in", said Ferro.

"Recovery work is fundamental for us to perform well, and the tactical aspects have been worked on in the time we have had available."

The Sporting CP assistant added: "We are certain that we are going to field a competitive, recovered team on Sunday, capable of taking to the field with the intention of winning, as always. That's the competitive nature of our team and our players."

Ferro revealed that Nuno Santos will be part of the squad, and could make his full debut this weekend. "The reinforcements that we bring in are always players who we look for to help the team, with specific characteristics to their positions," he underlined.

"The game against Aberdeen went well and we won, which speaks well of the display from our players but -above all- our collective performance."

As for FC Paços de Ferreira, Ferro praised the club's next opponents but also stated he is convinced that Sporting CP will be able to claim the win.

"We will encounter difficulties very similar to what we found against FC Paços de Ferreira last season. They are a very solid team, who at times look to a more direct way of playing and mix that in with passing in the midfield. They have players with a lot of experience in our league. They are a team who know what they want, with well defined processes in place to do it. We believe that we will be able to overcome these difficulties that they provide."