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').