Coates on extending his stay in Alvalade

Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.

"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."

Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."

Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown

You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.

“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."

Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.

“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."

The coach looks back at Sporting CP's Taça de Portugal semifinal triumph

Following his side's securing of their place in the final of the Taça de Portugal, with victory over Rio Ave FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges talked in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“Above all, I’m happy with the team and the ability we had to be serious right from the start of the game. We wanted to score a goal early on to stop our opponents from gaining confidence. We got it and pressed hard until the 25th or 30th minute. After that, the game balanced out a bit, but without Rio Ave FC creating any major danger. In the second half, we asked the players for a strong start again, and we managed to do so, making it 0-2 and then trying to manage some players' minutes. The team mentally went into management mode and we let Rio Ave FC believe a little for a few minutes. The game was evenly matched until the end, and we could still have scored one or two more, but I’m happy with what the team produced today.”

Reaching the final of the Portuguese Cup
“It’s a dream come true to be able to reach a final at Jamor. I’m happy to have achieved this and now we really want to win and get this trophy for the club. This group really deserve it.”

Pedro Gonçalves' return to the starting line-up and Biel's minutes
“It was important to give Pote playing time, because he needs minutes and confidence. Given how good he is, we have great faith in what he can do for us in this final stretch. We have also noticed that he lacks some confidence, but we can see his intelligence and what he can give to the team.

Biel has been training very well, he has grown a lot, although he hasn’t had many opportunities. Today he came on and he did very well. He is a player who has refined decision-making, but he plays in a position where we have several other important players: Geny, Quenda, Trincão, Pote... It’s a question of the coach's choice, but he has responded very well.”

Ricardo Esgaio's use as a midfielder
“I put him there because he deserves it and he works hard. I did it for everything he is capable of giving in training, for the response he gives us, for what he means to the group, because he is one of the most competitive players we have. He deserves the minutes.”

The first game Quenda didn't play this season
“It's important to rest everyone, when possible."

The impact of the win for the final stretch
“The group wanted to win. It’s an incredible group and if it weren’t like that, we wouldn’t be in the final of the cup. We got to the final of the Taça da Liga, we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal, which could also give us a place in the Supertaça, and we’re in first place in the final stretch of the Liga Portugal season. With everything the group have been through, they’ve been incredible. Only a great group would be able to be in all the finals possible.”

A 1-4 aggregate win over Rio Ave FC takes the team to Jamor

Sporting Clube de Portugal secured their place in the Taça de Portugal final with a 1-2 win over Rio Ave FC in the second leg of the semifinals. They progressed 1-4 on aggregate and will now play against either SL Benfica or FC Tirsense on May 25th.

Having already won 2-0 at Alvalade, Sporting CP came to Paços de Ferreira looking to extend their advantage and make it to Jamor for the second consecutive season.

To face Rio Ave FC at their ‘borrowed home’ of the Estádio Capital do Móvel – due to the damage caused by the ‘Martinho depression’ at the Estádio dos Arcos – Rui Borges opted for four changes to his starting lineup. Pedro Gonçalves enjoyed a first starting role since his five months injury absence, and Jeremiah St. Juste, Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda also came in. Furthermore, after serving a suspension, Conrad Harder was back available and started on the bench.

Rio Ave FC kept the ball at the beginning of the game and even had a first chance through Clayton, saved by Rui Silva.

For Sporting CP, a shot across from Matheus Reis forced goalkeeper Cesary Miszta to go to the ground to save. Miszta also got the better of a one-on-one with Viktor Gyökeres.

However, in the 11th minute, Gonçalo Inácio struck with a close-range header from a corner by Zeno Debast, flicked on at the near post by Gyökeres.

Controlling the play, Sporting CP were linking up well and finding ways out from the back to attack, but whilst they continued to get into the opponent's area, they struggled to finish. ‘Pote’ saw a shot blocked and Gyökeres headed the ball over the bar.

Rio Ave FC tried to open play up after the half-hour. A move that started with Clayton in an offside position – which was later flagged – forced Rui Silva to block from André Luiz, who shot wide after a clearance in the area from another opportunity.

At half-time, Geny Catamo was brought on to replace Pedro Gonçalves. He had practically an immediate impact, as the score was increased to 0-2 after 50 minutes. After having already tried his luck once, on the second attempt Miszta had to stretch to prevent the Mozambican from scoring. As he spilled the ball, the opening allowed Gyökeres to convert the rebound for his 48th goal of the season -his fourth in this Taça de Portugal.

Ricardo Esgaio was immediately introduced to take Debast's place in midfield. Harder and Biel Teixeira also came on, in the 67th minute, for Francisco Trincão and Gyökeres.

A powerful shot from the home team's Ole Pohlmann struck the upright and served as a warning to Sporting CP. Practically immediately after, the confirmation came. A quick move put through André Luiz to make it 1-2.

Although Rio Ave FC grew in confidence, Sporting CP got back in control shortly afterwards, with a dangerous run into the area by Fresneda which was only stopped by Miszta. He also denied Harder from a one-on-one, quickly diving at his feet.

In a last-ditch effort, the home team had a shot from outside the area saved by Rui Silva, but there would be no comeback. Sporting CP booked their place in the final, where they will look for their 18th Taça de Portugal.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Jeremiah St. Juste (Maxi Araújo, 83’), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Ricardo Esgaio, 53’), Francisco Trincão (Biel Teixeira, 67’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geny Catamo, 46’), Viktor Gyökeres (Conrad Harder, 67’)

The coach looks ahead to the semifinal second leg

Sporting CP coach Rui Borges previewed the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semifinal, in which his side play away from home against Rio Ave FC, in his Monday press conference.

The match against Rio Ave FC
"I expect a tough game. Regardless of whether we are ahead on aggregate, we are at 'half-time' in the tie and 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline in football. I believe that Rio Ave FC will try to come out strong to fight for a place in the final. It's up to us to come out with the same rigour, ambition and intensity that we have had, to not let our opponents believe they have a chance. We want to wrap up the tie as soon as possible and we want to be in the Taça de Portugal final."

Managing the aggregate advantage
"It would be a mistake for us to go into the game with expectations. 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline in football, as I said. We want us to be the Sporting CP that we have always been. We could have scored more goals at home and we will try to be the same team that we were in the first 25 minutes of that game.

Despite playing at a home ground that isn't theirs, Rio Ave FC will rely on the strength of their fans and it will be a difficult game, where the other team will always believe, because everyone wants to be in the final of the Taça de Portugal. I also speak for myself, as I have never been in one and it is a dream of mine. We're going in wanting to resolve the tie quickly, be competent and, above all, win."

The debate over where the final will be held
"I quite honestly understand both sides of the issue. I've been to the Estádio do Jamor and it can indeed be more difficult to control some security issues. But the magic of the final is very much in the stadium and I don't see myself competing outside of Jamor. The dream of being present in this final exists largely due to the atmosphere there.

Therefore, it is logical that I believe that, despite the problems, the final can be played at Jamor, even if it is effectively played between Sporting CP and SL Benfica."

Sporting CP's strengths in the final stretch of the season
"Above all, Sporting CP have been a very competent and competitive team. We have grown little by little, even without having had a lot of time for training. We have had patience and brought back players – for example Pedro Gonçalves and Morten [Hjulmand], who is finally recovering from some complaints that arose after the international games.

We have been growing in confidence and intensity levels, so we'll focus on what we control, which is our games. If we are competent until the end, we will be what we want to be."

The fight for the title
"Sporting CP are strong and in first place. The players speak for me, in our games: The team look very confident. I look at all of them a lot – I'm very observant – and I've always felt the team are confident and calm.

Since I arrived here I've never seen the team with a sad or doubtful expression on their faces. That's what I asked of them: they are the reigning champions and they have to believe. They are the best, they have been the best, and it is up to us to achieve our goals.

We must maintain this tranquility and, above all, rigour. In this final stretch, everything counts and they have this focus: Rest, hydration and food."

The return of Hidemasa Morita
"Morita is not ready to play yet, but I believe that against Boavista FC he will be there to help us for at least a few minutes."

Viktor Gyokëres' fight to win the Ballon d'Or
"I believe he is in there, because he is very competitive. Not just in the games; in training he is exactly the same: hungry for goals.

He has improved since arriving at Sporting CP, both individually and in his link-up play. We have to take advantage of this while we can, because he has shown himself to be an above average player. He is completely focused and has the ambition to be able to help the team become champions again -and play in the final of the Taça de Portugal."

The transfer market
"I'm focused on this season for now, not next year. Alberto Costa has a contract with Juventus. I know him, he was my player before and I admire him a lot. We tried to bring him here in January and I'm not going to back away from that. You know I like him a lot, but there's no point in talking about it now."

The coach gives his assessment of the win over Moreirense FC

Rui Borges talked in the Auditorio Artur Agostinho Auditorium following Sporting CP's 3-1 win over Moreirense FC. The coach considered the victory fair, thanked the fans for their support and gave praise to Ricardo Esgaio.

THE RECEPTION AT THE STADIUM
"I want to dedicate the victory to the fans and especially to my father, who came to Alvalade for the first time. What they made us feel is indescribable, and the players gave a clear response: they felt this support, which has been incredible in every game.

In this final stretch, it's a boost for the team to come in with the atmosphere as strong as it was today. We give them a huge thank you and want them to keep believing as much as we do that we will be happy in the end. They are of great importance in our final stretch and give us desire and ambition, in addition to that which the players already have.

This energy that passed from the outside to the inside was important -and will be important on the path to the end. I believe a lot and have been very confident since the first day we arrived here that we can be champions. We have to face the remaining games with the same ambition, the same courage and the same quality that we have shown so far."

ANALYSING THE MATCH
"We controlled practically the entire 90 minutes. Moreirense FC only had two chances. We played 35 very intense minutes in the first half and didn't let the opposition get close to goal. In short, it was a very strong first half and a second half where we started well and made it 3-0. Moreirense FC believed for 5 or 10 minutes, but above all I'm happy with the team's ability.

We couldn't maintain the same intensity for 90 minutes and it's natural for the opposition to adjust one or two things in the second half. They created some doubts for us, but when we settled down we controlled the game; at a slower pace but with quality and still creating chances to finish. It was a great game from my team."

CONVERTING CHANCES
"I'm not worried about a lack of effectiveness, but this wasn't just today. If we always scored goals when we created chances, we would always win by 6 or 7 goals. Today we created a lot of chances and if in the previous game we didn't finish in the best way, today the team were able to do that.

Mistakes are part of the game. You depend a lot on inspiration and the quality of the moment. I would be upset if we didn't create or if the players hid from play and weren't there to try to finish."

STRATEGY
"It's part of our DNA to come out strong and score early, at least in most games at Alvalade. After that, it's difficult to have that intensity for 90 minutes. I'm not complaining, but having full weeks to work helps a lot to create habits. Even so, the players were incredible in delivering at all levels."

CHANGES TO THE STARTING XI
"Geovany Quenda and Iván Fresneda are different players, in different form, who offer different things against different opponents. Fresneda played a good game in the Azores. I hope we always win with whoever is on the pitch.

I'm happy with the ability they showed. Those who come into the game later always try to keep the pace high, and not let their teammates fall asleep, and above all I see them all switched on, regardless of whether they play 5 or 90 minutes."

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TEAM
"I believe we can always improve. It's not like in one or two full weeks that we're going to gain habits, but above all I they seem focused and believe in what the coaching staff tell them. They are able to listen to our message and that's very important, and you can see it on the pitch too. They believe in the ideas and there's dialogue. I really like listening to them and finding out what they feel in games and in training.

There are four difficult games left, and we want to be competent and continue growing as a team, but we will face difficulties. The other teams are becoming more and more competitive."

VIKTOR GYÖKERES
He is a top player. We know everything he is capable of and what he can give to the team. Viktor helps the team and the team help him. We know each other and we know what each other can give. He grows, and so do we all. The team is growing individually and collectively."

RICARDO ESGAIO IN THE MIDDLE
"It's nothing new for me: I know what Esgaio is capable of. I think 'fairness' is very relative, but I haven't been very fair with him. He played three very good games, the team won, but when I had more options I took him out of the team and he didn't deserve that. He trains very well, he's a very important player for the group, and he makes very good decisions, perhaps even above average. There are midfielders who don't see what he sees. It's an adaptation but in a position where he's already trained a lot. We've gained another solution."

PEDRO GONÇALVES AND HIDEMASA MORITA
"We see Pedro Gonçalves on the pitch and he is different, but we have to be a little careful because he was out for five months. If we are too hasty with him, it will end in failure. Above all, he wants to help, and that makes me happy. Little by little he will gain minutes and I believe he will help in this final stretch, whether he plays 40 or 60 minutes. He's gaining confidence too and will grow in terms of minutes.

Morita's return is coming soon - I believe he will be back for the game against Boavista FC, but I hope he's even available for the game against Rio Ave FC."

BIEL
"Biel plays in a position with players who are very good on an individual level. He trains very well and waits for his opportunities, he deserves them and it's the coach's fault for not giving them to him."

The Swede scores a hat-trick against Moreirense FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Moreirense FC 3-1 on Liga Portugal Matchday 30, keeping them top of the table with four games remaining of the season.

As requested by coach Rui Borges, the fans created a 'green wave' at the Estadio José Alvalade, including a welcome for the team bus by hundreds of fans.

Sporting CP made just one change to his starting lineup, bringing Geovany Quenda into the first XI in exchange for Iván Fresneda.

Prior to the match, a minute of applause was held in tribute to the late Aurélio Pereira.

In the next move, Geny Catamo missed the target from a similar position. Then the two combined with Catamo drawing a save from goalkeeper Kewin Silva.

The Estádio José Alvalade exploded with joy in the 12th minute with the opening goal. Captain Morten Hjulmand broke through from the right, entered the area and crossed, and when the Moreirense goalkeeper deflected the ball to Catamo, Gyökeres was on hand to finish off.

The momentum continued, with Sporting CP immediately setting out in search of the second goal. Several chances came from the left wing, with the Moreirense FC defence being torn apart from the speed of the passes and runs in their half.

Attempts by Geovany Quenda, Trincão, Gyökeres and Catamo were a prelude to the team making it 2-0 in the 25th minute. Trincão advanced several metres unchallenged, and struck against the defence. The ball fell to Gyökeres who smashed it into the back of the net with his right foot.

Upon the restart, Moreirense FC approached Rui Silva's area for the first time, with the goalkeeper claiming the ball calmly off the cross.

Not even the heavy rain that began to fall from the 38th minute onwards slowed down the impetus of Sporting CP. Five minutes before half-time, Maxi Araújo broke through on the left and crossed for Gyökeres, but Kewin got there first and denied the Leonino striker a hat-trick.

Maxi, in stoppage time, turned, round the goalkeeper and attempted a backheel, but Kewin recovered in time to deny him.

A dominant Sporting CP, who had enjoyed 70% possession, went into the break 2-0 to the good.

To start the second half, Moreirense FC appeared rejuvenated, with two changes to their lineup. In the 47th minute, away team debutant Ivo Rodrigues shot straight at Rui Silva.

It wasn't enough to scare Os Leões: in the 52nd minute, Gyökeres completed his hat-trick with an outstanding free kick. The Swedish striker delivered a piledriver into the net and scored his 90th goal for the club, in his second season in Portugal.

Four minutes later, and completely unexpectedly, Moreirense FC managed to reduce the deficit through Cédric Teguia, who appeared at the far post to convert a cross from Godfried Frimpong.

Moreirense FC were motivated by the Cameroonian's goal and were very close to making it 3-2 in the 60th minute, but Yan Maranhão's header grazed the woodwork on its way out.

On 68 minutes, another huge ovation arrived, as Pedro Gonçalves made his home return from a long-term injury.

After a lull in play, an excellent move by Catamo woke the action up, then Trincão combined with Gonçalves for a shot across, blocked by Kewin.

Borgesthen brought on Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda for the final minutes, and the Spaniard came close to scoring with a lob over Kewin, but the result remained the same.

Sporting CP took a deserved 3-1 triumph, as they continue in the driving seat in the title race.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Zeno Debast (Iván Fresneda, 84’), Viktor Gyökeres, Francisco Trincão (Ricardo Esgaio, 84’), Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 84’), Geny Catamo, Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand [C], Geovany Quenda (Pedro Gonçalves, 68’) and Eduardo Quaresma (Jeremiah St. Juste, 68’).

The team host Moreirense FC this Friday at Estádio José Alvalade

Sporting Coach Rui Borges previewed his side's Friday night fixture against Moreirense FC in a pre-match press conference, and called upon the fans to continue their support in the final stretch of the season.

The impact of the supporters
"It's very important and I made a point of emphasising this at the end of the game against CD Santa Clara. The massive support from the fans has been the same since we arrived. They make us believe and we want them to believe as much as we do. We really believe in ourselves and the players convey this on the pitch, regardless of the difficulty of each game. We have immense belief, a huge ambition to be champions, and I ask the fans to come out and create a fantastic 'wave of green' in these five remaining games."

The return of Hidemasa Morita
"Morita is out of the game against Moreirense FC, but he will still be important in the final stretch. He is important on the pitch and is making his contribution, despite all the problems he has had. We need him and he will be back very soon. He wants to recover as quickly as possible and is very motivated to be able to help in the upcoming games. He is very important for the team and a player I admire a lot."

A possible starting role for Pedro Gonçalves
"I wish I could have Pedro Gonçalves 100% fit, but he was out for five months. Everything is sore for him except the pain from the injury, because he is in 'preseason,' let's say. We have to be careful and his return requires individual fitness work on his part. He is still far away from being a starter, but I believe we will be racing against time and that he will still be very important in this final stretch of the season. He's tired but he's given his all, he's focused and wants to help, he believes that the team will be happy in the end and he wants to contribute to that. He is available to help at any time. That makes me happy."

Controversy regarding refereeing and the game against Moreirense FC
"The Sporting CP coach is focused on what he controls, which is the game. Moreirense FC beat Sporting CP and FC Porto at home, drew with SL Benfica, and had a great game at Estádio da Luz as well. They are a very competitive, well-organised team, who have had their own routines for some years now. They are very calm in defence and competent in attack, and their coach works very well on set pieces. We have to be prepared. I owe a lot to the club I'm going to face, because they opened the doors for me in the Primeira Liga. I know most of the players and we will be focused on transitions and set pieces, if they exist for the opponents. In attack, we have to understand what we can explore within our individual and collective quality."

The ban for Conrad Harder
"The player celebrated a victory with our fans, without provoking anyone. The referee made the decision he did and I believe it will be reversed, because the footage is clear. If we don't celebrate, football becomes apathetic, but we are prepared to go into the game with or without Conrad."

Criticism of the performance of the title contenders
"When things don't go as we want, we put others down. We really want to be champions, and so do the fans, and we will celebrate with all due merit if that happens. It will be more than deserved for everything the group has overcome and will continue to overcome until the end of the season. They really deserve to be happy."

Five important games
"We'll take it one game at a time; there is no futurology and no easy games. We will focus on what we control and go into each game with the desire, ambition and will that we have shown. There are competitive teams that want to steal points from the big teams."

The motto for the final stretch of the season
"Luck is about hard work and that's why I say: "Whoever is most competent until the end will be champions." We know all the difficulties that lie ahead, but the ambition and belief that the team have demonstrated, despite sometimes less successful performances... the players are incredible and really deserve to be happy. The fans have spoken for us: "We don't need slogans for the final stretch, we need you to believe as much as we do and to be connected with us."

Alisson Santos' integration
"He has been training a lot with the first team, and he is growing and adapting to the demands of Sporting CP. He is a kid we believe in a lot, he has a lot of potential and characteristics that we like. He is going through a period of adaptation, understanding the size of the club and getting to know his teammates. He has provided a very good response. He wins duels, is powerful and will have his growth. I have no doubt he will be a player you hear a lot about."

The squad work out on Tuesday for their Liga Portugal game

The Sporting Clube de Portugal squad trained on Tuesday at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, preparing for their home game against Moreirense FC on Friday.

Rui Borges called on young players Kauã Oliveira, Eduardo Felicíssimo and Lucas Taibo to take part in the session.

The team will return to training on Wednesday morning.

The coach reviews the win away to CD Santa Clara

Rui Borges gave a press conference room at the Estádio São Miguel Stadium after Sporting CP's 0-1 victory over CD Santa Clara.

Analysis of the game
"Sporting CP were the only team that tried to win. It was a difficult first half, against a team playing with a low block. I didn't feel like they were looking for the win, but rather waiting for our mistakes. We had to create depth and variations, and we could have shot more often. In the second half we started very well, after adjusting some of our behaviours. We started much more dynamic and active, looking for the goal, and we got there with merit and ease. We could have scored another goal, and I think we deserved to.

CD Santa Clara committed a lot of fouls, which disrupted the game, but in the second half we were more competitive in the duels and this was noticeable. I'm really happy with the team's talent; they're amazing."

Halftime changes
"We played with two midfielders: One converted and more defensive, and Morten [Hjulmand], who ended up being a number 6. Pedro Gonçalves and [Hidemasa] Morita are players who get into other areas and who we needed.

At halftime I asked Zeno [Debast], who is not an offensive player, to move into higher spaces, and that way we created more between the lines, we pushed Geny [Catamo] into the inner spaces and that's how we scored the goal. We made decisions earlier, were cleaner and with less pressure, and we were more effective."

The performance in the first half
"The performance was good, at a difficult ground and against a team having a great season. CD Santa Clara were the only team to win at the Estádio José Alvalade, and with the fewest shots conceded in Liga Portugal.

We knew that we would have few opportunities -and that the few we had, we had to take advantage of. Against low blocks we have to be competent, not make big displays of scoring. We were aware of what the game demands, we kept a clean sheet, we won 1-0 and the victory is more than deserved."

Maxi Araújo and Iván Fresneda's introductions into the starting lineup
"Maxi Araújo and Fresneda came on to force the verticality, but the wind really hindered our initial strategy. The idea was to try to use more width, get crosses in, and we tried on three or four occasions to make long passes that always came out too strong, despite the well-made movements.

In the second half we adjusted, with one more man closer to the finishing zone, and created more accelerations close to the opponent's area."

The return of Pedro Gonçalves
"I'm happy for him. He deserves it, as he has worked hard and waited a long time for this return. It's a very important comeback, because he's a different player, but also it's a big thing for the group because of the importance he has to his teammates."

In a young team it is important to have competitive players who demand the best from their teammates all the time. He is a player who wants more and more. I'm happy to see him back on the pitch and our football also deserves him back on the pitch," he added.