The coach considers the derby draw a fair one

Following the draw against SL Benfica, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges held a press conference to analyse the performance in the derby.

Analysis
"It's something we need to look at more calmly; why the team weren't able to maintain consistency. In the first half we were the better side overall. We had 30 very good minutes and could have made it 2-0. SL Benfica only had two dangerous chances, they improved a bit after the goal with the help of the crowd, but we never lost our balance and became better again in the final minutes.

In the second half, SL Benfica had more possession. We had less energy, we lost our timing in our pressing, we made poor positional readings, and we let SL Benfica push us back. They had ten shots, if I remember correctly, but without creating much danger. They managed to have more possession and were better in that sense.

It was clearly noticeable that the team's energy dropped, in general, the players who came on didn't gain confidence right away, but that's football. We started making more mistakes in the middle, and both midfielders declined in performance. It is what it is, and we're not going to be perfect for 90 minutes every time. We were playing against a great team."

Championship considerations
"My confidence in the fight for the title is complete. I had already said that this game wouldn't decide anything, regardless of the result. There are many games left, many points to earn.

I'm not leaving here satisfied because I wanted to win, I wanted the team to have done better in the second half. We have to understand why; sometimes it's credit to SL Benfica, sometimes it's our own fault. I'm not leaving satisfied because I really wanted to win." 

Accepting the draw
"I don't think we accepted the draw -far from it. We just weren't capable, collectively, of winning. I have to talk to the group, dissect the game and understand the drop in energy.

We tried to refresh things – it was natural that Pedro Gonçalves would drop off after 60 minutes, Hidemasa Morita was already on a yellow card – and bring on youngsters with a lot of irreverence. [João Simões and Geovany Quenda] didn't ajust very well at first and it created some anxiety that didn't help us as much as we thought it could.

SL Benfica came out more aggressive in duels, but, more than that, we failed tactically. We lost some pressure on SL Benfica's build-up play. We lacked better readings to activate the three-man press, something we had identified, but SL Benfica didn't create much danger. Their energy was superior to ours, which was also because of the support they received from the stands."

Fairness of the result
"The game ended as it had to end, in a draw. I can't be more honest: I think the result reflects what the game was like in the first and second halves."

Using Fotis Ioannidis late on
"Ioannidis gives us some good things. We knew he couldn't play many minutes. Yesterday, I wanted to understand how he felt after training. I like to listen to the players and understand, and that's where I made my decision.

I felt he was good and confident. I felt he really wanted to help the team. These are the kind of players that define a group. His personality and character are extraordinary. His resilience and commitment to me, to the structure, and to his teammates surprised us a lot, just like his ability to fight off injuries. We were expecting him to come back after six weeks, and he came back after three. I want to praise that because Fotis deserves it."

Difficulty in beating direct rivals
"Since I've been at Sporting CP, I haven't lost away from home yet. You can bring up those narratives too. I don't mind losing all the big games and winning the rest, because if that's the case, we’ll be champions."

Choosing Pedro Gonçalves over Geovany Quenda
"Pedro [Gonçalves] came in, played well, and scored a goal. I can't say what it would have been like if [Geovany] Quenda had started.

The choice was based on strategy, the opponents we were going to face, and what, as a coaching staff, seemed to make sense for us to try and be superior to SL Benfica."

The Liga Portugal game concludes 1-1 

Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 with SL Benfica in a Friday night Liga Portugal derby, in which they were resilient after opening the scoring and losing some spark in the second half.

At the Estádio da Luz, coach Rui Borges made two changes from the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, bringing in Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves to the starting XI.

Os Leões had more possession in the early stages, and in the fourth minute they could have opened the scoring after recovering the ball high up the pitch. Luis Suárez nicked it away from Fredrik Aursnes, entered the area on the left and shot with intent, but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a save with his leg.

Sporting CP set up shop in Benfica's half, although without managing to create dangerous approaches until, in the 12th minute, they capitalised on another Benfica defensive error to open the scoring: In a challenge with Enzo Barrenechea, Morten Hjulmand gained the ball in a dangerous area and set up a pass perfectly for Pedro Gonçalves inside the box. The Portuguese international turned and shot to make it 0-1.

In the 18th minute, Maxi Araújo broke free down the left wing, cut inside and attempted a cross-shot that went just wide of the post.

SL Benfica only managed their first shot of the game in the 22nd minute, with a direct free kick from Georgiy Sudakov that went well over the crossbar.

At the other end, Maxi Araújo again came close to scoring. In the 26th minute, the Uruguayan was able to run unopposed and decided to shoot from square on, just inches wide of goal.

In response, and against the flow of the game, SL Benfica equalised, in a collective move that Georgiy Sudakov finished off from close range, taking advantage of some bad luck for Geny Catamo.

With the score at 1-1, Sporting dropped back and the game became more evenly matched. Benfica went on to gain momentum, and Sporting CP began to struggle to contain their rivals' offence, committing an unusual number of errors. However, SL Benfica failed to convert this dominance into opportunities, and at halftime the score remained level.

The second half brought with it a more subdued pace, without clear chances, as both teams patiently waited for a moment of inspiration to break the deadloc.

In the 54th minute, SL Benfica’s Amar Dedic had an effort go went wide. Sporting CP, in turn, continued to push forward through Geny Catamo, but struggled to hold onto the ball.

Shuffling the pack, Rui Borges brought on João Simões and Geovany Quenda in the 60th minute, but his team continued to struggle to counter.

Vangelis Pavlidis had a weak shot easily caught by Rui Silva, and Fredrik Aursnes and Georgiy Sudakov tested the reflexes of the Sporting CP goalkeeper, who responded calmly and securely.

On 73', Luis Suárez doubled up in defence, leaping to deflect a header from his compatriot Richard Ríos, just as the players behind him were preparing to knock the ball into the back of the net.

With ten minutes remaining, Richard Ríos created danger again, with another shot on goal saved by Rui Silva.

Alisson Santos and Fotis Ioannidis came in late on, and there was an extra twist before the end: Gianluca Prestianni committed a foul on Geny Catamo, crudely stopping a counterattack led by the Sporting CP number 10, and was sent off. With a numerical advantage and seven minutes of added time to play, Os Leões took control of the match, but the scoreline remained 1-1 at the final whistle.

Sporting CP maintain a three-point lead over their rivals in Liga Portugal. Next Tuesday, they face FC Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Hidemasa Morita (João Simões, 60’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 60’), Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão (Alisson Santos, 85’), Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand [C], Luis Suárez (Fotis Ioannidis, 85’)

The coach keeps the derby against SL Benfica in perspective

Sporting CP travel to the Estádio da Luz this Friday to face rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 13. On 31 points and 28 points, respectively, both are chasing league leaders FC Porto (34) going into the derby, and coach Rui Borges talked of the importance of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Sporting CP's current excellent form
“I look at this game like any other. Whether it's the best moment of the season or not, it is what it is. I don't focus too much on that. The path we’ve been following has been very positive, gradually improving in confidence, energy and quality of play. We are growing and that's what I'm proud to see. The game comes in this phase and a win is worth three points -like any other contest. The level of difficulty is great and the level of respect is the same as always. It will be a great game between two teams. We are in good form and we want to continue to consolidate this growth.”

50 games in charge of Sporting CP
“It's a milestone and I hope to have many more. I believe I'm prepared, that's why I'm here. But I think I'm still far from our peak, because we understand that growth is daily in our ability as coaches.”

Being favourites in the derby
“As I said before our game against FC Porto, it’s 50/50, but perhaps there was a small percentage in our favour then because we were playing at home -and we ended up losing the game. In that sense, I believe that SL Benfica, playing at home, at a difficult ground and in a difficult environment, may have that slight advantage, but I think it’s evenly matched. Above all, may it be a great game and may we be the team we have been so far.”

Changes in the approach given the magnitude of the game
“We won’t stray from our game plan, but we’re up against is a great team, which will force us to be more balanced at times. We want to be a balanced team in all phases of the game, and we have been growing in that sense. Tomorrow not only the offensive process will be very important, but also the defensive process, to be organised to neutralise the opponent's strengths. SL Benfica are a very strong team in transition when they win the ball in a mid-block. Above all, I want my team to be better at all times. We'll see if we're capable of that, and I believe we are, because I see the team as confident and 'switched on'. We'll be true to ourselves and, when we can't keep possession as much, we have to be well organised.”

Differences due to the opposing coach now being José Mourinho
“I have the same respect for coach José Mourinho as I did for Bruno Lage. I look, above all, at the team and its collective. I believe that Mourinho, because he didn't build this team, has also adapted more to the players he has. But I look at this game in the same way I've looked at the others: with respect for the opponents and their coach. He's a great coach, whom I admire very much, as I've already said, but tomorrow is SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP, regardless of the coaches. Above all, may it be a great game, with great respect between us.”

Sporting CP’s form being better than that of SL Benfica
“It depends on the perspective, because if you look at SL Benfica, perhaps they are in their best form, with three consecutive victories. I look at my team and, within the idea and what I foresee, we are in a very good phase of maturation in terms of dynamics and collective play. For me, Sporting CP are growing, but I also think that SL Benfica are in good form. We also had difficulties winning away at CD Nacional. It’s very subjective. SL Benfica haven't lost domestically yet and at home they are difficult to beat. I believe that SL Benfica will want to win and will play intensely and press for most of the time.”

Comparison to the Supertaça
“I think it's different. We are four months on from that, there's a different coach for them and we are more mature and have grown in terms of our game plan. Although I think we played a good game in the Supertaça, even though we lost, I think we are better as a team, but we have to demonstrate that tomorrow on the pitch.”

The possibility of including Pedro Gonçalves in the starting XI
“Here, nobody has a direct spot in the lineup. It depends on what they demonstrate. Before Quenda arrived, we were already tough on ‘Pote’. We have been growing and what makes me happy is that the team continue to respond regardless of who plays. I couldn't ask for more.”

Fotis Ioannidis still in doubt
“He is still in doubt. I don't know if he will be called up. It may or may not happen.”

Impact of the match on the league standings
“I don’t think it will dictate anything in the outcome of the title. It’s a big game, and I understand why all this is happening, because both teams could be six points behind FC Porto or SL Benfica could be nine behind… I understand, but I don’t agree, because there’s still a lot of the season left to play. Last year we were eight points ahead and we lost the advantage. Football is very much about the moment and everything changes very quickly. There’s more than one game left, so in my mind this game doesn’t dictate what the outcome of the title will be. We really want to win, but it doesn’t dictate the outcome of the season.”

Doubt regarding the midfield choice between Hidemasa Morita or João Simões
“I still have to sleep on that today. Simões is in great form and it was simply a decision not to have him play in the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, considering the opponents. He has been having great games and will continue to do so. Morita has been improving and Giorgi Kochorashvili has grown immensely in his adaptation to the dynamics, the team and Sporting CP. He will have his space and opportunities to demonstrate it. I’m happy to see this growth in Simões, in Morita and also in Gio.”

Sporting CP's results in the 'big' games this season
"That doubt is something journalists create. I don't see anyone saying that Rui Borges didn't lose any of those games last year, except on penalties in the Taça da Liga. I could also respond with the results we've had in the Champions League, but I won't. It doesn't affect me at all. I already said when we lost to FC Porto; if we won all the other games, we could possibly be champions and I'd take that. What interests me is what the team have shown and what we can do now."

Tactical aspects in which Sporting CP have evolved the most
"I think in terms of offensive variability we are completely different, more so than the formation -that has been talked about so much (laughs). We've become stronger in the offensive process, because in the vast majority of games we have to give that response against increasingly difficult teams to beat. The challenge was to be stronger there, but without neglecting other aspects, where we have also grown. We have improved in our reaction to losing the ball and in our balance.”

The coach looks back on the win over CF Estrela da Amadora

Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against CF Estrela da Amadora, coach Rui Borges talked to the media about the 4-0 triumph.

Analysis of the game
"It's a game that leaves me very satisfied. The team were focused from beginning to end, with a lot of dynamism and quality in both the defensive and offensive processes. They were like this throughout the game, always wanting to play football. The ball wasn't still for long, and that's very important for us. We scored four goals and could have scored more. We didn't let the opposition create chances, we were very good at neutralising the opposition, and I'm very happy with the collective response.

It's a good performance that has been consistent and with quality. It's difficult to say if it's the best, because we had a fantastic start to the season. We are growing more and more -especially on the defensive side. The dynamics between the players are getting better and better, and you see that with every game that goes by."

The match against SL Benfica
"It's the same as the others, but it's more difficult. We're facing our local rival, at their home ground, with a tough atmosphere, playing against a great team. Regardless of the result, it won't decide the title, but we really want to win. There are many points to play for."

A message to the fans
"I appreciate the support they've given us since last season. It's important to feel this affection. The energy today was a little different, I could feel it more. At some moments I even got goosebumps. It helps us overcome our limits, to strive for more. I only ask for this energy to continue, and that they continue to give this support. I want them to believe, because that's what led us to become champions the last two seasons and achieve the double. When things don't go so well, we need this support even more. We will do our best in the next game. We will do everything to get the three points."

The team's current form
"I look at it positively and happily. We managed to put in a good performance and the players were focused. The hardest part isn't getting them switched on against big teams, but against teams that, theoretically, aren't as strong. Eduardo Quaresma and Hidemasa Morita had a great game, which creates more of a headache for me as the coach. There's a very strong sense of family and that shows in some moments. When players come on who perhaps weren't expecting it, the response they give makes me happier. I'm happy to reach 50 games in charge and to win at home. It was a good victory and a great performance."

Fotis Ioannidis potentially playing in the derby
"I don't know. I believe it's very difficult for him to make it back for the derby, to be honest."

Good form
"There's a good amount of confidence, but too much isn't good either. Above all, the team are focused. Our message gets through and the players believe in it. It couldn't be better than this."

Options for the starting eleven
"There are more headaches for us now, because everyone is in good form. They are dynamic and happy when they are playing. Perhaps nobody expected Eduardo Quaresma to play, and he scored a goal and had a great game. I said before that Hidemasa Morita's confidence and fitness were growing. This affection that was shown for him demonstrates the unity of the group. They have done it with other players at other times and today it was with Hidemasa Morita. The group understand the importance he has; not only for his quality, but also as a leader and point of reference."

A possible injury to Gonçalo Inácio
"There's nothing in it; it was just a scare and nothing more than that."

Ousmane Diomande on the bench
"We have options. Just like João Simões is one, and he has been having great games."

The team take a comprehensive win in league action

Sporting Clube de Portugal bested CF Estrela da Amadora 4-0 at home on Matchday 12 round of the Liga Portugal season. Eduardo Quaresma, Luis Suárez, and Iván Fresneda scored the goals to earn the three points.

Rui Borges made two changes for his 50th starting lineup: Eduardo Quaresma and Hidemasa Morita replaced Ousmane Diomande and João Simões. On the bench, Pedro Gonçalves returned.

After the first sign of danger in the 5th minute, when Iván Fresneda delivered the ball into the middle of the area and the defence cleared for a corner, the opening goal came in the 7th minute.

From a free kick on the left, Francisco Trincão crossed perfectly for Quaresma to head home powerfully for his first goal of the season.

The pace of the game then accelerated and Geovany Quenda, in the 9th minute, shot wide from outside the area.

The second goal arrived soon after, off a great collective move that ended with a perfect combination between Trincão and Suárez, with the latter finding himself in a position to finish and taking the opportunity. It was the Colombian's 11th goal of the season (his eighth in the league) and the Portuguese player's second assist of the game.

Against a CF Estrela da Amadora side who struggled to create chances, Sporting CP continued to press. Less than a quarter of an hour had passed when a ball was won in attack and Trincão, after getting past an opposition player, found himself one-on-one with former Sporting player Renan Ribeiro, but missed the target.

Off another well-executed free-kick, Quenda set up Geny Catamo, who crossed from the right into the box, where Fresneda headed in his first goal of the campaign.

Chances reduced in the second half, and on one of the very rare occasions when CF Estrela da Amadora tried their luck, Kikas shot from a long distance, but Rui Silva made an easy save.

Suárez was brought down in the area before halftime, but the referee decided against awarding a penalty. At the end of the first half, the score stood at 3-0 to Sporting CP.

Matheus Reis replaced Maxi Araújo for the second half, and the first attack after the interval came from the visitors, with Marcus shooting and Rui Silva making another easy save. At the other end, Luis Suárez missed the target with a strike wide.

After a well-executed counterattack culminated in a missed shot by Geny Catamo, it was Jovane Cabral's turn to try his luck, as the former Sporting CP player gave Rui Silva slight difficulty from a long-range shot.

In the same minute, however, Sporting CP scored again. Hidemasa Morita set up Luis Suárez with a wonderful move, and the striker provided the finish.

With half an hour to go, Rui Borges substituted Geny Catamo and Iván Fresneda for Pedro Gonçalves and Georgios Vagiannidis. Shortly after, Matheus Reis' header went just outside the post.

In the 78th minute, Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincão were replaced by Giorgi Kochorashvili and Alisson Santos, respectively, and Sporting CP cruised to the finish line. Suárez came very close to a hat-trick when he stole the ball from a defender and had his effort saved by Renan Ribeiro, then Gonçalves had his turn to test the goalkeeper's reflexes. Alisson Santos shot well over the bar in the final chance of the game.

The 4-0 win takes Sporting CP to 31 points in Liga Portugal.

Next up is a visit to SL Benfica on Friday, December 5th.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 60'), Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 45'), Morten Hjulmand [C] (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 78'), Hidemasa Morita, Geny Catamo (Pedro Gonçalves, 60'), Francisco Trincão (Alisson Santos, 78'), Geovany Quenda and Luis Suárez.

The coach talks ahead of the game against CF Estrela da Amadora

Sporting Clube de Portugal will host CF Estrela da Amadora on Sunday, on Liga Portugal Matchday 12. Before the game, Rui Borges previewed the contest.

CF Estrela da Amadora
"We expect to be up against a very competitive team. They have a new coach and are searching for their best identity and game plan. They still have a line of five in defence and use a line of three when building up play. They've also opted for a line of four and we believe that this is their coach's idea. They are coming off a win and a draw, they are more motivated, and now they have had more time to work on their dynamic. They have many new, different players. They are the team with the second most long balls played, and they are effective off crosses. They will try to create danger for us and we have to be prepared for that. They give away few opportunities to the opposition and, playing at home, we want to keep up our energy and quality of play.

Reaching 50 games in charge of Sporting CP
"It makes me happy. It's a milestone as the leader of a great club and a great team -and on our path as a coaching staff. It makes me even happier to think of everything we have been able to achieve in these 50 games. We became back-to-back league champions, we won the Taça de Portugal and we are increasingly leaving our mark on the club. It motivates me to reach at least another 50 games in charge of Sporting CP. The work we've done has been paying off for us."

The return of Pedro Gonçalves
"He's in the squad and ready for the game. He's 100% fit and, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, he's very important to the group. He's had a fantastic start to the season and I hope he get back to how he was, especially since the break he had -thankfully-, wasn't very long. He's a player we turn to and someone our opponents also focus on."

Games after the match against CF Estrela da Amadora
"The focus is CF Estrela da Amadora. We don't talk about anything else. It's the next game for us, and our 'Champions League' is the domestic league. We had a great game in the UEFA Champions League, but now it's time to focus on CF Estrela da Amadora. That's the message, and nothing else is being discussed."

His choice of starters
"Everyone respects each other and that makes my job much easier. It's natural that they always want to play 90 minutes and we have to be able to deal with that in the best way. This respect we have helps a lot with controlling that. I'm calm."

Sporting CP's offensive prowess
"We are a big club and the Portuguese champions. Naturally, whether it's with me or any other coach, we have a greater offensive power than almost all other teams. It's important to realise that we have to continue on this path and improve in this area -both the players and the coaching staff. It's something that defines a big club, and we still have to grow in the individual and collective aspects of the team."

The fixture list
"We have played less than 48 hours after the previous game before, and we're not complaining about it. It is what it is; that's the schedule. FC Porto postponed their game before and will have it now. Back then, we played a game without much rest, we changed 11 players in our starting lineup, and fortunately we responded. We need to find solutions more than anything. Players want to play, not train."

The coach reacts positively to the showing against Club Brugge KV

Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Club Brugge KV, coach Rui Borges held his post-match press conference.

Three home wins in the UEFA Champions League
"I'm happy for the group, who deserve this for everything they've been able to demonstrate, and for the ambition and quality they've shown throughout the season."

Analysis of the game
"We analysed Club Brugge KV and realised the quality they have. They have a lot of mobility, their midfielders move into spaces that are unexpected. We didn't fall into that trap and we were mature. We weren't able to press as much as we would have liked, but we needed to be more cohesive. At times, we waited for a mistake without giving them the opportunity to come forward.

The first half was evenly balanced and at times we controlled the game with the ball. We had good dynamics and we knew they were looking for references to play off. We looked for space behind them and created danger in that sense. We didn't start so well in the second half and the introduction of Hidemasa Morita was important to balance things. We deservedly made it 3-0 and allowed just the one dangerous situation in the second half. I want to praise the team's maturity."

Points needed for progress
"More than waiting to see if ten points are enough for qualification for the knockout stage, we have to give it our best in the remaining games. Dreaming of the Top 8 doesn't cost anything, but we have to demonstrate that on the pitch. We believe in ourselves a lot and only in this way can we have no limits in the pursuit of being better and better. We will play the difficult games and then we will see how things turn out."

The team's focus
"There is continuity. We have become two-time Liga Portugal champions, we won the Taça da Liga last season, and that shows how focused we were. The whole group are having a very good start to the campaign, and today we were a mature side. Only a great team could get the three points today."

VAR
"It changed the game by showing the truth. It's good that it exists, and long may it continue like this. We all want to make as few mistakes as possible."

The most important games
"Against CF Estrela da Amadora on Sunday is our biggest match. Before SL Benfica and FC Bayern Munich, we have this game -and we want to win it."

João Simões and Hidemasa Morita
"[João Simões] had another great game and went off exhausted. He contributed to the team. He gives us momentum and intensity. Morita came on later, he's growing and was very important. He brought stability, calm and tranquility."

Pedro Gonçalves
"I believe he will be available for the next game."

The quality of the performance
"It was a great, mature performance. Within the young team we have, we treated it like adults and understood the context and the competition. We had a lot of quality up against us, and the games are very difficult. The team knew they had to respect the opposition. The fans, once again, showed affection and gave energy to the team -and that was very important. It was a good performance and I'm happy to see that the team are improving day by day. I felt the team were confident and increasingly focused on what we have to do."

The final incident
"I want to say 'get well soon' to the Club Brugge KV goalkeeper. I hope it's nothing serious and that he be in good health soon. We dedicate this victory to Matheus Reis and his family for the birth of his daughter. I also wish the best of luck to the U-17s National Team tomorrow. We are all rooting for another victory. I believe they will honour our country, as they have done so far."

The team triumph in the Champions League on Matchday 5

Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated Belgian side Club Brugge KV 3-0 at home on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League, with goals from Geovany Quenda and Luis Suárez in the first half, and Francisco Trincão in the second. They now have ten points in the competition, occupying eighth position with three matchdays remaining in the league stage.

Rui Borges brought players back into the starting lineup after a wholescale rotation for the cup match against AC Marinhense; of the first XI, only Francisco Trincão had started against the lower league opposition. He was joined by Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões, Geny Catamo, Geovany Quenda and Luis Suárez.

The first dangerous attack came from Sporting CP, just three minutes in, when Maxi Araújo took an opponent out of the equation with a great piece of skill and set up Geovany Quenda, who shot wide from outside the box.

Passing the ball well in the attacking midfield, Sporting CP played with quality and confidence, but suffered a scare in the 9th minute when Morten Hjulmand was shown a straight red card for a foul on Aleksandar Stanković. After consulting VAR, referee Tobias Stieler changed his decision and only cautioned the captain with a yellow card.

Club Brugge KV finally had a chance in the 14th minute, when Christos Tzolis tried to finish with a shot from the heart of the area, but Ousmane Diomande blocked it out for a corner. The Greek player tried his luck again soon after, but his weak effort went off target.

At the other end, Geny Catamo appeared near the penalty area but had a shot go astray, and in the 23rd minute, Sporting CP created their best chance so far: after dribbling past a defender, Luis Suárez forced goalkeeper Nordin Jackers into a good save.

Their persistence translated into a goal shortly after, thanks to a great move that emanated from Rui Silva. The ball went onto the right and Geny Catamo toyed with his marker before shooting, forcing another save from Nordin Jackers. This time, however, Geovany Quenda appeared to turn in the rebound with a half-volley, opening the scoring and grabbing his first goal in this season's UEFA Champions League.

The 18-year-old tried to score his second in the 27th minute, but was unsuccessful.

It was in the 31st minute that Geny Catamo, with phenomenal timing, assisted Luis Suárez with a brilliant half-turn pass that left the Colombian alone through on the goalkeeper. With great class, the striker finished clinically, to a roar from the Estádio José Alvalade.

Sporting CP continued to press, and in the 35th minute Maxi Araújo advanced down the left and shot across goal and wide.

Francisco Trincão, in the 39th minute, concluded a rapid team move with a strike just wide of the post, then went on to cross for Luis Suárez -who headed outside the post.

Despite this response, Sporting CP had an incredible opportunity shortly afterwards when Geovany Quenda set up Luis Suárez. He managed to round Nordin Jackers, but was put off by Hugo Siquet and ended up hitting the post.

The Belgian opposition responded with a header wide from Brandon Mechele and a one-on-one for Nicolo Tresoldi, but did not convert the chances.

Sporting CP scored again, 20 minutes from the end: Maxi Araújo passed to Geovany Quenda, who tried to return the ball to the Uruguayan in the area, but it was Francisco Trincão who snatched it away and shot towards the far post, with the ball ending up in the back of the net. It was his eighth goal of the season and his third in the UEFA Champions League.

Geny Catamo forced a save from Nordin Jackers, before he and Geovany Quenda were taken off and Alisson Santos and Salvador Blopa – making their UEFA Champions League debuts – came on.

The game saw Iván Fresneda have a strike saved and Brugge's Raphael Onyedika attempt a long-range effort that ended up in Rui Silva's hands. Substitute Rodrigo Ribeiro then set up Salvador Blopa, but Nordin Jackers bravely made the save.

The contest concluded 3-0, with Sporting CP securing their third victory in the competition. They play again this Sunday in Liga Portugal, hosting CF Estrela da Amadora, whilst their return to the UEFA Champions League comes on December 9th, with a trip to take on FC Bayern Munich.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Matheus Reis, 85'), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 63'), Geny Catamo (Alisson Santos, 75'), Francisco Trincão, Geovany Quenda (Salvador Blopa, 75') and Luis Suárez (Rodrigo Ribeiro, 85').

The defender previews the Champions League showdown

Before the match against Club Brugge KV, Iván Fresneda highlighted the importance of approaching each UEFA Champions League match with the utmost concentration.

The importance of winning against Club Brugge KV
"This game is very important, as were the previous ones in the UEFA Champions League this season. We have to take it game by game and think about tomorrow's fixture first."

Pressure or added responsibility
"UEFA Champions League games are always very tough, with high-level teams, and tomorrow's game has the same degree of difficulty as the ones afterwards and those we have already played. The important thing is to win tomorrow, and then we'll think about the rest of the games."

His staying at Sporting CP and the influence of Rui Borges
"Both the coach and his staff were fundamental to my staying at Sporting CP. They gave me the opportunity to show more of myself as a player; I managed to evolve a lot last season and this season as well. I think I still have much more to offer the club. I want to thank Rui Borges and his team."

Club Brugge and their players
"Club Brugge KV have a very similar strategy to us, but that's not a problem for us. It's something we know.

Regarding [Christos] Tzolis; whether I or [Georgios] Vagiannidis play, we have to be very focused -because they have many good players. It will be a very tough game for us and we have to be very strong."

Differences between playing in a back four or back three
"Playing with a back four, I act as a right-back, and playing with three, I have to play more as a centre back as well. The most important thing is that we can adapt, depending on the game, and as a full-back I have already adapted to this tactical formation of a back three. It's just a matter of adaptation."

The coach speaks before the meeting with Club Brugge KV

Ahead of the match against Club Brugge KV in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges stressed that Sporting CP are prepared to prevail at home and continue accumulating points in the competition.

Pressure to win
"The pressure is something that is there on a daily basis. We are at a big club and the players are accustomed to this pressure. They all have enormous ambition and a great desire to win, regardless of the opposition. In this specific case, and in this competition, any game is difficult for both sides. As Iván [Fresneda] said, we just have to focus on tomorrow's game, because everything else will be a consequence of what we do against Club Brugge KV, of our ability to overcome a great team and earn the three points."

The presence of Francisco Trincão
"Francisco Trincão knows very well the confidence he has from the coaching staff and his coach. He has grown a lot, he's having a great season -perhaps his best yet-, and I'm happy about that. We believe we deserve some credit in that regard, but I feel he's focused every day, regardless of any contract renewal, which I believe will come to fruition. In the coming years, he will continue to provide magic at Portuguese and foreign grounds, thankfully."

The game
"Taking victory is important. It would get us to ten points, but I don't know if it will be enough or not: last season we reached the playoffs with 11. It's subjective. We'll focus on what we control and then we'll see: we have three more games to play, in which the team will be motivated to face great sides. We will play beautiful games, I have no doubt about that, and we will collect even more points. At the end of the league phase, we will see what we have been able to do to pursue our objective."

A key game for the European campaign
"It's not a decisive game. There are four fixtures left. It's an important game because it's at home, but Club Brugge KV are a great team -no less great than Paris Saint-Germain or FC Bayern Munich- and last year Sporting CP couldn't beat them.

They have a sporting image similar to Sporting CP, always looking for young players to develop, so they're a team with a lot of individual and collective value. They have very good attacking players who can create havoc at any moment with an individual burst of speed, like Christos Tzolis, [Carlos] Forbs, or [Hans] Vanaken. They are very dynamic in the offensive process. We might tend to identify them as a fast-attacking team, but in their league, they have more than 60% possession, and that speaks volumes about the team's quality.

Them facing FC Barcelona playing on the counterattack further demonstrates their collective ability to be engaged in all phases of the game. They are not only good at possession, at more organised play, but also at transitions. They are a team with quality in both phases. The midfielders are also very technically gifted, and in their process, they are a very dynamic team, with a lot of variability, and they make life difficult for the opposition in their attempts to neutralise their strengths. They are a great team, national champions six times in the last ten years, and they are in the UEFA Champions League on merit."

Trying to keep a clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League
"It's something we have to analyse. We have to look at how we concede goals, how we score them, and try to be the Sporting CP we always are: dominant, balanced, with possession and quality. We have demonstrated this in the UEFA Champions League, even away from home, but we are in a competition where we have to make fewer mistakes, where we have to be more focused for longer, and the team have shown this growth and awareness. These small errors are part of our growth and adaptation to the demands of the Champions League. Above all, we must value what the team have been able to demonstrate in these four Champions League games."

Hidemasa Morita's current form
"From what we can see, he's happy, he's grown a lot, he's realised what he needs to improve on physically and he's increasingly prepared to respond. He's a player I admire a lot. He's the player who surprised me the most when I coached teams against him, and I've always said that since I arrived here. He's someone I admire a lot as a player and as a person, he has his own culture, great personality and character. I have no doubt that he will be very important throughout the season."