The departing coach talks about the win over SC Braga and bids farewell to Sporting CP

After the final whistle in the 2-4 victory at SC Braga, Ruben Amorim spoke in his final press conference as Sporting CP coach.

“It's difficult to sum everything up. This has been an incredible adventure. I encountered a very difficult context when we arrived at the club, but a very special one. It's very difficult to recreate what we had here. What I can say to the Sportinguistas is ‘thank you’. I did what I could, made some mistakes and showed stubbornness at times, but always with the team in mind. The club always came first and, apart from the mistake I made at the end of last season, this was the only time when I thought about myself more than the team; otherwise I wouldn't be able to do this,” he began by saying.

“Thank you. I’m sorry that this decision comes in the middle of the season but I felt that this was my moment. As for the club, this run has to continue; in the next matchday we can break the record for the best start ever.”

Regarding the game at Pedreira, Amorim highlighted SC Braga's “cleverness in knowing where to cover and counterattack”, but considered that his team “could have avoided the two goals conceded”. Overall, he considered that they were “fair winners”, especially due to the response they gave in the second half.

“There are things that cannot be explained. It seemed that, in the second half, Vitorino [Antunes], [Luís] Neto, [Sebastián] Coates, João Pereira, Matheus Nunes… all came on… It was special and much more important than what happened on Tuesday [the 4 -1 win over Manchester City]. Everyone who has been here in recent years was out there on the pitch with us, and there was no way they could lose this game. I was already a champion with the club I love, but this moment was unbelievable. The third and fourth goals had a very special meaning for me. It had to be like this. It would be like a film, in which everything worked out well. I leave here very happy,” he told the media, who themselves praised Amorim for his attitude and relationship with them over the last few years.

“I felt that if we scored a goal, our team would be fresher and we could turn things around. The difference in time between games had an influence. Until that goal we were very stagnant, lacking emotion, speed and even passion. It was a tough two weeks,” he commented, before highlighting the decisive goals from Morten Hjulmand and Conrad Harder.

“There was a great goal from a great player and captain, who arrived at Sporting CP a year ago. At halftime I heard him shouting in the dressing room. Conrad, because he is Nordic and wants things his way, gets frustrated when he plays, scores and then is put on the bench. In the moments when it was necessary, he was there. He will learn to deal with it, because there is a phenomenon who is playing ahead of him. He will go a long way.”

For the coach, victory in Braga became “one of the most remarkable moments, if not the most remarkable” of his time at Sporting CP, as he summarised it as “like telling our story in 90 minutes.”

Regarding the future of the club, who will have a new coach appointed shortly, Amorim reinforced his confidence in Sporting CP's current direction.

“I have confidence, because I really believe in the players and the new coach. I told the players that there are things that will be different, but the person who will be in my place has the same essence. This was being planned, but it had to be sooner than expected. Not everyone has what I had here: The players have to continue to be humble and they will having to lean on each other and pull certain players up. We also made a point of sharing information with everyone before we left. I will support the people here and this club is well run,” he said in his parting words.

A 2-4 triumph sees Sporting CP come back from behind in Rúben Amorim's final game in charge

Sporting Clube de Portugal equaled their best ever start to a Liga Portugal season with a stunning turnaround against SC Braga, winning 2-4 to make it 11 wins in as many games. Coming back from 2-0 down, goals from Hidemasa Morita, Morten Hjulmand and a brace from Conrad Harder made it a happy swansong for outgoing coach Rúben Amorim. He leaves the team top of the table with a perfect record thus far in 2024/25.

Up against an SC Braga who were looking to recover fourth place in the table, Amorim made just one change to the starting XI used in the epic European victory against Manchester City in midweek: Daniel Bragança came in for Morita.

Gonçalo Inácio returned to the squad, although Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards and Iván Fresneda were absentees.

The first opportunity went to the home team, as Franco Israel blocked Bruma's shot across the face of goal, and in the 20th minute SC Braga made it 1-0 through Ricardo Horta in unlikely fashion. Defensive confusion inside the area included the Sporting CP goalkeeper being knocked down on his goal line, and no foul was awarded as the ball was put into the net.

The setbacks only increased, as soon after Pedro Gonçalves was injured. He was replaced by Geny Catamo, and Maxi Araújo took the vacant place in the attacking trident.

Sporting CP reacted and created their first chance after the half-hour, but the well-crafted move ended with a finish from Matheus Reis that Braga's goalkeeper, Matheus, kept out.

On one of the first occasions that Viktor Gyökeres was successfully brought into play from deep, he dropped to the left and served Maxi Araújo with a pass into the box, but his teammate's left-footed shot went into the side netting.

SC Braga were more effective, however, and caught Sporting CP on the counter with a quick transition from Bruma. It was successfully finished again by captain Ricardo Horta, amidst further controversy about a potential handball.

Trailing 2-0 at the interval, Sporting CP looked for a reaction upon the restart, and brought on Jeremiah St. Juste in place of Zeno Debast. The attacking output increased, such as when Quenda sped forward and played a pass only slightly too far ahead of Gyökeres for him to get onto it before the goalkeeper.

Morita and Harder came on for Bragança and Maxi before the hour, and their impact was immediate. From the corner kick that followed, St. Juste rose highest to head against the post, but Morita was more precise and made it 1-2.

Catamo's sprint and delivery in towards Gyökeres -who arrived slightly late- kept the momentum going, and the winger himself had a go in the 71st minute that Matheus parried away. SC Braga were struggling to attack, and were trying to hang on for the win.

The persistence from Sporting CP paid off within the last ten minutes, when Morten Hjulmand made his move and, from distance, scored the equaliser with a captain's goal.

They always wanted more, and the goals didn't stop there. After the regulation 90 minutes, Harder did not hesitate to strike with a well-placed left footed effort that confirmed the comeback.

Os Leões rounded the game off with a fourth goal, again from Harder and this time from a counter that saw him go through on Matheus and tap the ball past him.

Sporting CP's first win at the Estádio Municipal de Braga since 2021/22 was an epic one, and the 2-4 triumph will live long in the memory.

After the international break, the team will close the month of November with three home games in three different competitions: Against Amarante FC in the Portuguese Cup (Nov. 22nd, 8:45pm), then at home against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League (Nov. 26th, 8pm), followed by CD Santa Clara (Nov. 30th, 8.30pm) in Liga Portugal.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Zeno Debast (Jeremiah St. Juste, 46'), Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis (Gonçalo Inácio, 80'), Geovany Quenda, Morten Hjulmand [C], Daniel Bragança (Hidemasa Morita, 56 '), Maxi Araújo (Conrad Harder, 56'), Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves (Geny Catamo, 25') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach previews his final game in charge of Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to SC Braga on Sunday for their 11th Liga Portugal game of the season, and the final match in charge for outgoing coach Ruben Amorim. He spoke in the pre-match press conference to give his thoughts on the contest.

He admitted that the objective is to reach 11 consecutive wins at the start of the season, just like the club did in 1990/91.

"Equaling the record and having the chance to beat it is very important for us. The most important thing is to maintain and increase the distance between us and our rivals. Braga have always had a great meaning for me, and I also really enjoyed my time there. They were a club that gave me the opportunity to start my career at the highest level," he began telling journalists.

"We really want to win the game. The coaching staff and I want to leave the team off the back of a victory. I'm very focused on what we have to do on a very important weekend, in which there is a game between SL Benfica and FC Porto and in which we can gain points over one or both teams."

Regarding the fact that Sporting CP have two more days of recovery and preparation than their opponents, Amorim explained that "it could make a difference, but the SC Braga players and coach are already used to that. If we are not at our best, you won't notice the difference, but there's no way to say it doesn't have an influence. If we're competent and serious, it can make a small difference."

Despite the team coming off "a very positive and historic result" against Manchester City, the coach assured that maximum concentration will be required.

"If we are not prepared, we will suffer in Braga and we will not win the game. We have a very difficult job and if we do this, everyone will have a better feeling about this international break," he commented.

On his coaching Sporting CP for the last time, Amorim did not hide that "it was strange leaving the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo today knowing that I would not be back there. I didn't tidy up the office, and the club will have to send me my things. I said goodbye to everyone, but I'm not good with goodbyes and I think it's very strange. It's been almost five years of going to the same place every day, and it's very strange to leave in the car and know that I won't be back."

"I never thought I would like Sporting CP in this way. I will always like Sporting CP and that will never change, because of everything I've experienced here. I have a special affection and I will always support Sporting CP."

The Sporting CP coach reflects on his farewell home game win against Manchester City

In Rúben Amorim's last home game in charge, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Manchester City 4-1, and the coach talked about the momentus result at the Estádio José Alvalade.

"It's very big and it's been seen all over the world. We won by three goals. We went behind, but today it was written that it had to be like this. There's not much explanation for it. We couldn't get the ball in the first half, we were too hasty, they won all the duels and they pushed us further back, but missed chances. It was difficult, but we got the equaliser and that calmed everyone down. We changed things at half time, but the turnaround had nothing to do with that, because we scored from our first move and then we got the penalty from the second. Today, it just had to be like that. It was a special night, but we have to move on and think about the game in Braga," he began by telling journalists.

Remembering that he experienced "very memorable moments" in Alvalade, he commented that, "Four years ago we lost 1-4 to LASK and today we got this result. The way the players lifted me into the air ... I didn't expect anything else from them because I know what I did for them and, above all, what they did for me. It was destiny that I should bid farewell to Alvalade like that, but the best moment I've ever had here was when we lost to Manchester City and everyone applauded us. That had a much bigger impact than winning."

Regarding the future of the team and the club, Amorim has no doubt that Sportinguistas should be hopeful.

"It's always difficult to replace a coach, especially when you're winning. The coach who comes in will have a good legacy because he has very good people working with him, there's a very good atmosphere at the stadium, the team are in the playoff spots in the Champions League... The demands make it all very difficult, but there will be a lot of people supporting him and he'll never feel alone. That was very important for me; I never felt alone. There will be a structure at the club, which has been gained in recent years, a lot of support from the stands and an intelligent fanbase. I'm sure the fans will give the next coach time," he said.

Asked about the possibility of him being present at any eventual celebrations of a Liga Portugal title, Amorim explained that "I will always have a special connection with the club, but I won't come to Marquês to celebrate. I wouldn't have the courage to do that, but I would be very happy for them. Watching it would be like being there."

Sporting CP beat Manchester City 4-1 in an incredible Champions League night

A 4-1 win for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Manchester City shook up the UEFA Champions League and caused delight amongst Sportinguistas. Viktor Gyökeres' hat trick and Maxi Araújo's goal helped earn one of the most iconic European victories in the club's history.

A packed Estádio José Alvalade paid tribute to outgoing coach Rúben Amorim, who was taking charge of his final home fixture before joining Manchester United. The coach made two changes to the starting lineup, fielding Matheus Reis and Hidemasa Morita in place of Gonçalo Inácio and Daniel Bragança, whilst Manchester City presented a strong XI that included former Sporting CP player Matheus Nunes.

After observing a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the floods in the Valencia region of Spain, the game got underway.

The start was not a good one, and after just four minutes, a mistake by Hidemasa Morita at the back allowed Phil Foden to steal the ball and shoot past Franco Israel to put CIty ahead.

The Premier League side showed great dominance, especially in possession, but Sporting CP had a huge opportunity of their own in the eighth minute: Played through by Pedro Gonçalves, Viktor Gyökeres closed in on goalkeeper Ederson and tried to chip him -only to fail to get enough lift on his effort.

Shortly afterwards, Erling Haaland's shot needed a great save by Franco Israel, and Savinho also tried his luck. Close to the half-hour, Foden's corner was headed by Erling Haaland, at the far post, but Gyökeres hooked the ball off the line. Franco Israel then kept out another effort from Haaland and Bernardo Silva, in the 36th minute, shot just wide.

Against the script, Sporting CP got the equaliser. Through the brilliant work by Geovany Quenda, a high-level assist gave Gyökeres another chance, and he shook off City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and finished clinically to make it 1-1.

Before the break, a counterattack ended up with a Francisco Trincão shot wide, and Matheus Nunes' shot was saved by Franco Israel.

The start of the second half ended up being one of the greatest in the history of Sporting CP. Just 20 seconds in, Pedro Gonçalves and Maxi Araújo combined for the latter to make it 2-1, handing the home side the lead.

In the next minute, Trincão was brought down in the area. Gyökeres stepped up and slotted away the penalty, increasing the advantage to 3-1.

Shaken by Sporting CP's two goals, Manchester City FC never managed to assert the control from the first half in the second period. They did, however, get a penalty of their own when the ball hit Ousmane Diomande's arm. Haaland's spot kick was struck firmly, but smashed against the crossbar -leading to a collective roar from the crowd.

With 15 minutes remaining, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita and Matheus Reis made way for Geny Catamo, Daniel Bragança and Jeremiah St. Juste.

Gyökeres had a shot saved by Ederson, but completed his hat trick with a second penalty, when Geny Catamo was brought down by Nunes. This time he kept his shot low, converting inside the left stick.

Eduardo Quaresma and Conrad Harder came in for Geovany Quenda and Francisco Trincão, as more players got involved in a magical night at Alvalade.

The final score of 4-1 was celebrated long into the night, and keeps Sporting CP unbeaten in Europe this season.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Zeno Debast, Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis (Jeremiah St. Juste, 74'), Geovany Quenda (Eduardo Quaresma, 85'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 74 '), Maxi Araújo (Geny Catamo, 74'), Francisco Trincão (Conrad Harder, 88'), Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres.

The captain talks about the challenge ahead

Before Sporting Clube de Portugal face English side Manchester City this Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, captain Morten Hjulmand talked about what he sees as "a great opportunity."

“I think they are the toughest opponents,"  highlighted the Danish international, adding: “We know their quality and the way they play, so it will be a big challenge."

Asked to choose the best player between City striker Erling Håaland or his team's own Viktor Gyökeres, the midfielder was firm, saying “Gyökeres, because he plays for Sporting CP."

Inevitably, many questions were about coach Rúben Amorim's upcoming departure to Manchester United, and Hjulmand did not deny that “it was difficult” to receive the news.
“It's part of football, and the squad see the change as a positive challenge. Winning the Liga Portugal title without the coach will be our main objective. Life goes on and now we want to show that we no longer need him,"  he said, smiling.

“He was one of the reasons why I came to play for Sporting CP. With him, you have a clear idea of how you see football and each player knows their role. The way he manages the team on and off the pitch is something I hadn't seen before in my short career. I can't tell you everything, but I think Manchester United will be in good hands,” he said.

On the game, he commented that, “It hasn’t been easy in the run-up to this one. It was a very tough week, with three games -the coach didn't give us a rest- and also because of everything that was happening. As a team we had to think about beating CD Nacional and CF Estrela da Amadora," he explained.

Finally, asked about his interest in, one day, perhaps playing in the Premier League, the Danish midfielder preferred to express his happiness at being where he is.

“I'm living a dream here, at Sporting CP and in Lisbon. I don’t know what the future will bring, but right now I’m living my dream at Sporting CP."

The coach speaks ahead of his Alvalade swansong against Manchester City

European nights are back at the Estádio José Alvalade, as Sporting CP host Manchester City this Tuesday on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League.

Coach Rúben Amorim talked ahead of the game, and gave hints about his team selection for the encounter with the English champions.

"Eduardo Quaresma is in the squad, but has a limit to how much time he can play, whilst Gonçalo Inácio is out," he revealed.

“We could take risks, but the international break is coming. We don't know if he can play against Braga, but we didn't want to risk a longer absence for him. The season is very long and Inácio is very important."

 He then turned his attention to Manchester City, who have a strong recent history in the competition.

“Any player they field is world class. They have some players out, but when we look at the eleven and the bench, we realise that they are a very difficult team to beat. It's also very difficult to predict what will happen, in which positions and on which wing each of the players will play, so we have to be strong in what we do. We believe in this a lot and we have to go into the game with the courage to try to win," he highlighted.

Both Sporting CP and Manchester City are on 7 points so far, and the home side are undefeated at home for over a year. They have also not lost in Liga Portugal or Champions League action this term.

Regarding how he will approach the game, Amorim did not hide the fact that there are adaptations to be made, especially when pressing, given the quality of the opponents.

“We want to maintain our identity when we have the ball, and that will be very important in the game. Regarding the way we play, we have to adapt a little. Sometimes, there is more courage when coaches adapt to be competitive and win."

Amorim also considered that, compared to the two meetings with Manchester City from 2022, his side are “more prepared to play a more complete game."

“I feel like I'm a better coach now, but in these five years we've had two squads. Only 'Pote', Nuno Santos and Inácio are left from the first squad. It's not been five years of working with the same players. I feel like I'm a better coach, but unfortunately Pep Guardiola is also a better coach. We play in different leagues and with different realities. Tomorrow is a good game to look at these nuances and I hope the result is different."

Asked whether a draw would be a good result, the coach considered that “it depends on what happens in the game. When we enter the pitch it is to win; that is part of our DNA."

Regarding whether he would prefer to have Erling Håaland, the City striker, or Viktor Gyökeres on his team, Amorim stated that "You will never hear me saying that I would change any player on my team. They are the best. Viktor has done a lot for us, even as recently in the last game he was very important."

On it being his last home game in charge of Os Leões, Amorim said he was “stressed,” but only with the difficulty of the game itself.

 “I'm stressed about the game, because we had a plan, City played AFC Bournemouth, it changed everything and I get stressed when I’m not sure what’s going to happen.”

“I take a lot of things from Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, a lot of things from Jorge Jesus, and I watch a lot of football. I get inspired everywhere and there are always ideas that we can use."

In light of his imminent departure to Manchester United, Amorim also made no secret of the fact that he is aware of the attention he will have on him in this European game.

“I will be analysed as a coach of Sporting CP, but I am fully aware that I will be evaluated as a coach based on this game. I understand what people might get out of it, but I don't think much about it. The focus is to win the game for Sporting CP so that we can be closer to the playoffs."

"Afterwards, I don’t know what I’ll feel, but it will definitely be a special moment for my last game at the Estádio José Alvalade. I'm sure I will be able to maintain my emotions in check, but the perfect thing is to win this game. I want to help my players, make sure that we have a spot in the knockout stage more or less guaranteed, and that would help me to leave with a feeling of joy."

“These players are very mature, they understand the game very well, they are prepared and I believe it won't make a difference in the end that I am leaving. It’s a change, but the team are prepared for it,” declared Amorim.

The coach talks about his departure to Manchester United from November 11th

After Sporting CP earned their tenth triumph in as many Liga Portugal games, coach Rúben Amorim spoke in his press conference not only about the 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora, but also about his move to Manchester United that had been announced earlier that day.

“I didn't really like our performance today. We had some good moments, but not the fluidity we usually have. We lacked speed, passing quality and depth, which is something that we will suffer a lot with against Manchester City FC”.

Amorim revealed that Gonçalo Inácio was substituted at halftime due to an injury to his leg, and summed up the victory by saying “We won 5-1 and moved on, getting closer towards our goal”.

He had promised clarifications regarding the possibility of moving to Manchester United by Friday, and addressed the official announcement of his departure from Sporting CP in response to questions from journalists.

“At the beginning of the season I had a conversation with the president and Hugo Viana and I said that, regardless of whatever happened, this was going to be my last season at Sporting CP. We started very well this season and then Manchester United came in for me. They paid above the amount set for my release clause and the president of Sporting CP defended the club's interests. I never argued about anything with the president regarding the negotiations. The only thing I asked during the process was that it take place at the end of the season”.

“I spent three days asking for this, but I was told it wasn’t possible. It was now or never, otherwise they would look for another option. I had three days to decide something that radically changes my life," continued Amorim, in addition to confiding that this “is neither the first or second time that a club were willing to pay the release clause”.

“I reached my fifth year at Sporting CP and I had to make a choice. The current context at Manchester United makes this something extremely challenging”.

 “After Sporting CP, I wanted that. I want this context, because it allows me to do things my way and for the club to believe in me that way. It's just like Sporting CP. I have to take steps forward in my career and it was harder for me than any other Sportinguista to leave. I knew that if I rejected Manchester United, in seven months' time I wouldn’t have that option available, and I knew that at the end of the season I was going to leave Sporting CP. I could have felt a sense of regret that would be difficult to deal with. Between the disappointment of all Sportinguistas and taking risks in my career, or waiting for the end of the season and not having the only club that I wanted to join as an option, I had to decide. So I decided”.

He insisted that the move was not financially motivated, commenting that “I would have earned three times more with the last club that wanted to pay my buyout clause”.

“I gave everything I had for the club and it was a huge source of pride. It's hard for me to leave here, as I'm very comfortable and I'm very happy”.

Amorim's departure will only be made during the next international break, on November 11th, and until then he will coach Sporting CP in games against Manchester City FC (at home) and SC Braga (away).

“I have to do what Sporting CP decide. I prefer it this way, as everyone gets a chance to do things cleanly and I don't leave the players hanging. That was a big concern. So it gives us a window to tie up everything, and I know this team better than anyone to prepare them for both games. They are very important games, especially against Braga. I am happy to do it, and I’m focused on what we have to do”.

Continuing to talk about his decision, Amorim did not hide the fact that he changed his mind “several times” and also revealed how his players reacted.

“There was no revolt amongst them, but they were sad and anxious. It feels like there is a different atmosphere. We create a lot of relationships with the players and, therefore, it is difficult. I think there is no way to hide the disappointment”.

Furthermore, the coach also confirmed that he will take members of his coaching staff with him to England, although without specifying exactly who.

“I’ll take my guys there. That was always one of the conditions. I brought them from Casa Pia AC and we’re going to maintain that group”, he said.

Afterwards, Rúben Amorim discussed how fans have reacted to his imminent move, highlighting that Sporting CP “was the best time” of his life.

 “I understand the disappointment of the fans and them being divided between being happy about what we did together and now disappointed with us leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic. The applause from the crowd when I came out for the game surprised me a little tonight”.

“The club will move forward and will continue to win. It wasn’t the coach who provided this, it was everyone here who gave this stability. The club improved in all areas, as did the squad. Everything here has improved. We created a family here, we launched the careers of a lot of players. It feels like I'm saying goodbye, but there are still two games to go that we want to win”, he concluded.

The team continue their flawless Liga Portugal run against CF Estrela da Amadora

Sporting CP made it ten wins from ten games in Liga Portugal, with a 5-1 Friday night win at the Estádio José Alvalade over CF Estrela da Amadora 5-1. A maiden goal from Maxi Araujo and four strikes from the unstoppable Viktor Gyökeres earned the win over the relegation strugglers.

Just three days after their victory over CD Nacional in the Taça da Liga, and following the announcement that coach Rúben Amorim will leave for Manchester United midway through this month, a heavily rotated first XI was named for the game. Only Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand and Maxi Araújo repeated their starting roles, accompanied this time around by Franco Israel, Geovany Quenda, Zeno Debast, Ousmane Diomande, Daniel Bragança, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres. Eduardo Quaresma remained out due to injury and, in turn, youngster João Simões came into the squad.

The first opportunity of the game went Sporting CP's way, and a rebound off Bragança flew over goalkeeper Bruno Brígido and almost ended up in the back of the net. Immediately afterwards, at the other end, a decisive intervention by Inácio prevented a certain goal from CF Estrela da Amadora.

After an 11th minute of loud applause throughout the stadium for Sporting CP's injured no.11, Nuno Santos, little by little Sporting CP found their usual linkups, albeit without the necessary precision in the last third.

That accuracy finally came after a header from Inácio into the sidnetting from a corner, which was the final warning before Gyökeres opened the scoring, before the 20th minute was out. He took the ball off a rebound and beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one, finding the net against CF Estrela da Amadora for the first time.

Moments later, the away team had a double opportunity, but were punished by the increased efficiency of Sporting CP and, in particular, of Gyökeres.

After half an hour of play, Pedro Gonçalves stole the ball near the opposition area and Trincão picked out Sporting CP's No. 9, who once again smashed the ball past goalkeeper Rúben Brígido.

With the score at 2-0, the pace of the game not only didn't slow down but also increased. CF Estrela da Amadora continued to look very lively, and responded by reducing the deficit less than five minutes later, through Rodrigo Pinho. It came off after a huge save from Franco Israel, who could do nothing to keep out the rebound, as Sporting conceded for the first time in seven league games.

However, the frenzy of the first half was extended, and with it came further goals. A run by Gyökeres resulted in a shot by Gonçalves that was saved, then CF Estrela da Amadora conceded a penalty.

Gyökeres blasted the ball into the net from the spot kick, and Sporting CP moved 3-1 clear.

Israel made another save to close out the opening 45 minutes, keeping his side comfortably ahead.

For the second half, Amorim took off Inácio to bring on Jeremiah St. Juste. Upon the restart, a long shot from Debast and what was almost an own goal by the opposition defence kept the action going.

Then, another loud ovation was heard from the stands, this time dedicated to an opposition player with a link to Sporting CP. Nani, who came up through the youth system at the club, came on for the away team.

Rodrigo Pinho and CF Estrela da Amadora had a goal disallowed for handball, whilst an effort from distance by Trincão kept the goalkeeper on his toes.

The fourth goal for Sporting CP came just before the 70th minute. Gyökeres was played through, and he turned a defender and coolly finished off to take the score to 4-1.

The final goal came from Maxi Araújo, who entered the area and, with a perfect cross-shot, scored for the first time for Sporting CP.

The 5-1 win keeps the side top of the table, and leaves them one victory away from equaling the club's best ever start in Liga Portugal- achieved in 1990/91 under Marinho Peres.

On the next matchday they will go to SC Braga, but before that they play Manchester City at home on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GR], Geovany Quenda, Zeno Debast (Matheus Reis, 73'), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio (Jeremiah St. Juste, 46'), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C] (Hidemasa Morita, 68 '), Daniel Bragança, Francisco Trincão (Conrad Harder, 80'), Pedro Gonçalves (Marcus Edwards, 73') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The Sporting CP coach talks before Friday's game against CF Estrela Amadora

This Friday, at 8:15pm, Sporting Clube de Portugal host CF Estrela Amadora on Liga Portugal Matchday 10.

Coach Rúben Amorim previewed the game, highlighting the team's ambition to remain unbeaten in the competition and surpass another record.

“Our goal is to have the best start, and we always want to do better. There has been little time to recover, there were players who did nothing in training and others who moved around a little, but we did mostly tactical work," he told the media.

"We need to win the game, we want to play well at our stadium and maintain our position in the table.”

Revealing that Pedro Gonçalves is back in the squad and that Eduardo Quaresma will not be available yet, Amorim said he knows what to expect from CF Estrela Amadora, who are currently with an interim coach.

“They seem like a slightly more aggressive team, and that can be seen in the details. Against Vitória SC, they changed to a 3-4-3, were very well organised in their pressing, and the way they celebrated the goals shows that they are united. This reveals a lot about their confidence and I also saw the statements in which they said they would be the first team to win at Alvalade. We want to avoid that. We know what we are going to face, the context we are in, and we want to play well. We have prepared well and we are ready for this game.”

Regarding his own possible departure to take over at Manchester United, as has been heavily rumoured this week, Amorim said that he will speak tomorrow “after the game” because now is the time to be focused on the match with CF Estrela Amadora.