“Rui Borges proud of the Sporting team after the draw with Arsenal.”

Sporting bid farewell to the Champions League in grand style by securing a heroic draw in London against Arsenal (0-0), following a narrow defeat at home in Alvalade by 1-0. Rui Borges, the Lions’ coach, did not hide his “infinite” pride in the team’s effort, refusing to feel pain over the outcome of the tie, in an analysis filled with emotion and determination.

“I can’t say it hurts. There is infinite pride in the team’s ability and personality. In both matches, I honestly think we were superior to Arsenal. They ended up being lucky to score a goal at the end in Alvalade that allowed them to advance. For everything we did, I believe we were better,” Rui Borges stated in comments to Sport TV, highlighting the tactical superiority and the players’ commitment in a high-pressure context.

The coach also emphasized the importance of the fans’ support, who were “at the level of the game” and contributed to Sporting leaving “with heads held high and happy for everything we were capable of, as well as for the strength and joy they showed while playing.” The Lions’ defense, led by the tireless Luis Suárez, was noted as a fundamental pillar, despite the evident physical fatigue against the London opponents, while the attack struggled to convert clear opportunities into decisive goals.

Asked about the substitutions, Rui Borges explained the need to refresh the forward line: “It was normal for the guys to be tiring. We weren’t able to keep the ball. Dani tried to play a bit like Pote, Quenda like Geny… We attempted a bit of that and it was very much along those lines.” The introduction of Simões to replace Morita aimed to increase ball progression in a game that became more open in the final minutes.

With the Portuguese classic against Benfica on the horizon, the coach of Sporting does not hide the added responsibility that this result imposes: “Today’s game creates responsibility; we cannot lower our level. In this competition, playing face to face against the best… We have to put in a great performance against Benfica as well.” He also highlighted the importance of support from the fans at Alvalade, which is essential to overcome fatigue and defeat an opponent that arrives with a clear week to prepare for the clash.

Sporting exits the Champions League with heads held high, demonstrating that it is getting closer to consolidating its status and European ambitions, even though it was just one step away from matching the prize amounts received by national rivals in previous seasons. Rui Borges’ team showed personality, talent, and commitment, ingredients that promise to make a difference in the fight for the national title and in the challenges ahead.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.