Rui Borges praises the victory but warns of a lack of intensity in the game.

Rui Borges under fire after tough victory for Sporting: “We fell asleep on the second goal, in a play that was under control”

Sporting fought hard to secure three points against Santa Clara in a match that seemed under control, but which became complicated in the final minutes, ending with a concerning 4-2 on the scoreboard. The Azorean team gave a glimmer of hope by reducing the deficit, forcing the Lions to respond decisively to avoid surprises at Alvalade.

At the end of the match, Rui Borges, coach of Sporting, did not hold back in his criticism of his own team, admitting that “they fell asleep on the second goal, in a play that was under control.” In a candid analysis given to Sport TV, the coach acknowledged that control of the game was on the side of the greens and whites, but that the team relaxed when they should have maintained maximum concentration.

“It was a game that we controlled from start to finish. Santa Clara scored first, and they deserved that moment, but then we grew into the game. We controlled possession, created several dangerous situations in the opponent’s area, and the support from the fans was crucial in keeping the team calm. The 3-1 lead at halftime was fair given the merit of our performance,” began Rui Borges, before explaining the natural drop in intensity after the break.

“The second half started well for us. It’s natural for the team to drop a bit after the break, and it was at that moment that Santa Clara managed to make it 3-2, in a play that we had controlled through Zeno. Fortunately, the team responded well and we managed to impose our pace until the end. I am satisfied with what the team gave at all moments,” explained the coach, who was not concerned about the two set pieces that resulted in goals for the opponent. “The corner was disallowed, and on the second goal, as I said, we fell asleep. But we controlled the game and I am happy with the team’s commitment.”

Rui Borges also took the opportunity to justify the choices in the starting eleven, stating that the selections were made to respond to the circumstances of the game and ensure a team capable of attacking the match with maximum efficiency. “It was a management within the game and the circumstances. We believed this was the best eleven to attack the game and respond to the environment.”

Regarding Pedro Gonçalves, the “Pote,” the coach highlighted the forward’s importance to the team, lamenting the prolonged break and lack of minutes with the national team, factors that affected his rhythm. “He came from a long break, he didn’t have minutes with the national team, which we expected him to have. Now, he had 45 good minutes and we need him to gain confidence and rhythm, especially in this intense month.”

On the controversial statements made before the game, which were interpreted as downplaying the position of Sporting, Rui Borges was direct: “Congratulations to the fans, they have been very important over time and this victory is another step on our path.”

With this victory, Rui Borges achieves an impressive record of 17 consecutive wins at Alvalade this season, a statistic that highlights his dominance as the home coach of Sporting. The forward who scored the fourth goal of the match capped off the lions’ performance, securing the three points in a game that could have ended very differently.

In a sport where every mistake can be fatal, Rui Borges’ warning is clear: Sporting cannot let its guard down, even when it seems to be in control. The coach, dubbed by some as a “maniac for the offside line,” knows that the path to the top requires constant attention and total commitment. And that, for now, is not in question – despite the scares that Santa Clara provided.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.