“Sporting bets on Quenda and Hjulmand for revenge in London.”

Sporting prepares for decisive clash in London with key reinforcements: Hjulmand and Quenda aiming for European glory

Sporting Clube de Portugal faces a true battle of titans in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against the powerful Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on the 15th. Following a hard-fought 1-0 defeat at Alvalade, with a late goal from Martinelli setting up Kai Havertz for the Gunners’ triumph in the 90’+1′, the lions must achieve an epic result to keep their unprecedented hope of advancing to the semi-finals of the competition alive.

Rui Borges, Sporting’s coach, is not surrendering to the Londoners’ favoritism and keeps the flame alive: “Everything is still open,” he stated confidently in the post-match press conference, acknowledging, however, that the challenge is Herculean. The Portuguese coach reiterated his belief in the group, recalling the tenacity shown in a similar episode in the previous round against Bodø/Glimt, where a heavy defeat was followed by a surprising reaction. “This group is prone to difficult things,” he emphasized, calling for unity and grit to overcome adversity.

For this decisive clash, Sporting will be able to count on two crucial reinforcements expected to revolutionize the midfield and the lions’ attack: Danish player Morten Hjulmand, an essential piece who served a suspension in the first leg due to accumulated yellow cards, and Portuguese Geovany Quenda, who is available again after a lengthy recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.

Hjulmand, the true engine of the green and white midfield, was rested in the last round of the league against Santa Clara to be in top form at the Emirates. With 39 games this season, 2 goals, and 6 assists, the Danish international is the beating heart of the team, despite the recent disappointment with his national team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup, a blow that shook the player but did not affect his determination.

Quenda, the Portuguese U21 winger who suffered a serious injury against Benfica in December 2025, is regaining his rhythm and is expected to be on the substitutes’ bench in London. The young talent, signed by Chelsea last summer for over 50 million euros, has been carefully reintegrated into the team, with a gradual plan to maximize his influence in crucial matches. In 22 appearances this season, he has already recorded 5 goals and 8 assists, numbers that surpass his performance from the previous season and promise to add speed and creativity to the Lions’ attack.

The 2025/26 season also marks the last year for both players at Sporting. Quenda is set to head to London next season, while Hjulmand, a target for several European giants, is seeking a transfer that represents the next step in his career. Despite having a contract until 2028 and a release clause valued at 80 million euros, the midfielder is expected to leave for about half that amount, with the promise from president Frederico Varandas that the club will not obstruct his departure.

The challenge is set and the eyes of European football will be focused on the Emirates, where Sporting will need to show ambition, talent, and courage to write one of the most glorious chapters in its history. Will Rui Borges and his lions achieve the perfect revenge and historic qualification for the Champions League semi-finals? The answer will be revealed in London, in a duel where every second will count and where Hjulmand and Quenda could be the keys to the lions’ dream.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.