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Borges: “We were a great team” 09 Sep, 2026 The coach expresses satisfaction with the win in the Champions League Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's 3-1 win against Galatasaray SK in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges held a press conference at the Estádio José Alvalade. Analysis "In the first 20-25 minutes, we had some difficulty matching the opposition’s intensity. The first half was very intense, and we struggled. We didn't click, we made some mistakes in passing, and they scored from a long ball into the box where they had some luck. I don't know if there was any nervousness, but we knew they were intense and would press high. Perhaps the team didn't expect such high intensity. In defensive duels, we were below what we needed to do. We grew and gained confidence, and we created a connection. It was important to go into halftime with the game level. Besides a shot from Leroy Sané, Galatasaray didn't create much danger. In the second half, we tried to modify one or two movements and were stronger in individual duels, where we won many balls. We started some dangerous transitions and scored a goal -which we deserved- thanks to our goalkeeper. His halftime message "The message was one of calm and welcoming them to the UEFA Champions League. The team gained confidence and took away the opponents’ confidence. Over time, our individual and, above all, collective quality came to the fore. Great victories in this competition require great teams, and today we were a great team." Changes to his starting lineup "Some of it was squad management, and the rest was strategic, taking the opponent into account. I trust in the team, and those who came in did well. I trust everyone, and last season I already made some changes like this. We have many players, and all players have to work hard to have opportunities. They will have them." Luis Suárez and Rodrigo Zalazar "I anticipate a high number of goals for Luis Suárez. He will score a lot, for sure. He's in a good run of form and will go through some less good runs, but that's football. Rodrigo Zalazar is growing, getting to know his teammates better, and will have a great season. Last season he scored many goals and will do so again. It will happen naturally. He's a great player and is adapting to the demands of a big club. He will improve as a player." Repeating last season’s UEFA Champions League campaign "We are different teams, it’s different years, and we have different opponents. We look at each game to understand what we are capable of doing. I know we will compete and we really want to be among the best. Regardless of any less positive results that may happen, the players know the demands of playing in the UEFA Champions League." The team's current form "The team have grown. The connections on the pitch are different from last season, and it takes time to adjust. They all like each other and recognise each other's value; they work incredibly hard every day. I couldn't be more relaxed and happy with the group I have. The credit all goes to them. They understand how we can grow as a team. They have the confidence of the coaching staff, and beyond that, it's just a matter of listening and trying to do what they’re instructed to do. Will they make mistakes? Yes, but the coach takes responsibility for their mistakes." Zeno Debast "I was hesitant about whether he would play because of managing his minutes. He's coming off a long injury and the overload might not have been good for him. Regardless, he was sick in the last few days and didn't even train. He came to the game and even played, and he was better today." Eduardo Quaresma "The isotonic drink he took didn't agree with him, and he was also playing out of position. He was feeling unwell. He then had a great second half." Being strong at Alvalade "It was important to start well, playing at home, in front of our fans and with the positive energy they bring. In a competition like this, winning at home is crucial. Any point and any goal counts towards the final standings. I’m very happy to start with a victory at home." Assessment of the first month of the season "We are still far from where we want to be at any point in the game. I'm happy with the response the players have given so far, and I've noticed improvements in all aspects. We need to continue this and it's important to win, especially in this competition. It's perhaps easier to get their attention when we win than when things aren't going well. They accept mistakes and corrections better. We are always looking to grow and are still far from where we want to be for the team."