Sporting’s coach maintains his belief in reaching the Champions League semi=finals and comments on the end of the 17=game winning streak at Alvalade.
Rui Borges, Sporting’s coach, in statements at the press conference after the defeat against Arsenal (1-0) in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals:
Analysis of the defeat against Arsenal
It was a balanced game, the Man of the Match award (David Raya) clearly reflects that. Apart from the shot that hit the crossbar from the corner, Arsenal had a shot straight at Rui and a goal. We had three clear goalscoring opportunities and the Arsenal goalkeeper made three saves. They were two great teams, a good and competitive game. It ends up being frustrating because we didn’t deserve to lose. We’ve won in the 91st minute before, today we lost, and we have to keep our heads up. If there are big challenges, it’s for this team. In London, I believe we will be up to the task and give a good response.
Do you believe in advancing to the semi=finals?
We know the difficulties, we know the team will be playing at home, but if there are big challenges, it’s for our team. We will give a good response in London and we hope to keep the tie open until the end. What matters to me is making history for Sporting, not with my name, but by making the club even greater at a European level.
A run of 17 consecutive wins at Alvalade comes to an end…
The 17 victories are more a testament to the team and the players, who deserve that credit. They deserve to continue making history at Sporting in every way. One day that record will surely be broken, but it makes us happy; it’s a sign that Alvalade is becoming an ever-greater fortress.