Sporting reached the 1/8 finals after defeating Young Boys

The Sporting team was clearly superior to their Swiss opponents, even despite this adversity on the plastic floor. He showed it from the very beginning. Literally, as in the first minute he had a good opportunity to score through the usual suspect Giokeres. Breathing with confidence, Amorim’s team also showed individuality and took charge of the game. Unsurprisingly, he scored in the 31st minute without even needing to put the ball into the Swiss goal: it was done by a Young Boys player after Edwards’ cross. Ten minutes later, the Englishman also made it 2-0, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to foul in the penalty area. Ghiokeres, called upon to take the penalty, scored his 28th goal of the season.

It would have all seemed too easy had Young Boys not pulled the ball back before the break. But there was no time for alarm. Half-time soon followed and after the match restarted, Gonzalo Inacio made it 3–1 with a header.

Back then, even when there was still half a game left in the game, it was simply a matter of management. The orders were to extend the game with runs from Ghiokeres (on one of which he helped Pote hit the post), change the ball, contain and avoid injury. The goal has been fully achieved.

“The elections are not closed”
We are closer to the 1/8 finals, but the draw is not closed. We have done our job and now it is time to think about the very important game in Moreira de Conegos and prepare the return leg of this game against a brave team,” said Ruben Amorim this Thursday in his analysis of the Lions’ 3-1 triumph. . ).

Coach Leo admitted that he was leading the team with an eye on the next battles: “We need to think long term and this is the stage where we have to take a risk here or there. Even with the changes, the game was always under control.”

Amorim also discussed the debuts of Koba Koindredi and young Rafael Nel (18 years old): “All the players in the squad must be ready because we are a training club. Koba? He saw great potential in everything he did.”

As for awarding Adan the captain’s armband, the coach said: “Experience is very important in a team where there are a lot of young people.”

POSITIVE
FATAL ATTRACTION TO THE GOAL
Sporting have scored 36 goals in the 2024 calendar year, and it’s mid-February. This Thursday marked the fourth game in a row in which he scored 3 or more goals. Yes, there are Giokers, but there are also the fingers of Amorim.

NEGATIVE
PERIODIC ADAN
In an easy game that never escaped Sporting’s control, Adan showed hesitation in two or three approaches. And while Young Boys’ goal was not at fault, the idea remains that things could have been better.

VERY PERMISSIBLE ARBITRATION
The biggest sin of the French referee was that he judged the constant fouls of the Swiss national team players very leniently. Giokeres was a constant target and should have been better protected.

AND
COINDREDI “PRIDE”
“Nervous? No. I felt great pride and joy,” said Coindredi this Thursday, playing his first game for Sporting since joining from Estoril in January. Rafael Nel, an 18-year-old striker, said: “It’s “It’s a dream to play in a European league. It’s a great source of pride and an unforgettable moment.”