Ricardo Sa Pinto deserves some credit here. Great team effort, and wolfslayer either was nervous or he isn't in game shape. How could you miss those chances?
After this year, the Uefa Cup will be renamed the PortUEFA Cup because of the Lusitanian dominance in this cup.
Well, it's not won yet... But Iberian Cup could make sense as this and last year's semi-finals were all Portuguese+Spanish teams.
Let's do it boys! As the last 2 days have shown, ANYTHING can happen in Europe and playing as the away team doesn't hinder our chances.
Pereirinha starts for the suspended Izmailov. Little bit of a surprise for me. Matias returns from injury. Good to see Andre Martins in the line-up. Here's the official starting line-up.... Sporting: Rui Patrício; João Pereira, Xandão, Polga e Insúa; André Martins, Schaars, Pereirinha; Matías, Wolfswinkel e Capel
Wow, we better hope Schaars has a blinder, as that midfield looks likely to be overrun physically. Surprised to not see Carrico in there. Looks like we are trying for some posession as opposed to sitting back.
Loving this match, the intensity and the speed is awesome. We look sharp when we break out. Nice one-twos and movement. Martins has been good, though Carrico is now on to set him free a bit. Let's do it!
Good showing though, they had more firepower and Patricio kept us in it. The guys can hold their heads high, they didn't shrink on the occasion.
That was a hard fought game. Unfortunately to lose, but that's sports. Patricio has impressed me more and more...
I don't understand you guys. These re paid professionals. Losing should not be congratulated, especially when you dominate the first leg and miss 45,000 chances on goal. Is Atletico really better? F*ck no. And praise Patricio all you want but it doesn't mean shit when he's sold this summer. We are barely hanging on to 4th f*cking place in the league and now our makeshift embarassment of a defense cost us this game. And what business does Sa Pinto have taking Matias off? Seriously?
^^ Then you don't know what sportsmanship is... you win/lose. Shit happens. You seem like the type to hold in the anger. Don't look back in anger!
Last time I checked there are paid professionals on both teams. Sporting did very well in this tournament and had a great run. Not saying that people can't be disappointed but you should commend the successes even if they are incomplete.
Dude, you are horrendously negative. Do you get no enjoyment from the team unless we win every match? After this mess of a season, we bucked the odds and had our shit together in Europe. Made the semis, lost to a very good side who took out ManU with relative ease, and you're all pissy about it? Geez man, ease up a bit. Yup, someone has got to go home and it's us. We played well away from home in a very hostile environment ( as a Madrid supporter, I know this well) and have nothing to be ashamed about. I'm fine with it, bummed we couldn't make the final but not mad at all at the team.
I'm the type of guy thats sick of waiting over 10 years for a meaningful title. I'm the kinda guy thats sick of watching this team blow chance after chance and then getting bit in the ass in the last minute of regulation. I'm the kinda guy thats sick of watching Pereira blow coverage week in and week out. Bilbao IS NOT better than us. How long will I have to wait for a league title or European cup? If we are going to commend a European exit, then lets commend the 6 Sporting players that let Rangers score on us last year unmarked in the box.
Good game Sporting Lisbon. Really made it interesting after the away goal, kept me on the egde of my sofa. Good luck to yall in the league.