5-2 final. Geez what a game. Keizer did say he prefers winning 3-2 over 1-0... Another very poor 1st half. Jefferson and Bruno Cesar absolutely awful. Hopefully a LB and MF is a priority in January. Once Miguel Luis came in for Bruno Cesar we started pressing better. We still concede a lot of space and like I said before, against Porto we may struggle.
That was a mixed bag of emotions. The final result gives the wrong idea about the game's story. SCP did a good job at turning things around but conceding 2 goals home is something to be worried about. Bruno Cesar was completely lost in the game. I don't trust the duo Coates-Mathieu, especially the Uruguayan. He usually does fine but messes up often too. Players like William aren't easily replaced, and bringing Adrien onboard would be a blessing. The difficulties encountered today show that the team still has a long way to go until reaching stability. Next match day against Guimarães will be tough and winning is a must to stay in the race for the title.
Adrien would be really important in this team, we need someone like a ball-winning midfielder to liberate Bruno Fernandes. With Miguel Luis on the pitch pressing more, Bruno had more freedom to do his thing. Battaglia would be that guy but he's out for the season, and Wendel is now out too. I get that he wanted to try out Bruno Cesar but hopefully this shows that his time is over here. If Chico Geraldes comes back with a different attitude he could be an important upgrade in midfield - with Keizer's style of play he would get chances to play.
Crazy game. Defense still lookin weak and i still think we need a new cb pairing for next year. Coates just isnt anything special and Mathieu is old. And our backups are terrible. Cant remember the last time ive seen Sporting fight back like that. Its hilarious all the people saying Adrien wouldnt play on this team. He would instantly walk in to the starting 11. Miles better than anyone we have now and it would make Bruno Fernandes even more dangerous.
http://www.okgoals.com/match-highlights-1545006145---33 Nice comeback. Those PKs looked soft as hell through. Bruno Fernandes really stepping up this season.
No Coates (suspension) or Nani (injury) for tomorrow's trip to Guimaraes. Guarda-redes: Salin, Renan e Diogo Sousa; Defenders: Bruno Gaspar, Ristovski, André Pinto, Marcelo, Mathieu, Acuña, Jefferson Midfielders: Gudelj, Petrovic, Miguel Luís, Bruno Fernandes, Bruno Paz Forwards: Mané, Raphinha, Diaby, Jovane Cabral, Bas Dost
Starting XI: Renan; Bruno Gaspar, André Pinto, Mathieu, Acuña; Bruno Fernandes, Gudelj, Miguel Luís; Jovane, Diaby, Bas Dost Porto beat Rio ave and Braga typically bends over for Benfica so this game is huge.
That first half was grim. No ideas, slow play, turnovers galore. The one good thing is that usually we play better in the 2nd half.
Penalty, foul by Renan in the box... But Guimaraes player is offside beforehand. This should be cancelled by VAR Red card was initially shown to Renan but rescinded.
Probably one of the biggest swings I've seen regarding VAR. Penalty+Red vs Offside. Total game changer
Acuna making no look passes. Bruno Gaspar mediocre as always. Gudelj is just average. Still have massive difficulties in defensive transitions.