Rui Borges: "We have to grow, this cannot happen at Sporting"

How do you explain the goal conceded while down a man? "It ends up being one of Famalicão's few chances, we lacked some aggression and intensity. In the first moment on the left, we were too permissive in what is decision-making, and the luck that Famalicão didn't have in the other games, they had today. Otherwise, in a game in which we always tried to control the game, we started well in the first 20 to 25 minutes, then we began to miss passes without any need. In the second half, we came out with some calm and we had to work against Famalicão's block, which was compact and low, and we kept trying. We kept creating and ended up being punished on the last play of the game."

Did Famalicão's compact block surprise you? "Honestly no, we were expecting a mid-block and Famalicão are not very pressing in the first stage of the opponent's build-up, they try to condition but not press. We knew they would be waiting for transitions, looking for a second ball for a quick counter-attack. We were always very switched on in that dangerous moment of the game, until we conceded the goal. It was the only moment in which we didn't have that defensive energy and we came away punished. We were unlucky that Inácio, when making the clearance, deflected the ball towards the goal. We have to grow in that regard."

Do you think the team didn't switch mentality compared to the Champions League? "It wasn't that. They had a very good commitment and attitude. But we have to always be plugged in and with high energy, not get too complacent. When we were more permissive and not as intense, we were punished. We have to grow, because this cannot happen with a team like Sporting."

Have the final minutes been weighing on the team? "I can't explain it, they had a very good defensive attitude, so much so that at half-time I didn't even talk much about that aspect because we were doing very well. We were managing to nullify Famalicão on counter-attacks and quick attacks. Famalicão were lucky in the way they scored."

Is the disappointment greater because this draw comes before a FC Porto - Benfica? "Sporting are worried about themselves and about the game against Arouca, where we want to win before a break for the national teams."