DECRYPTION – PSG challenges Sporting this Tuesday, at the José-Alvalade stadium, during the 7th round of the Champions League.
Porto, Benfica, Braga… PSG has often faced Portuguese clubs on the European scene. Not Sporting CP. It will be a first this Tuesday (9 p.m., Canal+), at the José-Alvalade stadium. What are the “Leones” (Lions), champions at the end of the last two seasons in Portugal, worth? Nuno Mendes’ training club enters this seventh day of the Champions League in 14th position in the standings, with three victories on the clock, including the one won against OM (2-1). In the league, Rui Borges’ players appear in second place (ranking here), between Porto and Benfica.
It should first be noted that this is a team that was able to move forward despite the departure of Viktor Gyökeres, author of 54 goals in 52 games last season. A fine connoisseur of the Portuguese championship, the Lusitano coach Pepa (45 years old) “salutes the remarkable work of the Sporting recruitment unit», who notably found his happiness in a former OM flop, Luis Suarez, author of 20 goals in 29 matches since the start of the season. “Gyökeres was more impactful and decisive, while Suárez is more versatile“, notes Pepa, emphasizing that “the change of system also favored Suárez’s adaptation, because Sporting now plays a much more collective game, which suits him perfectly».
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A playful team
Clearly, Sporting CP version 2025-26 is less dependent on a single player and has gained offensive options. Having played for Paços de Ferreira and Vitória Guimarães before officiating in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, Pepa describes a team at ease “in the construction of the game, notably thanks to Gonçalo Inácio», Portuguese international defender (19 caps, 2 goals) aged 24 who was mentioned in the sights of PSG a few years ago.
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And to continue, to list the strong points of the Lisbon team: “They also have a very offensive left side, notably thanks to Maxi Araújo; and the leadership and defensive positioning of Morten Hjulmand is a considerable asset for Sporting. In addition, with the change of system and the integration of Luis Suárez, the collective game and combinations in midfield have become very efficient».
Which Sporting players could imagine a future at PSG or in any case have a compatible profile? Ousmane Diomandé is the first name mentioned by Pepa, 45 years old. “He is a 22-year-old central defender, solid in duels, very good in the air, fast, comfortable with the ball, capable of projecting forward, attracting pressure and launching cleanly from the back. I wouldn’t say categorically, but he could match the profile sought for PSG», he swears, he who played under the orders of Luis Campos at Varzim. He also talks about João Simões (19 years old) and Geovany Quenda (18).
Weighed down by injuries
And the weaknesses of Sporting CP? “First and foremost, the number of injuries currently affecting this team. This considerably limits the staff’s options and affects the dynamics and collective performance.“, he believes. Indeed, Rui Borges will have to do without Ousmane Diomande, Fotis Ioannidis, Geovany Quenda, Salvador Blopa, Nuno Santos and Eduardo Quaresma, all in the infirmary. All while captain Morten Hjulmand is suspended.
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«Another aspect to consider is that Sporting are not as aggressive in their pressing as last season, especially on the first lineadded Pepa. When opponents manage to get around this first pressing, they often find plenty of space to attack Sporting. Although the team still tries to press all over the field, it is clear that this pressing is not as effective as last year.he summarizes.
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A boiling stadium
At least, Luis Suarez and his little comrades will be able to count on the support of José-Alvalade. According to Pepa, Paris should expect “a fantastic atmosphere. Lots of noise, lots of support, unconditional support. We feel that the team and the supporters are totally united, arm in arm, in perfect harmony. Of course, titles help, but we must not forget that Sporting has had two very long periods without winning the championship: the first from 1982 to 2000, and the second, from 2002 to 2021. But it is one of the stadiums with the most electric atmosphere. It’s not about ultras or particular stands, but the whole stadium which supports the team wholeheartedly“. It is up to PSG to air-condition the assistance.
