28 September 2006, by Marco Pereira

Spartak Moscow 1-1 Sporting - match reaction

Sporting coach, Paulo Bento:

“Good results in football are always victories. This was our foremost objective before the game. Logically, we know the competition that we are involved in, the teams that we have to play against and their merit.”

“After the good result we got in the first game, we ended up not playing a great game, but sufficient to get a point. I think that a point away from home in the Champions League is important to enable Sporting to continue to fight for our objectives.”

Sporting forward, Nani:

“They started the game well and scored early. We were a bit nervous and did not start the way we wanted to. Afterwards, we found our game. We managed to control our adversary in the second half. We weren’t used to the pitch, but we managed to draw and get the point.”

Sporting midfielder, Miguel Veloso:

“They started the game better and scored early, but we drew level. We wanted the three points, but a draw is positive for our aspirations in the Champions League.”

“As the game went on, we started to impose our game and control the match. With the artificial turf, the game ended up being very quick, which we are not used to and that made our job harder.”

Sporting goalkeeper, Ricardo:

“We were always chasing the victory, but did not manage to get it. But I believe the point gained in Russia will be very important in the group’s outcome.”

“Spartak Moscow were coming off a heavy loss in their first game and wanted to rectify that result. They started well, we suffered an early goal, but in the second half we played better and we managed to get the draw.”

Spartak Moscow coach, Vladimir Fedotov:

“In general, the game was good because of the players’ effort and the quality of the contest. It is unjust when you do not win and you had the initiative the entire game. We played quick and offensive football, and created a lot of opportunities.”

“We failed in the end, but I do not have any criticism for my players, who worked hard for the victory. It was a quality exhibition and it gives us confidence to want more in Milan. We will certainly not go to the San Siro to draw.”

Spartak Moscow 1-1 Sporting - match report