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Sporting 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk - match reaction

Paulo Bento, Sporting coach:

“It’s a happy moment, above all for the players who deserve it for the work they have put in, the attitude they have shown and the capacity to overcome some difficult moments.

“Today the match was not always well played, but it was competitive, played with intensity, and we were very strong defensively, although we were not always strong going forward.

“The second half was more balanced and our victory was just, given that we created more chances. We have scored in all our Champions League matches and only conceded goals against the group leaders. We have evolved in Europe every season and we feel we are working well.

“We are happy we have achieved our aim. We had two objectives at this stage of the season. To win the Super Cup and to qualify for the next phase of the Champions League, and we’ve achieved both of them. We’re satisfied but there is a lot of work ahead of us.”



Related: Sporting 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk - Match Report

Derlei, Sporting striker:

“The group spirit prevailed. Sporting defended well, in the second half we improved our ball possession and our attacking play, and we ended up just victors. These players will still grow a lot stronger, but this was an important step in this direction.

“Can I shine in Europe for Sporting like I shone for FC Porto? I don’t want to shine, I want Sporting to shine in Europe.”

Marco Caneira, Sporting defender:

“It was an important win, and a good reaction from the squad, showing that we are in good shape and that what has been said is pure speculation.

“Now we’re going to host Barcelona and the aim is to win to reach first place in the group.”

Joao Moutinho, Sporting captain:

“It wasn’t easy, just like it wasn’t easy in Donetsk. We showed the same character and quality and we won. It was important to qualify for the last sixteen. The team is growing.”