Sporting Lisbon travel to the Champions League clash at FC Bayern weakened in terms of personnel. Three key players are missing for coach Rui Borges – and yet the coach is showing his fighting spirit ahead of the game in Munich. While Sporting have to defend deep and improvise, FC Bayern are currently considered the „best team in Europe“ by Borges
Sporting Lisbon are without key players ahead of the tough away game at the Allianz Arena. Pedro Goncalves, Trincao and young Geovany Quenda are all missing and did not even make the trip to Munich. While Goncalves and Trincao were still in action in the 1-1 derby draw against Benfica, Quenda is out for several games with a foot injury.
Coach Rui Borges remained calm despite the bad news: „Of course we are missing important players, but we will find eleven players,“ said the coach and emphatically shifted the role of favorites towards Munich: „We are certainly not the favorites. We are playing against the best team in Europe at the moment, in my opinion.“
Borges praised Bayern’s individual quality as well as their unity.
Sporting in top form – but now forced to improvise
Despite the absences, Sporting are still a team with an impressive run of form. The Portuguese side are unbeaten in twelve matches in all competitions, are five points behind league leaders Porto in the league and are in eighth place in the Champions League with ten points after five games – a position that would currently be enough to qualify directly for the round of 16.
However, Borges announced a clear tactical adjustment for the visit to Munich. While Sporting play dominant possession soccer in the league, they will probably take a different approach on the Isar: „We will probably have to defend a lot deep.“
The absence of Goncalves and Trincao weighs heavily, both are enjoying the best season of their careers. Goncalves has nine league goals in 13 games, Trincao four goals and three Champions League goals. Borges remains pragmatic: „If they’re not here, they can’t play.“
The absence of Quenda means that another talented player is out. 18-year-old Joao Simoes could be given a bigger role instead. The youngster has already made six league and four Champions League appearances – and is unimpressed by the backdrop in Munich.
„We’re calm about the absences. We’re not afraid,“ said Simoes confidently. He sees the clash in the Allianz Arena as a huge opportunity: „It’s very good to play against the best in Europe. I can learn a lot there.“
Bayern clear favorites – but Sporting remain dangerous
Even though Borges emphasizes Bayern’s strength and Sporting will be short of substitutes, the Portuguese champions remain an unpleasant opponent. Fast wingers, intensive pressing, flexible transitions – Sporting have the tools to challenge Bayern even without their stars.
However, it is also clear that the starting position is ideal for Munich, as a win would „statistically“ almost mean a place in the round of 16 – and Sporting will have to improvise like never before.