How AVS prepared for clash with Sporting revealed | OneFootball

Even though they were already mathematically relegated to the second division, AVS SAD held Sporting to a draw at home (1-1), a result that could prove decisive in the final standings of the league. An outcome that makes the match relevant on several fronts, but in which João Henriques' team simply carried out what the coach had asked for throughout the week.

At first, the point earned holds particular significance for the AVS coach, as he managed to take points off Sporting for the first time in his career. With nearly 200 matches in Portuguese football, João Henriques achieved that feat on his 10th attempt against the Lions, a milestone that will be noted in the coach’s career.

According to Record, João Henriques worked on different aspects of the team, both mentally and technically and tactically. On the mental side, the coach appealed to the pride and dignity of a group that, with relegation already confirmed, only had to fight for the respect and honor of the institution it represents.

On the strategic side, João Henriques emphasized the importance of physical superiority against the green-and-whites. The AVS coach realized that the team managed by Rui Borges could take the field with less energy, due to the match against Porto in midweek in the Portuguese Cup semifinal.

With that in mind, AVS worked on physical intensity and aggression in duels, something that was reflected in the match, both on the pitch and in the numbers. AVS SAD won 39 of the 84 duels contested against Sporting. In addition, Sporting’s opponent won 11 aerial duels, one more than the Lions, showing they were a tough team to beat one-on-one.

On the tactical side, João Henriques opted from the start for a compact mid-to-low block, with the aim of stopping ball circulation through central areas and neutralizing one of the most distinctive traits of the Lions. The work done throughout the week was reflected in the match and showed a team prepared to limit the opponent effectively.

With this draw, AVS SAD reaches 14 points in the league and avoids becoming the worst team in terms of points in a Primeira Liga season since wins started being worth three points. That record still belongs to União de Leiria in 2007/08, who collected just 13 points, with three wins, seven draws, and 20 defeats. However, Sporting, with 72, no longer depends only on itself to secure second place.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.