Sporting starter: We didn’t know Alisson’s goal meant progress | OneFootball

After Sporting's 3-2 victory against Athletic Bilbao, which secured direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16, Luis Suárez highlighted the team's improvement throughout the game and confessed that he didn't know Alisson's goal secured direct qualification for the next phase.

"We didn't start as we should have, but the second half was different. We played a smart game, started to control the ball, as we like, creating space and opportunities. Alisson's goal? We didn't know we were in the round of 16. We knew we were close, but only when it was confirmed did we celebrate. We celebrated the goal like we did against PSG or Arouca, three very valuable points. It was an immense joy," he began by saying.

Looking at the Club's history was also a strong point in the player's statements, who does not hide his pride in the achievement: "It's nice to enter the history of this Club. When you sign for a team, you always think of the best. I came here with tremendous ambition. I am very satisfied with what we have done so far and I want to continue writing a beautiful story here”.

Finally, looking ahead to what's next, the forward showed confidence but realism regarding future challenges: “We are prepared for any opponent. Whoever we face will be tough, they will be among the best in Europe. But we have important games ahead, when the opportunity comes to know our opponent, we will prepare for it in the best way”.

This season, wearing the Sporting jersey, Luis Suárez – valued at 22 million euros – has played 32 matches: 19 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, eight in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup, and another in the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup. In the 2,469 minutes he was on the field, the striker scored 24 goals and made four assists.

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