Rui Borges on key moment in Santa Clara v Sporting: I didn't even see it | OneFootball

Rui Borges reacted to the triumph of the lions over Santa Clara (2-1) and stated that it was deserved. Regarding the controversial incident at the end of the match, the coach mentioned that he hasn't seen the play yet, but made a point to emphasize that the expulsion of Maxi Araújo is also not consensual.

"We encountered the difficulties we expected. A difficult field, difficult opponent, but it was fair. We missed many goals. Santa Clara has the goal and now two plays at the 90th minute. The team remained calm and balanced, despite the pitch not helping. We managed to create, controlled, and it ends up being a deserved victory," he began by saying to SportTV.

The coach mentioned that he hasn't seen the play that gave the victory to the lions: "I haven't even seen it yet, but if we go there, there are countless situations during the game that we could discuss. Credit to Santa Clara, they played a good game. And we were able to create and the victory is deserved. I could also talk about Maxi's expulsion... I won't go there. Just to say the victory is deserved."

Regarding Pote's injury, Rui Borges says he doesn't know the severity of the problem: "I haven't spoken to him, I believe it's muscular, unfortunately. It is what it is. There are things we can't control. He was in very good form, but it's part of it," he stated.

Rui Borges highlighted the importance of the victory before the break for the national teams: "It's important to continue what we've been able to do. Quality of play, very good defensive process. The goal was a lack of concentration, but then we were rigorous. It was about continuing our path more than worrying about others. We achieved a deserved and difficult victory against a great opponent. Last year, we came after a draw with Braga and we knew it was difficult. Last season, even in Alvalade, it was a team that made it very difficult. We knew it was going to be tough. The pressure is good and the group has given a fantastic response," he concluded.

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