Coach Nuno Dias and players Joao Matos and Henrik Ravagnin expressed their determination on Wednesday for Sporting to qualify for and win the final of the UEFA Futsal Champions League for the fourth time in a row.
What separates the Lions from the decisive match for the possibility of clinching the third “Champions” title in their biography is Barcelona, the opponent they will face on Friday, in the semi-finals of the second competition, which will continue until Sunday in the Champions League. The capital of Armenia is Yerevan.
“Regarding the result, I hope it will also be different from the last defeat at official level, the defeat in Riga, which only gave us the silver medal,” said the coach, recalling the defeat in the 2021-22 final against this team. Discount.
Although he considered it “fair” that there was no advantage linked to the “ground factor”, as the “final match” would be held in a neutral venue, Nuno Dias said that he did not understand the choice of Yerevan, which is more than five thousand kilometers away. From Lisbon to receive the competition decision.
“On the one hand, it is fairer, but it could be fairer somewhere other than Armenia, with all the respect that country might deserve. But wherever it is, the most important thing for us is that Sporting is ready to play against Barcelona.” Compete, win, and wait for the opponent,” the coach said.
With two Portuguese and Spanish teams facing off in the semi-finals, there is the possibility of a final in Portugal.
“For now, it was good, because it was a sign that they had surpassed Barcelona and reached the final again. Our concern is Barcelona and reaching the final, regardless of who the opponent is. I know they want me to say that.” “Portuguese futsal will be very good and I think so too, but forgive me for being selfish, the most important thing is that Sporting wins,” said the coaching staff in charge of the “Lions”.
Unlike his coach, João Matos was excited about the possibility of the Lisbon derby being played in the Champions League final, which in his opinion would make Portuguese futsal great.
“It will be extraordinary. The only encounter between Sporting and Benfica in the Champions League was at the Estadio Pavilhão João Rocha, a draw, and we won the championship that year. It is a very emotional match, with crazy intensity, where both teams will compete. Be fully committed and dedicated to the game” , predicted the Sporting captain.
Joao Matos, 37, does not believe this 'final four' is the last of his career or a last chance to become European champion again.
“I'm not putting here the equation of being last, or being close to the end, because I live my life every day, both professionally and personally, in relation to what I will be able to do tomorrow.” He finally explained, promising to be in the Champions League again next season.
Henrique Ravagnin is looking for a first Champions League on his CV and believes he can achieve it in his first season with the 'green and white' club.
“Winning the 'Champions' title would be very important in my career. I'm 31 years old and I've done more than half of my career as a futsal player. I've won the Copa Libertadores twice.” [principal prova de clubes na América do Sul]But that is behind us and I hope to win one or more titles here with a Sporting shirt,” the Brazilian goalkeeper hoped.
Sporting enters the competition in the semi-finals of the Professional Futsal League Cup on Friday, at 6 pm in Portuguese, against the Spanish team Barcelona.
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