Coisas look bright for Sporting as pre‑season sparks optimism
Coisas are looking up for Sporting as the Campeonato Nacional 2026/2027 looms, with the Lisbon club having recorded four pre‑season victories against Celtic, Estrasburgo, Mónaco and Nottingham, scoring 17 goals and conceding only two, and now gearing up for its opening league fixture at the Estádio da Reboleira against Estrela da Amadora next Saturday.
The Campeonato Nacional 2026/2027 is set to kick off imminently. This timing provides the perfect moment to unveil the season’s expectations.
Sporting has already showcased its form in four pre‑season fixtures against international opposition – Celtic, Estrasburgo, Mónaco and Nottingham. The Portuguese side secured four wins, netting 17 goals while conceding only two, a record the club describes as undeniably positive.
The squad has undergone significant turnover. Departures this window include key figures such as Hjulmand, Morita, Trincão, the anticipated Quenda, as well as Mangas, Faye, Pote and Diomande.
Incoming talent has been highlighted as equally impactful. New signings Altimira, Silas Andersen, Issa Doumbia, Jesse Derry and forward Zalazar have already impressed, while returning players Ibrahima Ba and Pedro Lima complete the refreshed roster alongside academy graduates Flávio Gonçalves and Rafael Nel.
Sporting’s first league encounter arrives next Saturday at the Estádio da Reboleira, where they will face the historically challenging Estrela da Amadora. The club expresses firm optimism as it finalises preparations for the opening round.
Meanwhile, Benfica endured a difficult Europa Conference League tie against Swiss side St Gallen. After a heavy first‑leg defeat, the Portuguese side salvaged the aggregate only when the Swiss opponents played the second half with ten men.
Benfica’s domestic debut will be played behind closed doors against newly promoted Académico de Viseu, a restriction imposed by a recent sanction.
FC Porto, on the other hand, began its campaign with a Supertaça victory that sparked controversy over a disputed penalty, a situation blamed on André Narciso while André Villas‑Boas remained notably silent.
Uma palavra final sobre o Mundial: Spain triumphed, Argentina disappointed, and Portugal’s hopes were dismissed after a performance deemed mediocre despite Martínez’s involvement.