Sporting Lisbon star Stijn Schaars claims that he is disappointed with his side’s result against FC Porto, as they were unable to pick up the crucial three points despite playing at home.
The Lions hosted their arch-rivals at Estadio Jose Alvalade for a pivotal Primeira Liga tie but despite the mercurial talents on display, both sides were unable to get on the score sheet.
Sporting came into the game in 3rd spot, behind Porto who were 2nd. The game itself was a feast of football and things started brightly as Maicon nearly gave the Portistas dream start from Joao Moutinho cross, only to be thwarted by Rui Patricio.
Similarly, Argentina International Nicolas Otamendi also went close to drawing first blood but his effort went wide of the goal. The Lisbon outfit then responded in almost identical fashion, as Anderson Polga tested Helton with a fine header, but the Brazilian was able to match his countryman with a good stop.
At half-time both teams had launched attacks but had nothing to do for their elbow-grease. In the 2nd period, Polga saw yellow for his foul on Hulk and Moutinho stepped up to take the free-kick, but hardly troubled Patricio in the Sporting goal.
The shot-stopper was in a for a busy night as he again had to be alert to deny Hulk, who’s combination with Joao Moutinho started to create more chances for the visitors. The Sportinguistas then piled on the pressure, as Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Marat Izmailov both went close, with the Russian being guilty of scuffing a great chance.
Porto almost ran away winners in the closing stages of the game, as substitute James Rodriguez directed his shot to the opposition goal only to be denied by teammate, Nicolas Otamendi.
Things ended all square between the Portuguese giants and ensured that the top of the table remained unchanged. However after the tie, Sporting star Stijn Schaars claimed that his side had been disappointed with the result, as they did not achieve victory.
Speaking to reporters, the Netherlands International said that his team were eager to win all their matches and were upset with their outcome against Porto. He also added that both sides came close to winning it and that the referee had a big say in what the scoreboard read after the ninety minutes.
“We want to win every game and we will continue to fight. We are especially disappointed because we wanted to win against FC Porto and wanted three points. It was a tough game, both teams could have scored. We believe in our players and the group. Referee? He had a great influence on the outcome, “Stijn Schaars was quoted as saying.
The goalless draw sees FC Porto rise to 33 points, while Sporting remain 3rd with 28.
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