There can be few fans across the world as eager to see their club succeed as Sporting’s, who will have to endure another year, their 17th in a row, without an elusive league title.
The Lions have fallen on hard times since the glory days of Mário Jardel and co. in 2002, more specifically at the start of the current decade, with the club facing financial ruin throughout their rivals’ shared periods of dominance.
Club president Bruno de Carvalho, back in 2013, was the man elected to steer a successful road to recovery and with his abrasive style came a real sense of presence for the Sporting faithful, deemed necessary in light of the political facets the Portuguese game tends to uncover away from the pitch.
Aves 2-1 Sporting
The history books will tell you that Porto were Portuguese champions in 2017/2018 by a comfortable margin of seven points. However, supporters of all Portugal’s “big three” will remember just how razor sharp the title race was until the penultimate week.
Sporting’s Alcochete football training complex has acquired global fame.
A thrilling and memorable Liga NOS season came to an end on Sunday, Benfica clinching 2nd place and Champions League football ahead of bitter rivals Sporting, while Estoril and Paços Ferreira saw their stays in the division come to an end.