Sporting Lisbon advanced in the Taça de Portugal after a hard-fought comeback victory, a match that saw young midfielder Alisson make his first start for the club amid challenging circumstances.
The Portuguese giants secured a 3-2 win after extra time against Paços de Ferreira in the fourth round of the national cup competition. Alisson, making his debut in the starting lineup, acknowledged the team’s performance was subpar.
“I believe it was a bad game on our part, but thankfully we managed to turn the score around,” Alisson told RTP following the match. He expressed happiness for both the team’s qualification and his first start.
Alisson emphasized his dedication to the team. “I am doing my job. I think that decision belongs to the coach,” he said, referring to his playing time. “I will continue to work, and whatever he decides will be great. I only think about helping Sporting.”
The team conceded the first goal, which Alisson described as an unfortunate moment. However, he credited the squad’s “strong will” for equalizing and ultimately finding the winning goal.
“We came in focused, but unfortunately, we suffered the first goal,” he explained to Sport TV. “But with a lot of will, we had the strength to equalize and continue to search for the goal to turn it around.”
Alisson also shared his personal approach on the field. “When the ball comes to me, I will always try to go at opponents and help my team in the best way possible,” he stated.
Sporting supporters are already looking ahead to the final at the Estádio Nacional, commonly known as Jamor. Alisson confirmed this ambition. “Yes, of course. We are defending a title that is ours, the last one we won, and we will continue to work to give that happiness to the fans.”
He briefly mentioned reuniting with Filipe Cândido, who was instrumental in bringing Alisson to Portugal. “It was very good. I spoke with him before the game and again at the end,” Alisson said.