In Portugal, there are few sets of fans who understand the true meaning of suffering quite like the Sporting fans. Over the last 41 years, they have been crowned champions only three times (1999/2000, 2001/2002, and 2020/2021). [expander_maker id=”1″ ]Even during seasons when they were stronger than their opponents, there has always been an element of suffering. Whether it was the do-or-die victory in the final fixture of the season in 2000 under Augusto Inácio, the penultimate match win in 2002 under Laszlo Boloni, or emerging as champions with three games to spare in 2021 under Rúben Amorim, Sporting fans have grown accustomed to enduring nail-biting finishes.

Suffering Amidst Success

Even in the most recent championship-winning season, Sporting fans were often on the edge of their seats during several matches. Almost half of their 26 victories were secured by a narrow margin (such as 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, or 4-3). For instance, they won seven matches by a 1-0 scoreline and five by 2-1. Additionally, nine of their wins (including matches against Santa Clara, Gil Vicente, Farense, Benfica, Tondela, SC Braga, and Nacional) and two draws (against FC Porto and B SAD) were secured after the 80th minute. Sporting accumulated a staggering 22 points in the last 10 minutes of matches, including added time.

Every goal scored in the 1st, 15th, 45th, 75th, 90th, or 90+20 minutes has the same value and importance. The difference lies in the agony experienced by the coach, players, fans, and club officials. Therefore, winning 3-1 against Gil Vicente at Alvalade with goals in the 83rd, 84th, and 90+5 minutes, like in the 2020/2021 season, is worth the same as a 4-0 victory against Guimarães with goals in the 11th, 43rd, 55th, and 79th minutes, as seen in their title-winning season. The distinction, once again, lies in the suffering.

Rúben Amorim’s Impact on Sporting’s Narrow Victories

If we look at all of Rúben Amorim’s games in charge of Sporting over three and a half years and consider league matches, League Cup and Portuguese Cup games, the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup, and UEFA competitions, we can see that almost a third of their victories were by slim margins. The highest percentage of narrow victories occurred during their title-winning season, with 15 wins out of 53 matches.

Rúben Amorim’s Narrow Victories at Sporting

Season Matches Narrow Victories Percentage of Narrow Victories 2019/2020 11 3 27% 2020/2021 42 15 36% 2021/2022 53 15 28% 2022/2023 53 11 21% 2023/2024 8 5 40% Total 167 49 29.3%

Comparison with Benfica and FC Porto

Since Rúben Amorim took charge of Sporting in March 2020, Benfica has played 183 matches and won 44 by a narrow margin, representing 24% of their victories. In the same period, FC Porto played 148 matches and won 34 by a slim margin, accounting for 23% of their victories. It is evident that Sporting fans endure far more suffering than those of Benfica and FC Porto.

Conclusion

Sporting fans have become accustomed to suffering over the years, regardless of their team’s success. Rúben Amorim’s tenure has witnessed several narrow victories, with the most thrilling moments occurring during their title-winning campaign. Sporting’s ability to secure crucial points in the dying minutes of matches highlights the tenacity and resilience of both the team and their supporters. While suffering may be an integral part of their journey, it ultimately serves to enhance the joy and celebration that comes with securing victories and lifting trophies.[/expander_maker]