Sporting Eyes Quarterfinals Despite Champions League Playoff Berth
Sporting CP’s Champions League journey is heating up as they have secured a playoff berth at the very least, but their ambitions lie in reaching the quarterfinals directly. With four rounds remaining in the group stage, the Lions remain firmly in the fight for the top two spots that guarantee automatic qualification for the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Coach Ricardo Costa acknowledged their aspirations, stating, "In the event of a draw, we are ahead of Füchse Berlin, as we are ahead of Dinamo Bucharest, as we are ahead of PSG. I think it will be a fight until the end."
The close contest in the 10th round against Füchse Berlin showcased the team’s resilience. Despite the loss, Coach Costa exemplified his team’s tenacity: "We had a great first half, withstanding the pace of the game that Füchse Berlin wanted to impose.
They wanted to resolve the game in the first half, but they were unable to do so. Much to the credit of our team, resisting and playing excellent handball. In the second half I think we were superior, we could have had other luck. In the final part we didn’t have that bit of luck, but I think we managed to maintain, within the defeat, the equality factor."
He concluded by stating, "We would have liked to win the game. It wasn’t possible, but I’m very, very happy with my athletes. It’s very difficult to play at this level; I think we did that and were a great team. The defeat is just a detail."
Playoff Berth Secured, Top Spots Are Within Reach
Sporting currently holds the third position in Group A, ensuring a playoff spot should they not secure a top two position. But the quest for direct qualification underscores the team’s aspirations. The Clippers are just points behind the leaders Veszprém and Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrating that anything is still possible in the competition.
Understanding the Path Ahead: Playoff System and Remaining Matches
The Champions League utilizes a playoff system for reaching the quarterfinals should a team finish outside of the top two in its group. The third and sixth-place teams, fourth and fifth-place teams within each group battle it out over a two-legged tie.
For example, the third-placed team in Group A will face the sixth-placed team in Group B while the fourth-placed team in Group A will face the fifth-placed team in Group B.
Sporting has four crucial games remaining in the group stage:
- February 13th: Eurofarm Pelister (home)
- February 20th: Veszprém (away)
- February 26th: Fredericia (home)
- March 5th: Wisla Plock (away)
Current Group A Standings
As the competition intensifies, here’s a look at how the standings currently stand:
- Veszprém (18 points)
- Paris SG (14 points)*
- Sporting (13 points)*
- Füchse Berlin (12 points)
- Dynamo Bucharest (10 points)
- Eurofarm Pelister (6 points)
- Wisla Plock (4 points)
- Fredericia (3 points)
*Secures playoff berth at minimum.
The journey to the Champions League quarterfinals is far from over for Sporting CP. Their determination to finish high in the standings is evident, as they continue to fight for direct qualification, but know they have secured a playoff spot if needed. These final four matches will prove pivotal in shaping their destiny in the competition.
What are Sporting CP’s goals for the remainder of the Champions League group stage?
## Interview with Sporting CP Handball Coach Ricardo Costa
**Interviewer:** Coach Costa, Sporting CP has secured a playoff berth in the Champions League, a fantastic achievement. But the team’s sights are set on something more ambitious.
**Coach Costa:** Absolutely. Qualifying for the playoffs is a great accomplishment, but our goal is to secure one of the top two spots in Group A and guarantee a direct path to the quarterfinals. We know it’s a tough fight, but we’re in it until the very end. [[1](https://www.flashscore.com/team/sporting-lisboa/002GWQdq/)]
**Interviewer:** The recent match against Füchse Berlin was a close one, despite the loss. Your reactions to the game seemed positive.
**Coach Costa:** I was incredibly proud of my team’s performance against Füchse Berlin. We showed great resilience, especially in the first half, withstanding their aggressive early game. We could have easily been overwhelmed, but the team stayed strong and played some excellent handball. We were unfortunately unlucky in the closing moments, but I’m very happy with our performance.
**Interviewer:**
You mentioned the competitiveness of Group A.
Can you elaborate on the challenges and opportunities facing Sporting CP in the remaining rounds?
**Coach Costa:** The competition in Group A is fierce. Every team is capable of winning on any given night. We’re currently third, but Fisches Berlin, Dinamo Bucharest, and PSG are all right on our heels. Every game is crucial, and we need to bring our ‘A-game’ every time we step on the court. However, this also presents us with an opportunity to prove ourselves and pick up crucial points in our pursuit of the quarterfinals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Coach Costa. We wish Sporting CP all the best in the rest of the Champions League campaign.
