Sporting: Rui Borges Decides Who Will Take Penalties at the Dragão

Sporting left the derby against Benfica with a mounting sense of frustration, not only from the last-minute defeat but also from a moment that could have completely altered the game's narrative: Luis Suárez's missed penalty in the 19th minute. The Colombian's shot was too telegraphed, allowing Trubin to make a comfortable save.

The number 97, speaking immediately after the match in the flash interview zone, was quick to apologize for the miss, which clearly weighed heavily on him. “I take my share of the blame for missing the penalty. But it’s something that will make me stronger. These small details, like the penalty, can define a game. I missed, the opponent scored, and everything changed,” he stated, his expression somber. However, when pressed on who would take the next spot-kick, Suárez was candid. “The coach will decide that, but I have the confidence and character to step up for the next penalty,” he assured.

Rui Borges, in his post-match press conference, came to the defense of his team's top scorer. “I didn't say anything to him because he knows the team's confidence in him. One incident doesn't define a player,” he affirmed.

Sunday's miss was, in fact, Suárez's second penalty failure since the Lions signed him from Almería for a fixed €22.1M, with an additional €5.7M potentially added through performance-based objectives. His first miss occurred at the Estádio do Dragão against FC Porto in Liga round 21, but the impact was significantly lessened as he scored from the rebound, leveling the match at 1-1.

On Wednesday, Sporting returns to the Dragão for the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals. What if another penalty is awarded? The answer is simple and comes directly from A BOLA: Luis Suárez will be the designated taker. Statistically, the numbers are relatively favorable; since taking over from Gyokeres as the primary penalty taker, the 28-year-old Suárez has taken nine penalties, scoring seven and missing two, boasting a success rate of nearly 78 percent. Interestingly, his percentage has risen exponentially since donning the green and white jersey, as his extensive career in Spanish football—with Granada, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Nástic Tarragona, or Almería—saw a success rate of 65 percent. Regardless, Rui Borges continues to place immense trust in Suárez, and he will be the chosen one to step up to the 11-meter mark should the Lions get the opportunity at the Dragão.

The Colombian striker is, by far, the Lions' leading scorer, with 33 goals in 46 games. Since his arrival at Alvalade, he has also returned to the Colombian national team and is practically guaranteed a spot in the World Cup finals, scheduled for June and July in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.