Rui Borges is leaving Sporting on the eve of what would have been his 100th match in charge. The coach held talks with club president Frederico Varandas over the termination of his contract and will not lead the team in Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, according to the club’s statement cited by Rádio Observador.

Tiago Fernandes, promoted from Sporting’s B team, will serve as interim coach. He is due to preview the Shakhtar match and take his place on the bench in London. Paulo Fonseca is the leading candidate to succeed Borges and is expected to take charge when Sporting host Moreirense in the Primeira Liga, although the club’s next match could come after the international break if the formalities are not completed in time.

Fonseca left Lyon in tears after the team’s 2-0 victory over Angers. Asked about Sporting’s interest, he described it as “a possibility.” Rádio Observador reported that he was on his way to Alvalade, while L’Équipe said Thiago Motta could replace him at Lyon. The prospective agreement with Sporting is reported to cover between two and three and a half years, with compensation for the French club but no release-clause payment.

Borges had a contract with Sporting until 2028, but came under pressure from supporters after a start to the season that produced nine wins, three draws and two defeats in 14 matches. His spell included a league title and a Portuguese Cup. His final match was a 2-0 win over Casa Pia, secured by goals from Pedro Lima and Jérémy Katombe.

The change comes as Sporting sit nine points behind the Primeira Liga leaders. Augusto Inácio said Fonseca would bring considerable experience, having previously coached Porto, Braga and Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, as well as Shakhtar Donetsk and Milan.

Elsewhere in the Primeira Liga, Porto remained top after defeating Estoril Praia 4-0. Braga beat Famalicão 3-0, while Moreirense overcame Estrela da Amadora 2-1 and Arouca defeated Nacional 1-0. Académico de Viseu beat Rio Ave 2-1, Marítimo lost 0-2 to Santa Clara, and Benfica were due to host Alverca, with Gil Vicente versus Vitória also scheduled to close the round.

In Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver to win the world championship. The Italian, aged 20 years and 68 days, finished third at the Mexican Grand Prix and secured the title with four races remaining. He ended the championship on 380 points, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Erik ten Hag also renewed his criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with ESPN. The former Manchester United coach said Ronaldo had declined since his time at Juventus and argued that he was no longer able to make the sacrifices required by a top-level team. Ten Hag contrasted Ronaldo’s career management with Lionel Messi’s later years.

In handball, Sporting lost a domestic match for the first time since December 2024, going down 34-32 to Porto at the Dragão Arena. Porto remain unbeaten, moved to the top of the championship with 30 points from 10 matches and said they would pursue the title. Sporting are the reigning three-time national champions.

Sources: Observador.