All-action performance from Fernandes plus fireworks in Friday night’s Lisbon derby, watched by SSN’s Gary Cotterill
By Gary Cotterill, Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29 / 10 / (1:) am
Bruno Fernandes captained Sporting against Benfica in Friday’s Primeira Liga clash
Bruno Fernandes is inching closer to a switch to Manchester United and (Sky Sports News
United are close to reaching an agreement with Sporting to sign Fernandes in a deal which could be worth up to £ m and he made his final appearance for the Portuguese side in Friday’s derby with Benfica in Lisbon.
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It gave the – year-old the opportunity to say his goodbyes to the club he has represented since 408204 **********************
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Fernandes’ arrival at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for the derby against Benfica could have been his last as a Sporting player
He, and the Sporting supporters, were determined to go out with a bang but Benfica were keen to make his potential leaving do a more subdued affair, asGary Cotterill
writes …
**************************************** Ronaldo looms large
Bruno Fernandes arrived at the Jose Alvalade Stadium for what might be the last time shortly before 8pm on Friday.
He led the team through a marble corridor adorned with images of previous Sporting heroes, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who loomed large in the corridor, giving a man following in his footsteps t o Old Trafford a thumbs up.
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Fernandes is set to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps by swapping Lisbon for Manchester
All the news crews filmed the warm-ups ahead of the game but the lenses were focused on one man.
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**************** Fernandes on the pitch
The home supporters in the stadium gave Fernandes a deafening reception as he led the team onto the pitch. He is their captain.
His every touch of the ball saw him get similar treatment. It is all cheers.
A particular crowd favorite came after 36 minutes when he chased back deep into his own half to slide in and reclaim the ball from a Benfica opponent.
He was certainly not holding back.
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Fernandes is expected to move to Manchester this month, explains Gary Cotterill
Talented, there is no doubt whatsoever about that, but he is a grafter, too.
Fernandes took three meaty tackles before the break where he was left on the turf each time.
The **** fans were not happy and you can imagine United supporters wouldn’t have been too pleased either.
As Fernandes left the pitch at half-time, he removed his captain’s armband, with Sporting fans perhaps fearing that they had seen the last of him.
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Plenty of camera crews were in attendance to see Fernandes
At the interval, he was eas ily man of the match so far in a game his side were getting the better of without breaking the deadlock.
Deep. Advanced. Left. Middle. Right. I can’t work out where he plays but it is hugely impressive from the Portugal international.
There was a big delay just after the start of the second half as flares and fireworks were thrown onto the pitch by Sporting supporters and the game was stopped by the referee for five minutes. It is indicative of the type of intense atmosphere Fernandes is accustomed to.
Benfica have been threatening to run away with the Portuguese top flight this season and a per cent away record has certainly helped. They edged in front here thanks to Rafa Silva (minutes from time.)
Thanks to the flares thrown on by Sporting fans, the referee added 22 minutes on at the end. Those flares! Would it be enough for a Bruno-inspired comeback?
Benfica won 2-0 on the night to take a seven-point lead over Porto at the top of the table, with Sporting down in fourth
No. Quite the opposite, with Silva scoring again to condemn Sporting and their captain to defeat.
Bruno Fernandes stood in the center circle after the final whistle with his head down.
Staff and players from both sides went up to console him, to chat, to say goodbye. Good luck, maybe.
There was polite applause for the crowd and then he was gone.
No big emotional wave, no tears.
If this was his exit, it was with more of a fizzle than a bang. Unlike those flares.
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