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Sundowns coach Cardoso hopes it's fourth time lucky in cup finals

Sundowns coach Cardoso hopes it's fourth time lucky in cup finals

TimesLIVE24-05-2025

He is in the Champions League final again with Sundowns against Pyramids FC and he will be relying mostly on his experience and that of his players in high stakes continental matches.
'I understand having played finals gives me some experience,' he said.
'I played a Europa League final as an underdog with Braga against Porto after we had a fantastic run in the tournament and we lost 1-0 in a match that was balanced.
'I remember in the Uefa Youth League final against Chelsea with Shakhtar Donetsk U21 team , we played a good game but lost to Chelsea because they were much stronger than us.
'Then it was last year in the Champions League where we made a wonderful road to the final, beating Sundowns in the semifinal, and lost in the final that was played on details.
'The decision two minutes before the end of the match could have turned the game upside down and given us the trophy.'
Cardoso said those painful memories gives him the courage to keep on going.
'That experience gives me energy to go a step further. I have lost the league championship before and now I have won two in a row in beautiful countries (Tunisia and South Africa) and clubs (Esperance and Mamelodi Sundowns).

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