In an electrifying Champions League showdown, Ruben Amorim’s Sporting delivered a sensational second-half performance, defeating reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 4-1. The victory was powered by a hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres, leaving City stunned and facing their third consecutive defeat, following recent losses to Tottenham and Bournemouth.
Amorim, who is set to take over as Manchester United manager later this week, guided Sporting through a game of high stakes and high drama. Under the weight of pre-match expectations, both for Sporting’s standing and for Amorim’s looming departure, the Portuguese side rose to the challenge spectacularly. City, on the other hand, now sit sixth in their Champions League group and find themselves needing answers after a string of underwhelming performances.
Sporting’s evening began under pressure as City’s Phil Foden seized an early opportunity, capitalizing on a defensive slip from Hidemasa Morita to put City ahead within five minutes. At that moment, the game appeared to be slipping from Sporting’s grasp, and by halftime, they were fortunate to trail by only a single goal. Yet just before the break, Gyokeres broke through, courtesy of a brilliant assist from 17-year-old Geovany Quenda, equalizing and reigniting hope for the home side.
After a presumably inspiring halftime team talk from Amorim, Sporting emerged a transformed squad. Just 20 seconds into the second half, Maximiliano Araujo gave them the lead, followed closely by a Gyokeres penalty that further extended their advantage. City’s defense seemed unable to contain Sporting’s dynamic attack, particularly as Pedro Goncalves and Trincao relentlessly pressed forward, with Goncalves assisting on Sporting’s second goal and Trincao drawing the foul that led to the penalty.
While City looked for a way back, Erling Haaland failed to capitalize on a key opportunity with 20 minutes remaining, missing a penalty after Ousmane Diomande’s handball. It was a rare quiet night for Haaland, who struggled to make an impact amid Sporting’s defensive resilience. Gyokeres then sealed the night’s triumph with his third goal from the spot, after Matheus Nunes fouled substitute Geny Catamo, leaving the City fans disheartened and some heading for the exits early.
The night marks a significant milestone for Amorim, who earned his first win over Pep Guardiola just weeks before his Manchester United debut. With his next encounter against City looming on December 15 in a high-stakes Manchester derby, Amorim’s Sporting swan song has not only bolstered his legacy in Lisbon but also set the stage for a captivating chapter at Old Trafford. Sporting’s unbeaten season continues, moving them up to second in the Champions League table behind Liverpool—a testament to the power of a bold, inspired performance under pressure.
