Sporting CP vs Manchester City Report

Scorers: Gyokeres 38’, 49’ (P), 81’ (P), Araujo 46’; Foden 4’

Sporting CP 4-1 Manchester City: Rúben Amorim’s Unbeaten UCL Run Continues as City Stumble

Sporting CP delivered a stunning performance to hand Manchester City a 4-1 defeat, marking City’s third consecutive loss in all competitions and extending incoming Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim’s unbeaten start in the UCL (W3, D1).

First Half: Fast Start for City, But Gyökeres Pulls Sporting Level

City made an explosive start as Phil Foden capitalised on a loose ball from Hidemasa Morita to score just four minutes in, marking his third UCL goal in as many games. Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres soon found himself with a chance to equalise but failed to chip Ederson effectively, allowing the goalkeeper an easy save. Erling Haaland then posed a threat with a powerful curling shot, only for Franco Israel to deny him with a smart save.

Haaland had multiple opportunities to extend City’s lead, including a header cleared off the line by Gyökeres and a side-footed volley that was parried by Israel. But just before HT, Gyökeres struck back, shrugging off City debutant Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before sending a clever shot past Ederson, levelling the score and boosting Sporting’s confidence.

Second Half: Sporting Surge Ahead and Dominate

Sporting came out flying in the second half, taking the lead just 20 seconds in when Pedro Gonçalves released Maximiliano Araújo, who fired through Ederson’s legs. City’s troubles deepened when Joško Gvardiol fouled Francisco Trincão in the box, allowing Gyökeres to convert from the penalty spot, sending Ederson the wrong way to make it 3-1.

City had a lifeline when awarded a penalty for a handball by Ousmane Diomande, but Haaland’s shot clanged off the crossbar, missing the chance to pull one back. Gyökeres nearly punished them again, and though Ederson initially stopped him, a later foul on Geny Catamo by Matheus Nunes gave Sporting another penalty.

Gyökeres completed his brace, confidently slotting the ball into the opposite corner.

Conclusion: Sporting’s Stellar Season Continues, City in Freefall

Sporting’s remarkable run continues, as they have now won 13 of their last 14 games across the UCL and league. This defeat ends City’s unbeaten away streak in the UCL, dating back to May 2022, and raises questions for Pep Guardiola, with his side conceding four UCL goals for the first time since 2016.

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Sporting CP vs Man City | UEFA Champions League 2024/25