Sporting marked the final home game of coach Ruben Amorim's reign in stunning fashion as Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick saw them come from behind to thrash Manchester City 4-1 and maintain their superb start to the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Portuguese league leaders were outplayed for most of the first half and should have trailed by more than Phil Foden's early goal, but Gyokeres levelled it up before the break.
City were caught cold at the start of the second period as Maximiliano Araujo finished a flowing move straight from the kickoff, before Gyokeres put Sporting further ahead minutes later from the penalty spot.
Erling Haaland had the chance to drag City back into the game but struck the crossbar with a penalty before Gyokeres wrapped it up for the hosts with another spot kick to send the Estadio Jose Alvalade crowd into raptures.
Amorim, who will take over as Manchester United manager on Nov. 11, leaves Sporting in a fantastic position in the Champions League group phase with 10 points from four games. City's first defeat leaves them on seven points.
Sporting vs Man City latest news
- Amorim sends statement as Gyokeres hat-trick stuns Man City
- Guardiola admits Man City 'not stable' after Sporting shock
- Amorim believes Sporting's huge win over Man City was 'written'
- Amorim admits Manchester United 'cannot' play like Sporting after Man City thrashing
- Guardiola aims subtle dig at Man United after Amorim claims huge win
Good night!
00:17 , Jonathan GorrieThanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Sporting’s huge win over Manchester City.
Find our report and reaction below!
Guardiola aims subtle dig at Man United after Amorim claims huge win
00:16Pep Guardiola appeared to aim a subtle dig at Manchester United after watching his side capitulate to Ruben Amorim’s Sporting side in Lisbon.
Manchester City took the lead after just four minutes, but fell apart, eventually losing 4-1 to the soon-to-be United head coach in his final home game in charge of the Portuguese champions.
Amorim admits Manchester United 'cannot' play like Sporting after Man City thrashing
00:04 , Jonathan GorrieRuben Amorim played down the impact of Sporting’s stunning Champions League win over Manchester City in relation to his imminent move to Manchester United.
The 39-year-old will officially take over as Manchester United’s head coach on Monday November 11, but does not believe Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side in Lisbon will be relevant.
Amorim believes Sporting's huge win over Man City was 'written'
Tuesday 5 November 2024 23:31 , Jonathan GorrieRuben Amorim believes the manner of Sporting’s stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City was “written” ahead of his move to Manchester United next week.
The 39-year-old enjoyed a sensational final home game in charge of the Portuguese champions, as they came from behind to thrash Pep Guardiola’s side in Lisbon.
Guardiola admits Man City 'not stable' after Sporting shock
Tuesday 5 November 2024 22:56 , Jonathan GorriePep Guardiola said his side “were not stable enough” after they capitulated in Lisbon to lose 4-1 to Sporting in the Champions League.
The Premier League champions had taken the lead inside four minutes through Phil Foden, and were by far the better side for much of the first half, but ceded all control after Viktor Gyokeres equalised with the first of his three goals.
The City boss rued his side’s missed chances, but did not make excuses for the loss, citing a need for his side to improve if they want to arrest their recent slide in form.
“Cannot say much when you lose 4-1. Congratulations to Sporting Lisbon for the game,” he said.
Amorim sends statement as Gyokeres hat-trick stuns Man City
Tuesday 5 November 2024 22:09 , Jonathan GorrieRuben Amorim jokingly claimed a win over Manchester City in his final Sporting home game would see fans label him the “next Sir Alex Ferguson”, but he might have been onto something after watching his side dismantle the Premier League champions 4-1 in Lisbon.
It could have all been so different, with City utterly dominant for so much of the first half. They took the lead after just four minutes through Phil Foden, who smashed home another goal in the Champions League after Ousmane Diomande lost the ball playing out from the back.
The goals that should have come never did though, with Erling Haaland’s miserable night starting with several near misses, including a header cleared off the line by fellow Scandinavian striking sensation, Viktor Gyokeres.
Full time: Sporting 4-1 Manchester City
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:55 , Peter FitzpatrickAn incredible turnaround in Lisbon, as Ruben Amorin waves goodbye to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in simply sensational style.
Three defeats in a row for City, and plenty of questions for Pep.
De Bruyne is on
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:45 , Peter FitzpatrickA welcome return for the City star, but it’s all a bit late for tonight.
Nunes gave it away
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:42 , Peter FitzpatrickA bad return to Lisbon for former Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes, who gave away the penalty.
GOAL! Sporting 4-1 Manchester City | Viktor Gyokeres 81'
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:41 , Peter Fitzpatrick81min: Gyokeres gets his hat-trick with his second penalty, and the third of the night overall.
A staggering second half.
Subs on at last
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:36 , Peter FitzpatrickIlkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku are on for Savinho and Bernardo Silva.
No De Bruyne?
City keep probing
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:32 , Peter FitzpatrickCity are still looking for a route back into this.
Strangely, Pep has made no subs yet with just over 15 minutes left.
Haaland misses penalty!
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:28 , Peter Fitzpatrick68min: Diomande “handles” the ball, and Sporting concede a very, very soft penalty after a VAR check.
Haaland hits the bar, though, with his spot kick.
Justice? It’s just not his night.
KDB time?
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:22 , Peter FitzpatrickGuardiola probably didn’t want to play Kevin De Bruyne tonight, but desperate times might just call for it.
He hasn’t played in six weeks though.
Foden fires over
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:17 , Peter Fitzpatrick57min: City need something, and Foden feels like the man who could get them back into this.
However, his free kick hits a wall and goes over.
Football bloody hell
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:14 , Peter FitzpatrickAfter 37 minutes, City were one up and looking in complete control.
Less than 20 minutes later, it’s 3-1 and Sporting look like scoring every time they come forward.
GOAL! Sporting 3-1 Manchester City | Viktor Gyokeres 49'
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:11 , Peter Fitzpatrick49min: City are falling apart here. Gvardiol foolishly takes down Trincao inside the box, and Gyokeres gets his second, and Sporting's third, with a deadly penalty.
Incredible.
GOAL! Sporting 2-1 Manchester City | Maximiliano Araujo
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:06 , Peter Fitzpatrick46min: City are now somehow behind.
Seconds into the second half, the ball comes to Araujo in the box after some lovely play from the kick off.
Great finish too.
Second half starts
Tuesday 5 November 2024 21:05 , Peter FitzpatrickWe’re back underway...
Half time whistle goes
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:49 , Peter FitzpatrickCity could have been out of sight, but it’s level in Lisbon at the break.
The second half could be very interesting.
Goals change games
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:46 , Peter FitzpatrickThe Estadio Jose Alvalade is now rocking.
Sporting are looking dangerous every time they get on it.
What a turnaround.
GOAL! Sporting 1-1 Man City | Viktor Gyokeres 38'
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:43 , Peter Fitzpatrick38min: Sporting’s star man makes no mistake when presented with another chance, clipping it over Ederson in style.
City made to pay for their missed chances.
Game on.
36min: Foden is having a great night. He flicks the ball into the path of Bernardo Silva, who fires wide with his left foot.
It’s been very easy so far for City, who have also looked very good in fairness.
Too many games?
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:39 , Peter FitzpatrickNoel is now agreeing that there’s just too many games.
Does anyone want their team to play in the Club World Cup?
Haaland comes close again
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:33 , Peter Fitzpatrick31min: This time, Haaland sees his well-hit volley saved by Israel.
Surely he’ll score at some point?
Off the line
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:30 , Peter Fitzpatrick28min: Haaland almost gets his goal but his header is cleared off the line by Gyokeres of all people.
The latest effort came from City’s seventh corner..
Sporting not at the races
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:28 , Peter FitzpatrickSporting haven’t lost at home since last October, but that record looks like ending tonight based on things so far.
City on top
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:25 , Peter FitzpatrickCity have had 73% possession, and should be further ahead.
Noel Gallagher is on TNT commentary (of course) and has said Guardiola “sees things they’ll never see” on converting Gvardiol from centre back to attacking left back.
Not the worst line.
Sporting keeper all at sea
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:22 , Peter FitzpatrickFranco Israel has had a ropey start to say the least.
He almost gets closed down by Haaland after dawdling on the ball.
Quite the game
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:19 , Peter FitzpatrickThe game has flown by, and is being played at a great pace.
City look to have bounced back from the loss at Bournemouth.
Haaland should make it two
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:16 , Peter Fitzpatrick15min: Haaland gets in position with a nice touch, but smashes wildly wide with his right foot.
City have started very well
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:10 , Peter Fitzpatrick9min: Bar that sitter, City have had nearly all the ball, and Haaland is looking sharp.
It’s so open.
Gyokores misses a sitter
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:09 , Peter FitzpatrickFor a man who’s scored 20 goals this season, you expect so much more.
Rico Lewis lost the ball, and the Sporting striker went one on one with Ederson, but his chip went straight at the City keeper.
GOAL! Sporting 0-1 Man City | Phil Foden 4'
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:074min: What a start for City.
It’s a mess at the back from Sporting, who give the ball way to Phil Foden, who smashes home from inside the box.
KICK OFF
Tuesday 5 November 2024 20:00 , Peter FitzpatrickAnd we’re underway in Lisbon...
There was an impeccably observed minute’s silence for the victims of the flooding in Spain.
Amorim's last home game
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:59 , Peter FitzpatrickThe Sporting fans have unveiled a banner saying “Ruben Amorim, Obrigado” which translates to Ruben Amorim, Thanks.
It’s sure to be an emotional night for many in the stadium.
10 minutes out
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:49 , Peter FitzpatrickWe’re counting down until kick off of what could be a very interesting game.
What could a win mean?
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:25 , Peter FitzpatrickA win for City could put them top of the Champions League table.
They would need Bayer Leverkusen to get a result at Anfield, however.
Standard Sport prediction
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:23 , Peter FitzpatrickUntil the last few days at least, City had looked rather imperious thus far and won 5-0 on their last visit. Betting against them feels foolish.
Man City to win, 3-1.
Haaland could make history
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:12 , Peter FitzpatrickThe City striker has a combined 49 goal contributions (44 goals, 5 assists) in just 42 Champions League games.
A goal or assist tonight would make it 50 quicker than anyone in competition history.
The current record holder? Man United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did it in 45 games.
Narratives galore.
How many United fans are watching tonight?
Tuesday 5 November 2024 19:05 , Peter FitzpatrickIt feels like a perfect chance for United fans to check out their new manager, as well as his preferred formation.
3-4-3 could be in at Old Trafford very soon.
And here's Sporting's lineup
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:57 , Peter FitzpatrickThe Portuguese champions start as...
Os Leões 👥 titulares no jogo de hoje! #SCPMCI #UCL pic.twitter.com/pqMe1ZoAYX
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) November 5, 2024
City lineup confirmed
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:46 , Peter FitzpatrickIt’s a very strong City side, with Erling Haaland confirmed fit and Savinho back in from the start.
Your City line-up in Lisbon! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 5, 2024
XI | Ederson, Lewis, Simpson-Pusey, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo (C), Savinho, Foden, Nunes, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Walker, Ake, Doku, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Wright, O'Reilly, McAtee, Wilson-Esbrand#ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/vuuzxNkMe3
Very soon
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:43 , Peter FitzpatrickBalneário ✅ #SCPMCI #UCL pic.twitter.com/hp73GBn46Y
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) November 5, 2024
Team news coming shortly
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:37 , Peter FitzpatrickWe’ll have lineups in 10 minutes, but reports are suggesting there is a first City start for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
The young defender made his professional debut off the bench in the Carabao Cup loss to Spurs.
City have a good recent European record in general
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:27 , Peter FitzpatrickCity have not lost in 26 consecutive Champions League games, their last coming against Real Madrid in the 2021/22 semi-finals.
They did also go out to Real on penalties last season, but the record only applies to 90 minutes.
Lucky them...
Sporting have a good recent record against English sides
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:22 , Peter FitzpatrickSince their clash with City in the 2021/22 season, Sporting are unbeaten against English sides.
In the 2022/23 season, they beat Spurs at home and drew with them away in the Champions League groups, before knocking Arsenal out of the Europa League on penalties in the Europa.
Viana watching current against future side
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:16 , Peter FitzpatrickIt isn’t just Amorim and Gyokeres who have caught the attention of English clubs.
Sporting Director of Football Hugo Viana will replace retiring City supremo Txiki Begiristain in the summer.
For those who remember, Viana also played for Newcastle back in the early 00s.
Sporting near-perfect this season
Tuesday 5 November 2024 18:05 , Peter FitzpatrickAmorin has done an incredible job in Lisbon, winning two league titles and setting them up for another this season.
They have won all 10 of their league games, and have two wins and a draw so far in the Champions League.
Gyokeres might be the main man, but as a team, it’s 40 goals in those 13 games.
Tonight is their biggest test, however.
A battle of the Scandinavian strikers
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:58 , Peter FitzpatrickErling Haaland should be fit for tonight, and despite scoring just once in his last five league games, he still has 14 goals in 14 games this season.
The Norwegian is topped by Swedish sensation Viktor Gyokeres. The former Coventry striker has hit a ridiculous 20 in 16 so far.
Who fires tonight could make all the difference.
Can City get back on track?
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:51 , Peter FitzpatrickBy their standards, City are in a slump. They have lost their last two games in all competitions, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Spurs before losing for the first Premier League game in 32 at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Three in a row would be a rarity, and just the third time in the Pep era.
Previous meetings
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:42 , Peter FitzpatrickSporting and City have met on four previous occasions, in knockout ties in both the Champions and Europa League.
City demolished Amorim’s side 5-0 in a round of 16 first leg in Lisbon, before drawing 0-0 in a dead rubber second leg at the Etihad in 2022.
10 years prior, Sporting dumped Roberto Mancini’s side out of the Europa, with away goals being the difference after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Where to watch Sporting vs Man City
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:38 , Peter FitzpatrickFor viewers in the UK and Ireland, the game will be shown on TNT Sports 1.
Kick-off time and venue
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:33 , Peter FitzpatrickKick off is at 8pm GMT in the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It is Amorim’s final home game as Sporting manager, and he could hardly have picked a more suitable opponent.
Good evening
Tuesday 5 November 2024 17:30 , Peter FitzpatrickHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s coverage of the Champions League clash between Sporting CP and Manchester City.
An already enticing encounter has even more spice to it with Ruben Amorim less than a week away from taking over at United.
It’s a preview of the Manchester Derby on the touchline, and a potential cracker on the pitch.
