Sporting CP delivered a remarkable Champions League performance in Ruben Amorim ‘s final home game, stunning Manchester City 4-1 with Viktor Gyokeres leading the charge with a memorable hat-trick at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Despite City’s early dominance and Phil Foden’s fourth-minute opener, the Portuguese league leaders mounted an extraordinary comeback that began with Gyokeres’ equalizer before halftime. The Swedish striker capitalized on Geovany Quenda’s assist, cleverly lifting the ball over Éderson to level the scores.
The second half witnessed a dramatic transformation as Sporting unleashed an attacking masterclass. Maximiliano Araujo struck immediately after the restart, finishing off a flowing move orchestrated by Pedro Gonçalves. The hosts’ momentum continued when Josko Gvardiol’s foul on Francisco Trincão allowed Gyokeres to convert from the penalty spot.
City’s chance to recover was squandered when Erling Haaland struck the crossbar with his penalty, epitomizing a frustrating night for the Norwegian striker. Gyokeres completed his hat-trick with another penalty, awarded after Matheus Nunes fouled Geny Catamo, securing a historic victory.
The result holds particular significance for Amorim, who will depart to take charge of Manchester United on November 11. The 39-year-old tactician, who has secured two Portuguese titles during his four-year tenure and maintained a perfect domestic record this season, leaves Sporting in an enviable position with 10 points from four Champions League matches.
Pep Guardiola, whose injury-hit side suffered their first Champions League defeat of the campaign, acknowledged their shortcomings: “When you lose 4-1 you can’t say too much. We made a fantastic first half but we struggled to score, we missed the simple passes. The second half we were emotionally not stable enough.”
The defeat marked the first time since 2016 that City have conceded four goals in a Champions League match, leaving them on seven points in the group. For Sporting, the victory strengthens their position in second place, providing a fitting farewell to their departing manager’s home reign.
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