Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League ambitions suffered a setback on Tuesday as Sporting CP, led by outgoing manager Ruben Amorim, secured a stunning 4-1 victory at the José Alvalade Stadium.
Amorim, set to take the reins at Manchester United, masterminded an impressive display that exposed City’s vulnerabilities. The hosts’ stunning second goal showcased Amorim’s tactical acumen.
Viktor Gyokeres stole the spotlight, scoring an hat-trick and outshining City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who squandered multiple chances, including a penalty. Haaland’s profligacy proved costly as Gyokeres capitalised on City’s wastefulness.
Phil Foden’s third-minute opener had given City an early lead, and Bernardo Silva’s near-miss, coupled with Haaland’s trio of missed opportunities, should have sealed the win. However, Gyokeres equalised before halftime, capitalising on City’s failure to convert.
The second half saw Sporting unleash a devastating counterattack, with Maximiliano Araújo and Gyokeres combining to devastating effect. City’s spot-kick, awarded for Ousmane Diomande’s accidental handball, was spurned by Haaland, who hit the bar.
Gyokeres then sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, cementing Sporting’s triumph and Amorim’s legacy before his departure to Old Trafford.
This result raises questions about City’s European aspirations, while Amorim’s coaching prowess has already won over Manchester United fans.
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