Football fans were treated to a monumental matchup between two of Europe’s greats on Wednesday night when the Portuguese champions, Sporting CP, met the Serie A champions, SSC Napoli, in the second round of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
There was plenty of top-tier talent on display at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, and the two sides produced an impressive display for the viewers. Sporting battled till the final minute, but in the end, the Italian side did just enough to edge this contest.
Rasmus Højlund opened the scoring in the 36th minute. Sporting found an equaliser in the 62nd minute when Luis Suárez converted from the spot. The match seemed to be heading for a draw when Højlund recorded his second goal of the night to ensure all three points for the home side.
Sporting make changes after uneventful weekend
Rui Borges made changes to the team that defeated Estoril 1-0 on Saturday, opting to go with a younger lineup in Italy. It was a peculiar decision considering the hostile environment and the fact that they were taking on one of Europe’s top sides.
The manager made two changes in the back four, with 21-year-old Iván Fresneda and 23-year-old Eduardo Quaresma coming on in place of Belgian Zeno Debast and Greek full-back Georgios Vagiannidis. Geny Catamo, who didn’t start over the weekend, was also given the nod. 18-year-old rising star João Simões was handed his first start in the prestigious competition, a surprising move from Borges that may have raised some eyebrows. Fotis Ioannidis was selected up front over Luis Suárez.
Napoli also had injury concerns, especially on the defensive front. Striker Romelu Lukaku was also missing due to a thigh injury, leaving Rasmus Højlund as the lone striker. Still, the midfield combination of Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Matteo Politano, Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne meant the home side would have a talented core to turn to.
Napoli’s Attack vs Sporting’s Defence
This was an evenly matched game during the first 10 minutes. Napoli earned the first corner of the game in the 4th minute, leading to a heave from De Bruyne that ballooned over the goal. Aside from that, there were no real goal-scoring opportunities in the first quarter-hour.
Sporting struggled to string together a sequence of passes, especially in the final third. Borges’ men kept their shape, but as the contest continued, it looked like Napoli were gradually taking control of the match.
Politano was making strides down the right side and showed some quality movement. In the 22nd minute, the Napoli captain did well to find Zambo Anguissa in the center of the park. His long-range shot, however, flew well over the goal, causing no problem for Rui Silva.
Simaos had Sporting’s first attempt in goal in the 26th minute. The midfielder found himself with some room after carrying the ball down the center of the park. His effort from distance, though, was directed right at the keeper.
Borges seemed content to leave the front four on their own to handle the pressing and attack, while the remaining seven players took few chances and seldom moved forward.
Napoli break through with dazzling counterattack
With a third of the match complete, Sporting were finally starting to work their way into the game with some smart passing. The full backs moving forward and Trincão producing some clever passes. That, however, led to gaps in the back, and Napoli were able to finally break through.
The home side scored in the 36th minute with a brilliant counter-attacking move, led by Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne. A one-two pass allowed the midfielder to break away in his own half. He was able to stride forward before finding Højlund with a perfectly weighted through ball. The Danish striker still had plenty to do with Inácio on his heels, but the Napoli forward used his body well to protect the ball before unleashing a low shot that beat Silva.
The goal brought the crowd to life and seemed to hand the early advantage to Napoli.
Politano again found some space down the right side and curled in a fantastic shot that was well saved at the far post. Napoli were growing stronger and looked more likely to score before the halftime whistle.
Trincão did his best to push back, but was swarmed every time he tried to get involved. Catamo’s crosses into the box did little to trouble Napoli's defenders. Questa struggled to get involved in the first 45 minutes with Miguel Gutierrez keeping him quiet.
An organised Sporting defence may have felt a bit unlucky going into the break a goal down, especially considering the nature of the goal. Still, it’s hard to argue that Napoli weren’t the better side in the first half.
Sporting equalise through Luis Suárez
Suarez and Pedro Gonçalves were brought on at halftime in the hopes of adding some creativity to the attack.
Politano was a nuisance, powering another shot over the goal in the 49th minute to keep Sporting alert. He caused problems throughout the first 60 minutes for Aroujo.
Napoli’s quality and experience were on full display in the second half. The Italian giants started to show off some silky passing and possession play as the game progressed.
Sam Beukema and De Bruyne both had half-chances, and Napoli even had a shout for a penalty for a handball in the box.
Against the run of play, Sporting were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute. Politano was once again involved, but this time he was responsible for a clumsy challenge on Araújo, with the midfielder unable to get his leg out of the way. Suarez stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way and give Sporting a glimmer of light.
Ioannidis and Quaresma came off shortly after the goal for Alisson Santos and Zeno Debast, a change likely intended to fortify the back four of Borges.
Quenda nearly put the Lisbon club ahead in the 75th minute. A strong run from the winger led to an effort that was handled by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Shortly after, Gonçalves received a pass in the box from Suarez but fired just over. A real opportunity to take the lead with 15 minutes remaining.
Napoli hit back with 79th minute winner
Just when it seemed Sporting were taking control, a response from Napoli came. It was once again De Bruyne and Højlund connecting. A quick corner from the home side seemed to catch Sporting off guard. De Bruyne fired in a cross from the left side. Silva attempted to come out and meet the ball, but was unable to get there before the striker who arrived first and headed it into an open net. Napoli now led with approximately 10 minutes remaining.
Sporting threw men forward. The chances were few, but the Lions did have a glorious opportunity to level the game. A curling cross found Hjulmand’s head just outside the six-yard box, and the 26-year-old nearly grabbed a point for the visitors. It took a magnificent reflex save from Vanja to deny the midfielder. Moments later, the referee blew the full-time whistle to the delight of the home supporters.
Lineups:
Sporting: Rui Silva, Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma (Zeno Debast, 67’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Geny Catamo (Luis Suárez, 46’), Francisco Trincão (Pedro Gonçalves, 46’), Geovany Quenda, Fotis Ioannidis (Alisson Santos, 67’)
Napoli: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Leo Spinazzola, Juan Jesus, Sam Beukema, Miguel Gutiérrez (Mathías Olivera, 81’), Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Matteo Politano (David Neres, 69’), Scott McTominay (Noa Lang, 69’), Kevin De Bruyne (Billy Gilmour, 81’), Rasmus Højlund (Lorenzo Lucca, 90’)
Goals:
[1-0], Rasmus Højlund 36’
[1-1] Luis Suárez, 62’
[2-1] Rasmus Højlund, 79’
