Sporting was flying in the Champions League until Amorim left to take the Manchester United job, subsequently losing 5-1 at home to Arsenal. It has also lost its past two league matches.

A fourth straight defeat in all competitions looked unlikely when Geny Catamo pounced on a rebound to give Sporting the lead in the third minute, but more pain was to come.

Brugge levelled when Eduardo Quaresma diverted Christos Tzolis's effort into his own net, before a VAR review led to a penalty award in Sporting's favour being reduced to a free-kick.

The game remained in the balance until the 84th minute, but substitute Casper Nielsen blasted Brugge to victory after captain Hans Vanaken's pass.

Three points took Brugge level on points with Sporting, which is still well placed for a play-off berth but has slipped out of the top eight.