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Amorim Bids Farewell to Lisbon with a Historic Win over City
Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim said goodbye to the José Alvalade stadium in Lisbon with a brilliant Champions League victory, leading Sporting Portugal to a stunning 4-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. In an emotional farewell gesture, the club and fans thanked the 39-year-old coach for his achievements, including five titles over the past four years, before his departure to Manchester United.
The match began intensely, with City taking the lead in the 4th minute thanks to a goal by Phil Foden after a defensive error from Sporting, but the Portuguese side held firm. Goalkeeper Franco Israel was crucial in the opening moments, making several key saves against Erling Haaland and Foden, who were pressing hard.
Sporting managed to equalize in the 38th minute thanks to forward Viktor Gyökeres, who took advantage of a deep pass from Geovany Quenda to beat Ederson. The second half began with Sporting fully on the offensive, and in the 46th minute, Maxi Aráujo scored to put them ahead 2-1 after a pass from Pote, providing a boost that lifted the “lions.”
Three minutes later, Sporting was awarded a penalty, which Gyökeres converted to extend the lead to 3-1. Manchester City tried to respond, but Haaland missed a penalty in the 68th minute, which could have changed the match's course. From then on, Sporting controlled the game as City struggled to react.
The crowning moment came in the 81st minute, when Gyökeres completed his hat trick by scoring another penalty after Nunes fouled Catamo, sealing the 4-1 scoreline and placing Sporting second in their group, just behind Liverpool. With this victory, Amorim bids farewell to the Alvalade faithful with a memorable performance that concludes his tenure at the club on a high note.
This win, along with Sporting's strong position in the Champions League, reflects the legacy left by Rúben Amorim. His final game as Sporting's coach will be on November 10 against Braga, before he takes on his new role as Manchester United’s manager.
