In a stunning Champions League clash, Sporting CP, led by the young Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, delivered a remarkable 4-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City, whose squad was plagued by injuries. This victory not only ended City’s impressive 26-game unbeaten streak in the competition but also handed them their first three-game losing streak since 2018. For Amorim, who is set to take over as Manchester United’s manager next Monday, this commanding performance couldn't have been a better “letter of allegiance” to his new club.

Injuries Take a Toll on Manchester City

Manchester City’s injury woes were evident in this match, with key players absent. Defensive duo John Stones and Ruben Dias were sidelined, while midfield powerhouse Rodri was out for the season. Additionally, Jack Grealish was unavailable, and several stars, including Doku, De Bruyne, and Gundogan, started the game on the bench, with Guardiola only introducing them as substitutes. As a result, City’s defense was further weakened, and two 19-year-old defensive rookies, Lewis and Simpson-Puse, were thrust into starting roles. Simpson-Puse, still adjusting to top-tier football, had just 15 minutes of first-team experience before this encounter.

Sporting CP Shines with Solid Team Play

In contrast, Sporting CP, with all their key players available, were in excellent form. Despite having only 27% possession compared to City’s 73%, Sporting’s counter-attacking play was lethal. They had 9 shots to City’s 20, but crucially, Sporting had the same number of shots on target (6) and scored 4 goals from 2.86 expected goals (xG), while City’s performance was inferior with just 2.21 xG.

Sporting’s resilience was evident early on when Phil Foden put City ahead with a quick strike in the 4th minute. Foden capitalized on a mistake from Sporting's Morita Hidemasa and dribbled past De Bast to score. However, Sporting quickly rallied.

Sporting CP’s Response: Goals and Teamwork

By the 37th minute, Sporting had equalized through Yokelesh, whose clinical finish capitalized on a through ball from Portuguese midfielder Kenda. The goal exposed the immaturity of Simpson-Puse, who struggled to stop Yokelesh. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Goncalves threaded a brilliant pass to Araujo, whose superb finish gave Sporting a 2-1 lead. This goal, which involved 8 players and 18 touches over just 20 seconds, was a textbook example of fluid team play, demonstrating the quick transitions and efficiency that Manchester United would be keen to implement under Amorim.

Second Half: Amorim's Tactics Deliver More Pain for Guardiola

In the second half, Sporting continued to dominate. They were awarded two penalties, both converted by Yokelesh, who completed his hat-trick by the 78th minute. Manchester City, on the other hand, had a chance to narrow the gap when Erling Haaland was awarded a penalty in the 65th minute, but his effort hit the crossbar, ensuring City’s frustration grew.

This loss marks the third time in the Champions League that Guardiola has conceded 4 goals in a single game, with the previous instances being against elite sides such as Real Madrid (2013/14) and Barcelona (2016/17). Remarkably, it is the first time in Guardiola’s tenure at City that they have lost to a team outside the top five leagues of European football since their 1-2 loss to Basel in 2018.

Amorim’s Farewell to Sporting CP Fans

For Ruben Amorim, this match was also a poignant farewell to Sporting CP’s home fans. With a banner featuring his portrait and the trophies he won with the club hanging in the stadium, Amorim, who had already announced his departure to Manchester United, was given a warm send-off after Sporting’s last match of the weekend, an away fixture against Braga. Sporting’s announcer called Amorim to the field after the game, where he waved to the fans and accepted a signed jersey, signaling the end of his era with the club.

Amorim’s decision to speak to the press in Portuguese, despite his fluent English, underscored his emotional connection to his home country and its football culture. He remarked, “The Portuguese will miss me, and I have to answer questions in Portuguese now,” a sentiment that resonated with fans. In a curious parallel, Erik ten Hag had faced a similar situation two years ago when he was about to take charge at Manchester United, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and connection to one’s roots.

From Humble Beginnings to Giant-Killer

In the 2021/22 Champions League quarter-finals, Sporting CP was soundly beaten 5-0 by Manchester City. At that time, Amorim was still a relatively inexperienced coach, and his side was far from matching the quality of a team like City. However, in just over two years, Amorim has transformed Sporting into a formidable unit capable of dismantling the best teams in Europe. His tactical maturity and ability to get the best out of his players were on full display as they triumphed in this match.

Manchester United fans, who had been unsure about Amorim’s capabilities, now have all the evidence they need that he is ready for the challenge. If there were any lingering doubts about Amorim’s credentials, this 4-1 victory over Manchester City has undoubtedly silenced them.

The Road Ahead: Amorim vs Guardiola

This stunning victory leaves fans eagerly anticipating Amorim’s first meeting with Guardiola in his new role as Manchester United manager. The two will face off on December 15 at Old Trafford, and after this historic result, expectations are high for Amorim’s ability to deliver similarly tactical brilliance at United.

Amorim has proven that he is no longer a young manager learning on the job; he is now a master tactician, capable of outwitting the very best in Europe. For Manchester United, this performance should serve as a sign of the exciting future ahead under his leadership.