This Tuesday afternoon, Sporting achieved their third consecutive victory in the Youth League. In the fourth round of the competition, the young lions dominated and triumphed over Manchester City (2-0).
Under the watchful eye of Frederico Varandas, Hugo Viana and Diego Capel, João Teixeira’s men attempted victory in the first half and shone in the second half.
Remember the history of this duel.
After winger Reigan Heskey received a yellow card, in the opening play, Sporting took the first shot through Flávio Gonçalves, in the fifth minute. The soggy ball slipped out of Whatmuff’s hands but flew to the end line.
The tone was set until halftime. At 12m, the winger tested his aim again, this time taking paint from the right post.
With batons at the ready, full-backs Denilson Santos and Daniel Costa, midfielder Manuel Mendonça and striker Flávio Gonçalves led the offensive transition, sending the opponents into their respective area.
In an attempt to contain the lions, the «Citizens» accumulated fouls and yellow cards.
In any case, the shots from Mendonça, Flávio Gonçalves, Gabriel Silva and Henrique Arreiol did not find their way to the goal. Therefore, at half-time – and despite the 6-0 in shots – the score prevailed.
Denilson and Gabriel Silva untied the knot
The second half showed a more intervening Manchester City, looking to take on the pressure in advance. However, at the first opportunity, the lions launched a lethal counterattack.
From right to left, Flávio Gonçalves served Denilson Santos, who accelerated solo and shot across the goal for 1-0. Taking advantage of the weaknesses already revealed by the English, the left-back scored the second goal in the Youth League, at 49m.
Shortly afterwards, at 57m – and when Sporting had calmed down the pace of the match – the combination between Denilson and Gabriel Silva culminated in a beautiful goal.
In the area, the striker took the defenders out of the way and delivered an indefensible arc, releasing the party into Alcochete.
Until the end, Manchester City still tested Miguel Gouveia’s attention, but did little to reduce the differences on the scoreboard. Especially because the English mission got complicated after 75m, when defender – and captain – Max Alleyne was sent off.
Undefeated in the Youth League, Sporting rises to the lead, with 10 points, as a result of three victories (PSV, Sturm Graz and Man. City) and the draw with Lille. As there are two rounds left at this stage, the lions are very close to qualifying for the knockouts.
On the afternoon of November 26th, the Lions host Arsenal (26th). On December 10th, they visit the Belgians from Club Brugge (22nd).
In turn, Manchester City is in 10th place, with six points. This is followed by the reception to Feyenoord (35th).
At the end of this round, Sporting can only be surpassed by Inter, Atalanta and Salzburg, who have a total of nine points.
⏹️ The Lions win the @ManCity and reach 🔟 points in the league phase of @UEFAYouthLeagueafter 4 rounds 💪🦁
⚽ Denilson Santos and Gabriel Silva
🟢 2-0 🔵 // #SCPMCI #UYL pic.twitter.com/WmjbNM9cdJ— Sporting CP (@SportingCP)
November 5, 2024
