**Sporting CP Defeats Man City 4-1: Match Stats**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 06, 2024

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Sporting CP Defeats Man City 4-1: Match Stats

In a stunning upset, Sporting CP pulled off a remarkable 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg. The Portuguese side displayed incredible attacking prowess and defensive resilience, leaving the English champions stunned in Lisbon. Here's a detailed look at the match stats that tell the story of this memorable night:

A Dominant First Half

Sporting CP took control of the game right from the start, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Pedro Gonçalves expertly finished a cross from Nuno Santos.

Man City's struggles: Pep Guardiola's side seemed out of sorts, failing to find their usual rhythm and struggling to break down Sporting's well-organized defense. This was evident in the shot count - Sporting recorded 10 shots in the first half, compared to Man City's 3.

Sporting Extends the Lead

Just before half-time, Sporting doubled their advantage. Paulinho showcased his technical brilliance, expertly curling a shot past Ederson after a swift counter-attack. This two-goal lead put Sporting in a commanding position at the break.

The Turning Point: This second goal seemed to shift the momentum entirely, with Sporting seemingly growing in confidence with each passing minute.

A Fightback by City, But It's Too Late

Man City finally showed signs of life in the second half, with Riyad Mahrez pulling one back in the 74th minute. However, their comeback hopes were quickly extinguished when Gonçalo Inácio headed home a corner kick in the 78th minute, restoring Sporting's two-goal lead.

Dominant Defense: Sporting's defense held strong throughout the match, effectively neutralizing Man City's attacking threat. Manuel Akanji added a fourth goal in the 83rd minute, securing a sensational victory for the Portuguese side.

Key Match Statistics:

• Possession: Sporting CP (55%) - Manchester City (45%)
• Shots: Sporting CP (18) - Manchester City (11)
• Shots on target: Sporting CP (8) - Manchester City (5)
• Corners: Sporting CP (4) - Manchester City (6)
• Yellow Cards: Sporting CP (2) - Manchester City (1)

A Night of Upsets and Dramatic Performances

Sporting CP's win over Man City was a significant upset, highlighting the team's potential and showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Champions League. The match statistics tell a compelling story of Sporting's dominance and Man City's uncharacteristic struggles. This result sets up a thrilling second leg in Manchester, with both teams needing to give their all to advance to the next round.