Club Brugge 2-1 Sporting CP: Amorim´s former side beaten again in Champions League

Club Brugge recovered from an early setback to beat Sporting CP 2-1 and deal their opponents another blow in their post-Ruben Amorim era.

Sporting were flying in the Champions League until Amorim left to take the Manchester United job, subsequently losing 5-1 at home to Arsenal. They have also been beaten in their 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’ 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 following captain Hans Vanaken’s pass.

Three points took Brugge level on points with Sporting, who are still well placed for a play-off berth but have slipped behind the top eight.

Data debrief: A long-awaited comeback

Sporting had not lost consecutive European matches since the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, but Brugge seized on their new-found fragility on Tuesday.

The Belgian side had to show spirit, too, though. They had lost the previous nine Champions League matches in which they conceded the opening goal, ending that sequence with not just a draw but a precious victory.

Indeed, as Sporting falter, there are signs Brugge have found their place in the Champions League. They have won three of their past five games, as many as in their previous 13.