Last-Gasp Lisbon: Sporting Stun PSG to Protect Perfect Home Record
- Sporting CP defied the odds in Lisbon, striking twice late on to hand reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain a dramatic 2-1 defeat and extend their flawless home run in the Champions League.
Sporting CP produced one of their most memorable European nights at Estadio Jose Alvalade, edging Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 with a dramatic late winner to maintain a perfect home record in this season’s Champions League.
For much of the contest, the reigning champions appeared in control. PSG dominated possession, penned Sporting deep and created a steady stream of openings, but their failure to find a decisive final ball kept the hosts alive. Time and again, Rui Silva stood firm, while Sporting’s back line absorbed wave after wave of pressure.
The first half ended goalless, a scoreline that scarcely reflected PSG’s authority. Two goals were ruled out, frustration grew, and Sporting gradually gained belief that their resilience might yet be rewarded.
That belief turned into shock on 74 minutes. A corner caused confusion in the PSG area, Catamo’s volley deflected kindly, and Luis Suarez reacted quickest to slide the ball home from close range. Against the run of play, Sporting led, and Jose Alvalade erupted.
PSG responded as champions should. Just five minutes later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivered a moment of pure quality, drifting into the box before bending a sublime right-footed effort into the far corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any match and looked to have rescued a point for the visitors.
But Lisbon had one final twist in store. Deep into stoppage time, Sporting broke forward once more. Trincao’s effort was spilled by Chevalier, and Suarez pounced again, nodding the loose ball into the bottom corner to complete a stunning late brace and spark wild celebrations.
The numbers told a familiar story. PSG posted an xG of 1.25 to Sporting’s 0.82 and dominated possession throughout, but football is decided in boxes, not spreadsheets. Sporting were ruthless when it mattered most.
The victory makes it four home wins from four in the Champions League for Sporting, underlining the growing reputation of Jose Alvalade as a European fortress. PSG, meanwhile, leave Portugal frustrated, knowing their dominance counted for little without a cutting edge.
On a night when champions controlled the ball, it was Sporting who owned the moment.
