Sporting CP 4-1 Man City: player ratings as Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick stuns the Cityzens

In a shocking UEFA Champions League encounter, Sporting CP delivered a stunning 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, with Viktor Gyokeres emerging as the hero of the night by scoring a remarkable hat-trick. This match marked a memorable farewell for Sporting's manager, Ruben Amorim, in his last home game in charge.

Match Overview

Manchester City initially took the lead with an early goal from Phil Foden, who capitalized on a defensive error by Sporting to score with a powerful strike. However, the Cityzens' advantage was short-lived as Gyokeres equalized before halftime, skillfully steering the ball past Ederson.

The second half saw Sporting CP come out with renewed vigour, scoring twice in the first four minutes. Maximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead with a goal straight from the kick-off, followed by Gyokeres converting a penalty to extend the lead. Gyokeres completed his hat-trick with another penalty, sealing a memorable victory for the Portuguese side.

Player Ratings

Sporting CP

• Viktor Gyokeres: The star of the match, Gyokeres earned a perfect rating for his hat-trick performance.
• Pedro Goncalves: He played a crucial role in the midfield, earning high praise for his performance.

Manchester City

• Phil Foden: Despite scoring the opening goal, Foden's efforts were not enough to inspire a comeback.
• Erling Haaland: Had a night to forget, missing a crucial penalty and struggling to make an impact.
• Ederson: Made some early saves but was ultimately overwhelmed by Sporting's relentless attack.

Conclusion

This defeat marks Manchester City's third consecutive loss, raising concerns about their current form and defensive vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Sporting CP's victory serves as a fitting tribute to Ruben Amorim's tenure, showcasing the team's potential on the European stage. As City looks to regroup, the spotlight remains on their ability to bounce back from this challenging period.