Two assists from Kevin De Bruyne set up a Rasmus Højlund brace, as Napoli overcame a second-half scare to beat Sporting at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Napoli secured their first Champions League win of the season with a 2-1 triumph over Sporting CP, thanks to a dominant display from Kevin De Bruyne and a ruthless brace from Rasmus Højlund. The Belgian playmaker dictated the game, proving decisive with two moments of pure quality that made the difference on a tense European night in Naples.
De Bruyne’s first piece of magic came in the 36th minute, launching a counterattack from deep inside his own half before threading a pinpoint pass through for Højlund. The Danish striker made no mistake, sliding the ball under Rui Silva to put Napoli ahead.
Sporting fought back after the break and equalized in the 62nd minute. Matteo Politano clumsily brought down Araujo in the box, and substitute Luis Suarez confidently converted from the penalty spot to level the score.
But Napoli weren’t done. With ten minutes left, De Bruyne once again delivered, swinging in a perfect cross that Højlund powered home with his head to restore the lead. In stoppage time, former Lecce midfielder Morten Hjulmand nearly spoiled the party, but Ivan Milinković-Savić produced a sensational save to secure the victory.
The win lifts Napoli’s spirits after a difficult European start and highlighted the impact of their marquee signing, who continues to pull the strings in midfield.
Match Report
Scorers:
- 36′ Højlund (NAP)
- 62′ (P) Suarez (SPO)
- 80′ Højlund (NAP)
NAPOLI (4-1-4-1): Milinković-Savić; Spinazzola, Beukema, Juan Jesus, Gutiérrez (81′ Olivera); Lobotka; Politano (69′ Neres), Anguissa, De Bruyne (81′ Gilmour), McTominay (69′ Lang); Højlund (90′ Lucca).
Coach: Conte
SPORTING (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Fresneda, Quaresma (67′ Debast), Inácio, Araujo; Hjulmand, João Simões (78′ Morita); Quenda, Trincão (46′ Suarez), Catamo (46′ Gonçalves); Ioannidis (67′ Santos).
Coach: Rui Borges
Referee: Makkelie (Netherlands)
Bookings: None
Dismissals: None
