Match Summary
Sporting CP defeated Manchester City 4:1. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by P. Foden 4′, V. Gyökeres 38′, M. Araújo 46′, V. Gyökeres 49′ (pen.), Erling Haaland 69′, V. Gyökeres 80′ (pen.). 6 yellow cards were shown. Sporting CP had 27% possession while Manchester City held 73%. Sporting CP had 9 shots (6 on target) compared to 20 (6 on target) for Manchester City. Expected goals: Sporting CP 2.86 — Manchester City 2.21. Sporting CP made 5 substitutions, Manchester City made 3. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Bernardo Silva 66′).
Match Events
Key match events between Sporting CP and Manchester City — 6 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Geovany Quenda
assist: Pote
Penalty
Missed Penalty
Penalty
Match Statistics
Sporting CP had 27% possession against Manchester City's 73%. Sporting CP registered 9 shots (6 on target) while Manchester City managed 20 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 1–11. Fouls committed: 8–10.
Lineups
Sporting CP lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim, while Manchester City deployed a 4-1-4-1 under Pep Guardiola.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sporting CP is 7.02, compared to 6.96 for Manchester City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Sporting CP's highest-rated starter is Trincão (7.32), while Manchester City's best-rated player is J. Gvardiol (7.42).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sporting CP have contributed 7 goals and 5 assists this season, led by Trincão (4G). Manchester City's starters account for 1 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Bernardo Silva (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Sporting CP deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Manchester City's 4-man backline averaging 7.11. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Sporting CP field 4 midfielders averaging 7.04, versus Manchester City's 5 rated 6.73. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Sporting CP start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.00, compared to 1 for Manchester City averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for Sporting CP and 87% for Manchester City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Sporting CP's starters have collected 11 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Manchester City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Sporting CP's starting XI is 26.0 (youngest: M. Araújo (25), oldest: Pote (27)), while Manchester City average 26.4 (youngest: R. Lewis (21), oldest: Bernardo Silva (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Sporting CP's starters average 8 league appearances each, versus 5 for Manchester City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Sporting CP have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Manchester City show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sporting CP
Manchester City
API data: 15 Mar 2026