Holders Paris Saint-Germain missed the opportunity to all but mathematically secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages after suffering a dramatic late defeat to Sporting CP in Lisbon.
Despite dominating possession and chances for long spells, Luis Enrique’s side were punished for missed opportunities and defensive lapses, falling 2-1 to the Portuguese champions in a result that significantly tightens the qualification picture.
PSG Dominate Possession but Lack Cutting Edge
PSG controlled the contest from the outset, finishing the match with over 70% possession and registering 28 shots, but their dominance failed to translate into a comfortable victory.
Repeatedly pushing Sporting back into their own half, the French champions were left frustrated by a combination of resolute defending, goalkeeping heroics, and marginal officiating decisions.
Their wastefulness ultimately proved costly.
Luis Suárez Breaks the Deadlock Late On
Sporting took the lead with 16 minutes remaining when Colombian striker Luis Suárez pounced from close range after PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier conceded a needless corner moments earlier.
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from PSG, who had largely controlled the tempo of the match.
Kvaratskhelia Responds — But Sporting Have the Final Say
PSG appeared to have rescued a point just five minutes later, when substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a moment of individual brilliance.
The Georgian winger curled a superb strike into the top corner, giving Rui Silva no chance and seemingly restoring PSG’s momentum heading into the closing stages.
However, the holders were left stunned in the 90th minute, when Suárez struck again. Chevalier spilled a long-range effort from Francisco Trincão straight into the striker’s path, allowing him to tap home and seal a famous victory for Sporting.
Offside Decisions Add to PSG Frustration
PSG thought they had taken the lead on multiple occasions, only to see three goals ruled out by officials.
- Warren Zaïre-Emery’s header was disallowed after a foul in the build-up by Senny Mayulu
- Nuno Mendes was denied a goal against his former club when Ousmane Dembélé was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Rui Silva
- After the break, Dembélé, the reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, saw a powerful header ruled out for offside
Each decision added to PSG’s growing sense of frustration as Sporting rode their luck.
Sporting Grow in Confidence After the Break
Sporting emerged with greater attacking intent in the second half and almost took the lead earlier when Francisco Trincão overhit a low cross to an unmarked Suárez in the penalty area.
While PSG continued to apply pressure, Rui Silva delivered a commanding performance in goal, repeatedly denying the visitors and commanding his area with authority.
At the other end, Chevalier endured a difficult night, with his errors proving decisive in a tightly contested contest.
Historic Night for Sporting CP
Sporting’s victory marked their fourth successive home win in the Champions League, achieved for the first time in the club’s history.
The result lifts the Portuguese side to sixth place in the standings, level on 13 points with PSG, and firmly strengthens their bid for automatic qualification.
For PSG, the defeat was particularly significant as it marked their first Champions League loss to a team outside Europe’s big five leagues since losing to Benfica in 2013.
Player of the Match: Morten Araújo
Sporting midfielder Morten Araújo was voted Player of the Match, earning an impressive average rating of 8.63 from BBC Sport users. His energy, ball retention, and defensive discipline were central to Sporting’s ability to absorb pressure and strike decisively on the counter.
Goalkeeper Rui Silva was also outstanding, finishing with an average rating of 8.29, underlining his crucial role in the upset.
Qualification Picture Tightens
With victory slipping away late on, PSG remain fifth in the table on 13 points and now face added pressure heading into their final group fixtures.
Sporting, meanwhile, have firmly placed themselves in contention for the knockout stages and will approach the remaining matches with confidence after dispatching the reigning champions.
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