Man United loanee Hojlund bags brace as Napoli edge Sporting 2-1

Man United loanee Hojlund bags brace as Napoli edge Sporting 2-1


Napoli claimed their first Champions League victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Sporting on Tuesday night, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.

The Danish striker twice combined with Kevin De Bruyne to secure three crucial points for Antonio Conte’s side.

Hojlund strikes after De Bruyne assist

Sporting started brightly, dominating early possession and restricting Napoli’s movement in the opening exchanges.

But the home side gradually grew into the contest, and midway through the first half De Bruyne split the defence with a perfectly weighted through ball for Hojlund, who calmly slotted past Rui Silva to make it 1-0.

UCL: Man United loanee Hojlund bags brace as Napoli edge Sporting 2-1UCL: Man United loanee Hojlund bags brace as Napoli edge Sporting 2-1
Hojlund combined with De Bruyne twice to help Napoli beat Sporting – Getty image

The goal lifted Napoli, who created further chances before the break, while Sporting were fortunate not to concede a second before half-time.

Sporting fight back before late blow

The Portuguese visitors were handed a lifeline early in the second half when Matteo Politano was penalised for a foul inside the box.

Substitute Luis Suárez stepped up and converted the penalty to level the game at 1-1, leaving Napoli momentarily stunned.

Conte responded with changes, introducing Noa Lang and David Neres to inject fresh energy into the attack.

With ten minutes left, De Bruyne delivered again, this time from a corner, as Hojlund rose highest to head home his second of the night.

Despite Sporting’s late pressure, Napoli held their grounds to secure the win.



Source: Gistreel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *