Sporting Shocks City 19 Seconds After Restart
Champions League: Match-Clip Video
Sporting Lisbon stunned Manchester City with a goal just 19 seconds after the second half restart in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.
Pedro Goncalves fired home from close range to give the Portuguese side a shock lead against the Premier League champions.
City had dominated the first half and took the lead through Riyad Mahrez, but Sporting came out fighting after the break and deservedly leveled through Goncalves' strike.
The goal stunned the City players and gave Sporting a huge boost. The Portuguese side continued to press and could have won the game late on, but they were denied by some fine saves from Ederson.
In the end, the match finished 1-1, but Sporting will be the happier side after their spirited second-half performance.
What Happened?
Sporting Lisbon started the second half brightly and were rewarded with a goal just 19 seconds after the restart.
Goncalves picked up the ball on the left wing and drove into the City box. He then cut inside and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
The goal stunned the City players and gave Sporting a huge boost. The Portuguese side continued to press and could have won the game late on, but they were denied by some fine saves from Ederson.
Why Was It So Shocking?
Sporting's goal was so shocking because it came so quickly after the restart.
City had dominated the first half and were expected to continue in the same vein after the break. However, Sporting came out fighting and caught City cold with their early goal.
The goal also gave Sporting a huge psychological boost. The Portuguese side had been under pressure from City in the first half, but they showed great character to come back after the break and level the match.
What Does It Mean For City?
City's draw against Sporting Lisbon is a setback in their quest to win the Champions League.
The Premier League champions are now three points behind leaders Real Madrid in Group A, and they will need to win their remaining two matches to have a chance of finishing top.
City's next match in the Champions League is at home to Paris Saint-Germain on November 24. They will need to win that match to keep their hopes of winning the trophy alive.
What Does It Mean For Sporting?
Sporting Lisbon's draw against Manchester City is a huge boost for the Portuguese side.
The Portuguese side are now level on points with City in Group A, and they have a chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2017-18.
Sporting's next match in the Champions League is away to Borussia Dortmund on November 24. They will need to win that match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
