Sporting CP produced a stunning comeback to beat Athletic Bilbao 3-2 at San Mamés, clinching 7th place in the Champions League standings. Alisson Santos’ stoppage-time winner ensures the Lions advance directly to the Round of 16, avoiding the treacherous playoff path faced by European giants.
In a night of pure drama, the Lisbon side showed incredible resilience, coming from behind twice to defeat a resilient Athletic side. By finishing in the Top 8 with 16 points, Sporting has achieved a historic feat, outperforming some of the world’s most expensive squads in the new league format.
A First-Half Rollercoaster
The match began with a cold shower for the visitors. Only three minutes in, Oihan Sancet found the net to put Athletic Bilbao ahead. Sporting responded quickly, equalizing in the 12th minute when Ousmane Diomande towered above the defense to head home from a Maximiliano Araújo corner.
The Spanish side reclaimed the lead in the 28th minute. Gorka Guruzeta capitalized on a defensive lapse, breaking into the box and scoring on the rebound after his initial strike rattled the woodwork.
Trincão Brilliance and VAR Drama
Sporting refused to back down. Before the break, Francisco Trincão produced a moment of magic, weaving through the midfield and unleashing a precise strike past Unai Simón to make it 2-2.
The second half was a battle of nerves and technology. Luis Suárez thought he had completed the comeback in the 72nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Minutes later, the stadium held its breath as a penalty awarded to Sporting was overturned following a VAR review, leaving the match on a knife-edge.
Alisson Santos: The Hero of San Mamés
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Sporting’s direct qualification seemed to be slipping away. However, in the final moments, Luis Suárez forced a brilliant save from Unai Simón, only for Alisson Santos to pounce on the rebound. The young attacker made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to spark wild celebrations among the traveling fans.
Final Standings: Sporting Joins the Elite
- Sporting CP: 7th Place (16 points) – Direct Qualification to the Round of 16.
- Athletic Bilbao: 29th Place – Eliminated.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
