Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon smash Man City in UCL stunner

Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon hammered Manchester City 4-1 in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday morning (AEDT) at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Phil Foden gave the visitors the lead in the fourth minute, only for Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres to restore parity before the break.

Uruguayan midfielder Maximiliano Araujo got on the finishing end of a sublime move to put the hosts ahead right after the interval, while Gyokeres converted two second-half penalties to complete his hat-trick.

The emphatic result wrapped up an unforgettable night for Amorim, as it was the 39-year-old’s final home game before taking over as Manchester United’s new manager on November 11.

The Portuguese tactician has overseen a stellar stretch at Sporting, as the Primeira Liga champions are top of the table with a perfect run of 10 consecutive wins.

Furthermore, Tuesday’s victory propelled Sporting to second in the Champions League standings with 10 points — three ahead of sixth-placed Manchester City and two behind leaders Liverpool.

Speaking after the thrilling win, Amorim cautioned that Manchester United — sitting 13th in the Premier League — can’t play like Sporting Lisbon.

“We cannot transport one reality to another,” he said.

“United cannot play the way we play, they cannot be so defensive.

“Of course it’s good to beat City. But I’ll be living in a different world, we’ll have to start from a different point.”

Meanwhile, Man City boss Pep Guardiola embraced the challenge ahead following defeat in Portugal.

“It’s a difficult moment, but I’m here and want to fight,” he said.

“I like these moments. I don’t want to give up.

“You cannot say much when you lose 4-1. Emotionally we were not stable enough. Emotionally we have to be more stable.

“It is what it is. Now it is difficult, but I want to fight and not give up. There is a challenge ahead of me.”

All eyes will be on Amorim on November 24 for his first game in charge of United, with online bookmakers paying -136.99 for the Red Devils to defeat Ipswich Town (+338) at Portman Road.

Meanwhile, City will be hoping to bounce back this weekend, with leading soccer betting sites paying -126.58 for the EPL champions to win away against Brighton & Hove Albion (+325).

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