Rasmus Hojlund starting to show his worth to Napoli

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Napoli 2 - 1 Sporting

Rasmus Højlund scored twice to seal a win for Napoli where there were a number of familiar names facing off.

Author | Paul L

Stadium | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

On loan from Manchester United, the Denmark striker struck in each half, with Kevin De Bruyne supplying both assists as the pair combined to decisive effect against determined opposition.

Luis Suárez pulled one back from the penalty spot to give Sporting hope and the visitors pressed for an equaliser in a frantic finale, but Napoli held firm to take the points.

A closer look at what happened

Sporting made a lively start as Geovany Quenda and Iván Fresneda combined to deliver a dangerous cross, but Napoli’s defence cleared with Fotis Ioannidis poised to pounce.

Napoli had lost just once in their previous 17 home fixtures in the Champions League and they soon asserted control against the side sitting second in Portugal’s top flight.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute. After weathering a sustained Sporting attack, Napoli cleared their lines and found Kevin De Bruyne, who glided past two opponents before releasing Rasmus Højlund. The striker showed composure to finish clinically.

Super News Football 2025 | Champions League | Napoli v Sporting | Kick off

Matteo Politano went close to doubling the lead with a low effort that forced Rui Silva into a diving save, but the captain was wasteful moments after half-time when he blazed over the bar. Sam Beukema followed with another missed chance, sending his shot into the stands.

De Bruyne’s appeals for a penalty following a possible handball were dismissed by Danny Makkelie, but the referee pointed to the spot at the other end when Politano tripped Maximiliano AraĂşjo. Luis Suárez converted confidently, driving the ball low to the right for Sporting’s 100th goal in the competition.

The visitors should have gone in front in the 75th minute when neat interplay worked the ball to Pedro Gonçalves, who shot too high from inside the area.

Super News Football 2025 | Champions League | Napoli v Sporting | View from the stands

Napoli responded soon after, De Bruyne whipping in a pinpoint cross from the left that Højlund met with a superb header to restore the lead.

Sporting pushed for another equaliser, with Suárez almost reaching Gonçalo Inácio’s long pass before Vanja Milinkovic-Savic gathered. The Napoli goalkeeper then denied Morten Hjulmand late on to secure victory.

READ MORE  | News and stories from across the Champions League

Hojlund is starting to shine in Italy

He managed to score 26 goals in 95 appearances for Manchester United after joining from Atalanta in a £72m move in August 2023.

The Denmark striker endured a difficult campaign last season, managing only four goals in the Premier League, but he has already found the net three times in five matches for Napoli.

The Serie A club are obliged to make the deal permanent for £38m at the end of the season if certain conditions are met, including qualification for the Champions League.

Højlund demonstrated his pace and strength with his opening goal, racing on to Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball before finishing decisively past Sporting’s goalkeeper, Rui Silva.

Location: Via Giambattista Marino, 80125 Napoli NA, Italy

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