Sporting's Suárez Strikes Late to Dent PSG's Champions League Hopes
In a thrilling Champions League encounter in Lisbon, Sporting's Luis Suárez emerged as the hero, scoring two crucial goals to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The result leaves PSG facing a tense final matchday, likely requiring a win against Newcastle United next week to secure direct qualification for the last 16.
Late Drama Seals Sporting's Triumph
Sporting took the lead against the run of play in the second half when Suárez found the net, capitalising on a period of sustained pressure from the French champions. PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling the score with a stunning strike that seemed to have salvaged a valuable point for the visitors.
However, Suárez had the final say, netting a decisive winner in the dying moments of the match. This late goal propelled both teams to 13 points, placing them inside the top eight positions that guarantee direct progression to the knockout stages. With PSG set to host Newcastle and Sporting travelling to Athletic Bilbao in their final group fixtures, the race for qualification remains finely balanced, with both sides holding just a one-point advantage over ninth-placed Inter.
Copenhagen's Resilient Draw Against Napoli
Elsewhere in the Champions League, FC Copenhagen displayed remarkable resilience to secure a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Napoli, despite playing with ten men for much of the match. Napoli had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Scott McTominay, who rose unmarked to head home from a corner, delivering a bitter blow to the hosts shortly after Thomas Delaney was sent off for a reckless foul.
Copenhagen defended resolutely throughout the second half, and their perseverance paid off when Alessandro Buongiorno fouled Mohamed Elyounoussi in the penalty area. Substitute Jordan Larsson saw his initial spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, but he reacted quickest to the rebound, equalising a minute later. Both teams now sit on eight points, with Napoli in 23rd place and Copenhagen just above them in 22nd.
Ajax Keep Hopes Alive with Last-Gasp Victory
Ajax kept their slim hopes of progression alive with a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Villarreal, thanks to a last-minute winner from substitute Oliver Edvardsen. The Dutch giants, who had lost their first five group matches, came from behind after Tani Oluwaseyi gave Villarreal the lead with a superb volley in the 49th minute.
Oscar Gloukh equalised for Ajax with a free-kick in the 61st minute, setting the stage for Edvardsen to snatch all three points in the 90th minute, finishing off a cutback cross from Anton Gaaei. This second successive win means Ajax still have a chance of finishing in the top 24, with a crucial home game against Olympiakos to come next week. Villarreal, meanwhile, are eliminated from the competition, languishing second from bottom with just a single point, a stark contrast to their third-place position in La Liga.
Olympiakos Stun Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiakos delivered a surprise 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, boosting their slim chances of securing a playoff spot. The Greek side got off to a dream start when Costinha powered in a header from a Rodinei corner in just the second minute.
Leverkusen, missing several key players including goalkeeper Mark Flekken, gradually took control and created numerous chances, but Kostas Tzolakis made several crucial saves to keep Olympiakos ahead. The hosts then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through Mehdi Taremi, who drilled home from another Rodinei assist on a swift counterattack. This win lifts Olympiakos to 22nd place on eight points, one ahead of Leverkusen in 19th.
Club Brugge Dominate in Kazakhstan
In other action, Club Brugge secured a comfortable 4-1 away victory over Kairat Almaty, condemning the Kazakh side to remain one of four winless teams in the competition. The Belgian club now sit on seven points in 26th place, while Kairat Almaty are rooted to the bottom of the table and have been eliminated from the Champions League.
