Tuesday afternoon at Lisbon Airport, a taxi driver stepped out of his cab, casually sporting a Manchester City jersey beneath his unzipped hoodie.
With only hours to go before a major game, I asked if he was a City fan.
“I support whoever plays against Sporting,” he replied.
A Benfica die-hard, he eagerly anticipated seeing Sporting’s coach, Ruben Amorim, leave his rival club.
With a hopeful grin, he added, “And if Gyokeres goes too, that’s even better.”
Amorim’s Departure Brings Mixed Feelings Across Portugal
As Sporting’s Ruben Amorim prepared for his final home match against Manchester City in the Champions League, his departure symbolized contrasting emotions among Portuguese fans.
Supporters of Benfica, Porto, and Braga looked forward to the end of Sporting’s dominance under Amorim, while Sporting’s faithful clung to their hopes in his last match.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans waited for Amorim to take on the role of their new manager, hopeful he could lead the team out of a long-standing slump since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
A Masterclass on the Pitch
Despite hailing Manchester City as “the best team in the world,” Amorim’s Sporting team took on Guardiola’s squad with fearless intent.
Sporting’s 4-1 victory sent City spiraling to a third consecutive defeat, a rare occurrence under Guardiola.
The explosive performance showcased Amorim’s strategic brilliance and gave Manchester United’s management further confidence in their choice for the next head coach.
His tactical finesse against City revealed why United saw him as the ideal successor to Erik ten Hag.
City’s Recent Struggles Set the Stage
Arriving in Lisbon on the heels of losses to Spurs and Bournemouth, City faced an injury-riddled lineup.
Guardiola introduced Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, a young defender, for his senior debut.
Sporting, however, entered the match with confidence, having won their first ten league games of the season and remained unbeaten in Champions League group play.
Fans marveled at Viktor Gyokeres, who had scored 20 goals in 16 appearances, setting the tone for a formidable offensive front.
Sporting Fans Show Support for Amorim
Before kickoff, Sporting fans honored Amorim with a massive banner depicting him with trophies he won for the club.
As “Obrigado” stretched across the stadium, sentimentality filled the air, though City quickly reminded them how quickly a game can shift.
Just minutes in, a wayward pass from Sporting gifted Phil Foden an opportunity, and City took an early lead.
Sporting Fights Back and Dominates the Second Half
After a nervy start, Sporting found their footing.
Gyokeres redeemed himself with an equalizer just before halftime, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Following a rousing halftime talk, Sporting stormed into the second half with back-to-back goals, leaving City scrambling.
By the 50th minute, Francisco Trincao’s penalty widened the lead, pushing City to the brink.
City Misses Opportunities to Recover
City attempted a comeback after a handball decision awarded them a penalty, but Haaland’s attempt struck the crossbar.
The missed chance crushed any momentum City hoped to gain, and the crowd erupted, sensing the victory was near.
Moments later, Gyokeres added another goal from the penalty spot, sealing City’s defeat and igniting celebrations in the stands.
A Triumphant Farewell
As the final whistle blew, Sporting fans celebrated Amorim’s memorable parting gift.
Under the night sky, they left Alvalade with pride, knowing their team delivered an unforgettable performance.
As planes soared above, fans reflected on the coach who gave them one last magical night before embarking on a new chapter in Manchester.
What’s Next for Amorim and Sporting?
With Amorim’s departure on the horizon, Sporting fans are left to wonder if this win was the peak of his tenure or if his legacy will inspire future victories.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans eagerly await his arrival, hopeful that Amorim’s tactical prowess will revitalize the club and lead them to new heights.
The story of Ruben Amorim is far from over, and only time will reveal the next steps in his remarkable journey.
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