Sporting Lisbon's Luis Suárez Strikes Late to Stun PSG in Champions League Clash
In a dramatic Champions League encounter in Lisbon, Sporting's Luis Suárez emerged as the hero with two crucial goals, including a decisive winner in the final minute, to secure a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. This result has thrown PSG's hopes of direct qualification for the last 16 into serious doubt, with the French champions now likely needing a win in their final group match against Newcastle United next week to avoid the playoffs.
Suárez Double Turns the Tide Against PSG Pressure
Despite facing sustained pressure from PSG throughout the match, Sporting took the lead against the run of play in the second half when Suárez found the net. PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling the score with a superb strike that seemed to have salvaged a point for the visitors. However, Suárez had the final say, snatching victory in the dying moments with his second goal of the night.
This victory leaves both Sporting and PSG on 13 points, placing them inside the top eight positions that guarantee direct progression to the last 16. They now lead ninth-placed Inter Milan by a single point, setting up a tense finale to the group stage. PSG will host Newcastle, while Sporting travel to face Athletic Bilbao in their respective final matches.
Copenhagen Fight Back with Ten Men to Draw Against Napoli
In another gripping Champions League fixture, ten-man FC Copenhagen secured a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Napoli. Napoli took the lead in the 39th minute when Scott McTominay rose unmarked to head in a corner, a bitter blow for Copenhagen who had just seen Thomas Delaney sent off for a reckless foul four minutes earlier.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Copenhagen defended resolutely in the second half. The turning point came in the 71st minute when Napoli's Alessandro Buongiorno fouled Mohamed Elyounoussi in the penalty area. Jordan Larsson, who came on as a substitute, saw his initial penalty saved by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, but he reacted quickest to the rebound to equalise a minute later. Both teams remain on eight points, occupying the final two playoff spots in the table.
Ajax Keep Hopes Alive with Last-Gasp Victory Over Villarreal
Ajax kept their slim hopes of progression alive with a dramatic 2-1 away victory against Villarreal, thanks to a last-minute winner from Oliver Edvardsen. The Dutch giants, who had lost their first five group games, came from behind to win their second successive tie. Tani Oluwaseyi had given Villarreal the lead with a superb volley in the 49th minute, but Oscar Gloukh's free-kick equalised for Ajax in the 61st minute.
In the 90th minute, Edvardsen buried a cutback cross from full-back Anton Gaaei to snatch a much-needed three points. This result means Ajax still have a chance of finishing in the top 24, with a home game against Olympiakos to come next week. Villarreal, in contrast, are eliminated, stuck second from bottom with just one point, a poor European performance that contrasts sharply with their third-place position in La Liga.
Olympiakos Stun Bayer Leverkusen to Boost Playoff Chances
Olympiakos stunned Bayer Leverkusen with a 2-0 victory, improving their slim chances of securing a playoff spot. The Greeks got off to a dream start when Costinha powered in a header from a Rodinei corner in the second minute. Despite Leverkusen gradually taking control and creating chances, Olympiakos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis made several key saves to keep his team ahead.
In first-half stoppage time, Olympiakos struck again on a counterattack, with Mehdi Taremi drilling in a goal from another Rodinei assist. This second successive win in the competition lifted Olympiakos to 22nd on eight points, one behind Leverkusen who are 19th. The German side were missing several key players, including Mark Flekken, Edmond Tapsoba, and Nathan Tella, which may have contributed to their defeat.
In other results, Club Brugge defeated Kairat Almaty 4-1 away, leaving the Kazakh team as one of four winless sides in the competition. Club Brugge now have seven points, placing them 26th, while Kairat Almaty remain bottom of the table with just one point.
