In a match that had everything from tense moments to sheer brilliance, Napoli edged out Sporting Lisbon 2-1 on Wednesday night, securing their first points in this season's Champions League. The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona erupted as Rasmus Højlund, the Danish striker on loan from Manchester United, notched a clinical double that turned the game on its head. It was Højlund's second outing for the Italians, and already he's making waves—following up his debut goal in a 3-1 Serie A victory over Fiorentina just weeks ago.
The game started sluggishly, with both sides probing cautiously under the floodlights. Sporting, riding high from their domestic form, pressed early, but Napoli's defense held firm. Then, in the 23rd minute, Højlund struck first—a sharp finish from a pinpoint cross that left the Portuguese keeper rooted. Indeed, it was the kind of poacher's goal that highlighted why Napoli snapped him up so quickly. Sporting equalized just before halftime through a Luis Suárez penalty, the veteran Uruguayan coolly slotting it home after a debatable handball call. Frustrations mounted on the Napoli bench, with coach Antonio Conte gesturing wildly from the sidelines.
However, the second half belonged to the home side. Højlund sealed the win in the 67th minute, bundling over the line after a scramble in the box—his second of the night and a testament to his relentless energy. Napoli's midfield, led by the ever-reliable Stanislav Lobotka, dictated play thereafter, though Sporting pushed for an equalizer that never came. This result lifts Napoli to sixth in the group standings with three points, a crucial boost after their opening loss to Manchester City.
Moreover, Højlund's impact can't be overstated. At just 22, he's adapting swiftly to Italian football, bringing pace and finishing that Napoli desperately needed up top. Yet, questions linger about the sustainability of such loan deals—will this form carry them through a grueling schedule? For now, though, the Partenopei faithful are buzzing.
As the Champions League heats up, one wonders how far Højlund can propel Napoli in Europe's elite competition.