Napoli Claims Opening Champions League Victory Powered by Rasmus Hojlund's Double
Loaned-out Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Napoli defeated Sporting Lisbon to secure their first Champions League win of the campaign.
Both of Hojlund's goals came with assists from ex-City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, while Colombia attacker Luis Suarez scored from a spot-kick for the Portuguese outfit Sporting.
Napoli's winning goal came in the 79th minute, marking an improvement following the Italians' 2-0 loss at Manchester City in their first fixture.
Hojlund's Journey to Napoli
The forward finalized a temporary switch to the Italian title holders on the final day of the transfer window at the start of the month having not featured in United's opening four competitive games of 2025-26.
He netted 26 times in 95 games during his time at Old Trafford following his big-money transfer from Atalanta in August 2023.
He scored just four times in the English top flight in last season but has now scored three times in five games for the Italian side, who have an obligation to buy the Denmark international for £38m at the end of the season subject to certain clauses, including Champions League qualification.
Game Key Moments
The striker demonstrated speed and power for his opening strike when he received a precise pass from De Bruyne before clinically finishing past Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva.
Matteo Politano fouled Maximiliano Araujo to concede a spot-kick after the break, which was scored by Suarez to level the scores, but Hojlund scored the decisive goal with a courageous headed effort following a delivery from De Bruyne from the left touchline.
Sporting now have one win and one defeat of their first two group games following an opening with a 4-1 victory over the team from Kazakhstan Kairat.
City of old, to United of old! - De Bruyne and Hojlund link up for Napoli opener
