Europa League contenders from England, Manchester City, will test their strength against yet another team from Portugal. This time, it will be against Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16.
The Citizens are favourites to reach the final of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League but they should be mindful of the tournament’s stiff competition. In Sporting Lisbon, City face two possibilities: the prospect of annihilating Portugal’s last Europa League representatives and the prospect of being brought back to planet Earth after their flying 6-1 aggregate demolition of FC Porto in the previous round.
Sporting Lisbon are a big threat to Manchester City’s Europa League title aspirations and they certainly don’t lack confidence. Under their new coach, 39-year-old Sa Pinto, the Lions are trying to find stability in the administration room like on the pitch.
Since the end of Paulo Bento’s days at the head of the team’s coaching staff, Sporting have changed managers quite a few times. Ricardo Sa Pinto succeeds Carlos Carvalhal, Paulo Sergio, Jose Couceiro and Domingos Pacienca as Sporting Lisbon boss. Former player Sa Pinto will further grow his popularity in Portugal if he guides his team past Manchester City.
If Sporting Lisbon have reached the Last 16 of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League it is because of their tremendous work since the start of the competition. The Portuguese challengers took hold of Group D and qualified for the knockout stage with 12 points, 3 above second-placed Lazio.
Sporting faced a tight contest against Legia Warsaw in the Round of 32 but their 2-2 draw away from home was always a good sign. Sporting edged their counterparts from Poland 3-2 on aggregate with a 1-0 victory thanks to Fernandez’s late winner at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It is at this very venue that the Lions will resume their UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday night. Remarkably, Sporting Lisbon have won the totality of their home matches in Europe this season. This record is something Manchester City might need to break. The Citizens can count on their momentum and skill to make things happen.
City’s last trip to Portugal brought great memories. These memories are still very fresh in the mind of everyone at the club. Striker Sergio Aguero scored with 6 minutes of normal time remaining to offer his team a comeback win over the Dragons of FC Porto.
Manchester City haven’t conceded a single goal in over 270 minutes of football in all competitions. However, the last time they allowed a goal was in Portugal. On their return to the Iberian country, how will these statistics play on the outcome of the match?
Sporting Lisbon are a big threat to Manchester City’s Europa League title aspirations and they certainly don’t lack confidence. Under their new coach, 39-year-old Sa Pinto, the Lions are trying to find stability in the administration room like on the pitch.
Since the end of Paulo Bento’s days at the head of the team’s coaching staff, Sporting have changed managers quite a few times. Ricardo Sa Pinto succeeds Carlos Carvalhal, Paulo Sergio, Jose Couceiro and Domingos Pacienca as Sporting Lisbon boss. Former player Sa Pinto will further grow his popularity in Portugal if he guides his team past Manchester City.
If Sporting Lisbon have reached the Last 16 of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League it is because of their tremendous work since the start of the competition. The Portuguese challengers took hold of Group D and qualified for the knockout stage with 12 points, 3 above second-placed Lazio.
Sporting faced a tight contest against Legia Warsaw in the Round of 32 but their 2-2 draw away from home was always a good sign. Sporting edged their counterparts from Poland 3-2 on aggregate with a 1-0 victory thanks to Fernandez’s late winner at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It is at this very venue that the Lions will resume their UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday night. Remarkably, Sporting Lisbon have won the totality of their home matches in Europe this season. This record is something Manchester City might need to break. The Citizens can count on their momentum and skill to make things happen.
City’s last trip to Portugal brought great memories. These memories are still very fresh in the mind of everyone at the club. Striker Sergio Aguero scored with 6 minutes of normal time remaining to offer his team a comeback win over the Dragons of FC Porto.
Manchester City haven’t conceded a single goal in over 270 minutes of football in all competitions. However, the last time they allowed a goal was in Portugal. On their return to the Iberian country, how will these statistics play on the outcome of the match?
