Sporting Clube de Portugal kicked off their first of two matches in the Barclays New York Challenge with a 2-0 victory over EPL power Manchester City on Saturday.
Yannick Djalo kept up Sporting’s tradition of producing talented wingers (Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo) as he netted a first-half brace to down The Blues.
At first, it seemed the clash would go in favor of the English club. Just four minutes in, Craig Bellamy sped past the Sporting defense and put a shot on target from just outside the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Tiago easily blocked it.
Nine minutes later, Bellamy again missed. This time, Stephen Ireland sent Jo on a run, and the Brazilian striker sent a pass from the outside of the box across to Bellamy. The Welsh striker slid to get his foot on the ball but ended poking it out wide.
Sporting then began to gain more control of the match and Man. City started to look tired and out of sorts. The Lions proceeded to use their superior pace to funnel their attack down the right flank, which is where their first goal would originate from.
Portuguese midfielder Mendes recuperated the ball in the midfield and passed on to João Pereira, who subsequently passed to Simon Vukcevik near the right sideline. The Montenegrin freed himself from the mark of the defender and sent a left-footed cross into the area and Djalo popped up in front of Man. City right back Micah Richards to head the ball home around the 23rd minute.
The speedy Sporting attacker was not done yet and would score his second in the 39th minute. Saleiro, showing a beautiful display of technique, flicked a pass around the Man. City defenders with the outside of his foot and onto Djalo, who danced around goalkeeper Joe Hart at the top of the 18-yard box to slot home.
Both teams made some substitutions in the second half, hoping to give everyone some valuable minutes ahead of their respective domestic and Europa League campaigns.
Sporting picked up right where they left off, showing some nice passing and Djalo again threatened with his devilish speed.
The Portuguese club completely dominated their English counterparts in the second half, their pace and energy far above that of Manchester City. Nevertheless, Sporting were unable to seriously threaten The Blues’ goal until the 80th minute.
First, Sporting midfielder Valdés cut into the penalty box and let loose a shot, but his effort was blocked by Man. City midfielder Vincent Kompany. Just a minute later, Maniche shot from 35 yards out, but it went wide and out.
Though Sporting insisted during the remaining 10 minutes, they were unable to crack the opposing defense and the score remained 2-0.
The Portuguese club will now go on to play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, July 25, at 1 pm ET. The game is the first of a doubleheader.
Manchester City, on the other hand, will look for some redemption from tonight’s loss when they take on Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls in the latter match of the day.
Scoring Summary:
SCP: Djalo (Vukcevic) 23’
SCP: Djalo (Saleiro) 39’
Disciplinary Summary:
SCP: Carrico (caution) 43’
Manchester City FC – Joe Hart (GK), Joleon Lescott (Nedum Onuoha 46’), Greg Cunningham (Wayne Bridge 46’), Vincent Kompany, Micah Richards, Pablo Zabaleta, Adam Johnson, Patrick Vieira (Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely 64’), Stephen Ireland (Dedryck Boyata 64’), Jo (John Guidetti 73’), Craig Bellamy (Andrew Tutte 74’)
Substitute Not Used: Stuart Taylor
Sporting Clube De Portugal – Tiago Ferreira (GK), Daniel Carrico, Anderson Polga, Evaldo Fabiano, Joao Pereira, Pedro Mendes (Andre Santos 87’), Maniche, Simon Vukcevic (Jaime Valdes 73’), Yannick Djalo, Helder Postiga (Miguel Veloso 79’), Carlos Saleiro (Florent Sinama-Pongolle 46’)
Substitutes Not Used: Rui Patricio, Jaime Valdes, Liédson, Nuno Coelho
Referee: Kevin Stott Referee’s Assistants: Corey Rockwell, Corey Parker 4th Referee: Jeffrey Gontarek Attendance: 13,586
Robinho keen on Barca moveDallas' Shea earns MLS Player of the Week
