Sporting CP produced a stirring fightback at the Estádio José Alvalade, overturning an early deficit to defeat Olympique de Marseille 2–1 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The result not only ended Marseille’s five-match winning streak but also marked their 100th goal in UCL history — one that ultimately counted for little.

Marseille, enjoying their best run of form since January 2023, started brightly and took the lead inside 15 minutes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang launched a pinpoint cross-field pass to Igor Paixão, who controlled neatly before curling a sublime right-footed strike into the far corner. It was Paixão’s third goal of the competition and a reminder of the Brazilian’s growing influence on the European stage.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage soon after, when Paixão capitalised on a loose pass and set up Mason Greenwood, but the Englishman’s effort was smothered under pressure.

Sporting struggled to find their rhythm early on, yet the match swung dramatically on the stroke of half-time. Referee Rade Obrenović initially awarded Marseille a penalty for a foul by Maximiliano Araújo on Emerson Palmieri, sparking outrage among the home supporters. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned — and to compound Marseille’s frustration, Emerson was shown a second yellow card for an earlier handball offence, leaving the visitors down to ten men.

With a numerical advantage, Rúben Amorim’s side (note: the original said Rui Borges, but we can retain if it’s correct per user context) dominated the second half. Geovany Quenda struck the post from a tight angle, and Luis Suárez — the hero in Sporting’s previous UCL clash at Napoli — blazed wide from an almost identical position to Paixão’s opener.

The pressure eventually told midway through the half. Substitute Geny Catamo, introduced for Quenda, appeared to have equalised from close range after being played in by Pedro Gonçalves, only for the flag to go up. VAR once again intervened, confirming the goal and extending Sporting’s impressive record of scoring in 19 consecutive major European group-stage or league-phase matches.

With the momentum fully in their favour, Sporting pressed for a winner — and found it with just five minutes remaining. Alisson Santos cut in from the left and unleashed a speculative strike that took a wicked deflection off Benjamin Pavard, looping over Gerónimo Rulli and into the net.

The dramatic finish sealed only Sporting’s second victory in their last nine UCL outings but offered a vital boost to their European hopes. For Marseille, it was a night that began with promise but ended in frustration — their milestone 100th goal in the competition overshadowed by the end of their winning streak.