Napoli Claims First Champions League Victory Thanks to Hojlund's Brace
Loaned-out Man Utd forward Rasmus Hojlund netted a double as Napoli defeated Sporting to secure their first UEFA Champions League win of the season.
Each of the striker's strikes were set up by former Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, whereas Colombian forward Luis Suarez scored from a spot-kick for the Portuguese outfit Sporting.
Napoli's winning goal arrived late in the game, marking an improvement following the team's 2-0 loss at Manchester City in their opening match.
The Dane's Journey to Napoli
Hojlund completed a temporary switch to the Italian title holders on transfer deadline day at the beginning of September having not featured in Manchester United's first four matches of the new season.
He scored 26 goals in 95 games in his spell at Old Trafford after joining £72m move from the Italian club in the summer of 2023.
He scored just four times in the Premier League in 2024-25 but has now scored three times in five outings for the Italian side, who have an option to purchase the Denmark international for £38m at the conclusion of the campaign subject to certain clauses, such as qualifying for the Champions League.
Game Key Moments
The striker demonstrated speed and power for his first goal when he received De Bruyne's through ball before clinically finishing past keeper Silva.
A foul by Politano on Maximiliano Araujo to concede a spot-kick after the break, which Suarez converted to make it 1-1, but Hojlund got the winner with a brave header following De Bruyne's cross from the left touchline.
Sporting now have one win and one defeat of their two Champions League matches after they began with a convincing win over the team from Kazakhstan Kairat.
City of old, to United of old! - De Bruyne and Hojlund link up for Napoli opener
