Napoli claimed their first win of the Champions League league phase with a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as Rasmus Højlund struck in each half and Kevin De Bruyne supplied both assists.
Antonio Conte’s side were neat in possession during a cautious opening, yet offered little threat beyond efforts from distance that tested Rui Silva only in comfort. The match’s early flashpoint came when Kevin De Bruyne caught an opponent with a high challenge that brought neither a card nor a review, before the Belgian imposed himself in trademark style. Gliding through midfield after a Sporting attack broke down, De Bruyne threaded a precise pass for Højlund, who finished firmly under Silva to open the scoring. Moments later, Matteo Politano bent a curling shot towards the far corner, only for Silva to turn it away.
Sporting levelled on the hour. Maximiliano Araújo was tripped by Politano inside the area and substitute Luis Suárez converted from the spot. Conte introduced David Neres and Noa Lang to lift the tempo, but the visitors spurned the next clear chance when Pedro Gonçalves blazed over from close range.
Napoli punished that miss four minutes later. De Bruyne delivered a delicious cross, and Højlund showed bravery to beat Silva to the ball and nod home the winner. The result gets Napoli up and running, while Sporting are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after a disciplined away display.
