Sporting Lisbon might be one of the big three in Portuguese football but their appearance in UEFA Champions League is not exactly regular. However, it does not mean that they have no notable moments at all. Their return to the continental top flight in 2021/22 season shall bring positive atmosphere to the club as well as their home turf, Jose Avalade stadium, which can hold over 50,000 fans. The UCL fixtures there are worth watching.
Several Portuguese international players have been apart of Sporting Lisbon’s history in their European top flight along with some other names in early 1980s and late 2000s. The likes of Rui Jordao, Manuel Fernandes, Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Daniel Carrico, Yannick Djalo, Liedson and Rui Patricio are some of those well known names from the club. Meanwhile, the managers who have made notable contributions for Sporting Lisbon’s progress in the Champions League are Antonio Olivera and Paulo Bento.
Top Achievements
Unlike their contenders in Portuguese football, Benfica and Porto, Sporting Lisbon has yet won the UEFA Champions League. Their best results were only progressing to the quarter final and round of 16 in two occasions, 1982/83 and 2008/09 season. The rest of their campaign in UCL ended up at the group stage.
In the former one, Sporting CP under Antonio Olivera lost to Real Sociedad in 1-2 aggregate at the last eight while in the latter season, Paulo Bento’s men were even hammered by Bayern Munich in 1-12 in aggregate after progressing from the group stage for the first time since 1983.
Iconic Moments
Sporting Lisbon might only have a few moments to remember. Since their first entry to the Champions League, which was in the very first season this competition began in 1955/56, they only managed to advance at the latter stage twice.
The first unforgettable moment was at the group stage of 2008/09 when Miguel Veloso and Co won in all matches against Basel and Shakhtar Donetsk, home and away, leading them to advance. Some other ones were also at the same stage, although the victory did not send them further. In 2006/07, they thumped Inter Milan 1-0 at the group opener. Then, in 1997/98 group opener again, Sporting CP trashed Monaco 3-0.
Unfortunately, their moments of disgrace have been more recognisable. In their debut in 1955/56, their campaign stopped instantly after the loss to Partizan Belgrade in 5-8 aggregate. Then, in 1982/83, their hope to go through the last four was crushed after losing 0-2 at the second leg by Real Sociedad. Finally, in 2008/09, they were hapless while taking on big teams like Barcelona and Bayern. The Portuguese side suffered big defeats, 2-5 versus Lionel Messi and Co in Lisbon, and 0-5 plus 1-7 to Die Roeten.
