Sporting CP – Paris Saint-Germain: Parisians All Purr, Lions All Bite (2-1)

With the Champions League holders coming to Lisbon, Rui Borges reverted Sporting CP to a back five that had become their trademark in recent years. Patience was key as Paris Saint-Germain controlled possession, but in the second half, small tweaks saw Sporting counter a rest defense that had grown more vulnerable.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Just over a year in the job, Rui Borges has moved the back-to-back Portuguese champions into a new look. Ruben Amorim offered flexible options, rooted in a back three. Under Borges, Sporting have operated in a 4-2-3-1 structure, Francisco Trincão peeling into the right halfspace from the ten spot and Pedro Gonçalves dropping into narrow spots from the left-wing spot. In a tough run of fixtures, Sporting seems destined to qualify for the next round, having beaten Marseille, Kairat and Club Brugge. However, the top eight is still in range despite the number of teams eyeing up the same positions.

One of those teams that could avoid those two extra games is the European winners. RC Lens may top the league, but Luis Enrique’s team still hold the attention as one of the most exciting teams to watch. With Ousmane Dembélé back to full fitness, PSG have reaped the rewards from their Ballon d’Or winner, two remarkable goals in the 3-0 win over Lille taking the spotlight once again. Three points in Lisbon would all but confirm their position in the top eight of the league phase.

Borges made two changes from the team that beat Casa Pia 3-0 in the Liga . . .