Overview

• Kevin De Bruyne created both goals, first releasing Rasmus Højlund in the 36th minute before supplying a late cross for the decisive header.
• Sporting pulled level when Luis Suárez converted a penalty awarded after Matteo Politano tripped Maximiliano Araújo, following an earlier rejected handball appeal for Napoli.
• Højlund is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, and multiple outlets have reported that any obligation to buy is conditional on Champions League qualification.
• The forward’s celebration included pointing to the Champions League badge, which many fans interpreted on social media as a message to his parent club, though his intent was not confirmed.
• Napoli maintained a strong European home record, having lost only one of their previous 17 Champions League matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.