Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim revealed an unusual source of motivation ahead of his side’s remarkable Europa League comeback against Lyon—a documentary on Manchester United’s iconic 1999 treble-winning season. The young Portuguese coach, already regarded as one of Europe’s brightest tactical minds, sought inspiration from one of football’s greatest ever turnarounds before orchestrating his own.
Facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in Lisbon, Sporting traveled to France knowing they needed a strong performance to keep their European dreams alive. Lyon, backed by a roaring home crowd at the Groupama Stadium, started brightly and looked in control. Yet what followed was a thrilling encounter that mirrored the never-say-die spirit of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary Manchester United side.
Amorim’s men fell behind early, with Lyon extending their aggregate lead to 3-1. The tie seemed all but over, but Sporting refused to surrender. A quickfire double before halftime—first from Pedro Gonçalves, then a stunning long-range strike by Matheus Nunes—brought the visitors level on aggregate. The momentum had shifted, and when Paulinho slotted home in the second half, Sporting completed a stunning turnaround to win 4-3 on aggregate.
In his post-match interview, Amorim made a surprising admission. “I watched a documentary on Manchester United’s 1999 season before the game,” he revealed. “That team never gave up, even when it seemed impossible. I wanted my players to understand that mentality.”
The parallels were striking. United’s treble-winning campaign was defined by late, dramatic goals—most famously in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, where two injury-time strikes snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Amorim, who was just 14 years old at the time, clearly internalized those lessons.
“Football is about more than tactics,” he explained. “It’s about belief. When you see what United did, coming back so many times, it reminds you that anything is possible if you keep fighting.”
At just 37, Amorim has already established himself as one of the most exciting coaches in Europe. After a brief but impressive spell at Braga, he took over Sporting in 2020 and led them to their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years. His dynamic, attack-minded style has drawn comparisons to Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, but his ability to instill resilience in his squad sets him apart.
This season, Sporting have been thrilling to watch, blending homegrown talent like Nunes and Gonçalves with shrewd signings. Their European run has only enhanced Amorim’s reputation, with several top clubs reportedly monitoring his progress.
Having overcome Lyon, Sporting now advance to the Europa League quarterfinals, where they will face another stern test. But with Amorim at the helm, they will fear no one. His willingness to draw inspiration from football’s greatest underdog stories speaks volumes about his approach.
“We know we’re not the favorites,” Amorim admitted. “But neither were United in some of their biggest games. Football is unpredictable, and if you play with courage, you can achieve special things.”
For Sporting’s fans, this victory was more than just a step forward in Europe—it was a reminder of what their club can achieve under the right leadership. And for Amorim, it was further proof that sometimes, history’s greatest moments can inspire the next generation of triumphs.
As the final whistle blew in Lyon, the celebrations were wild but purposeful. This was not just a win—it was a statement. And if Ruben Amorim continues to channel the spirit of 1999, who knows how far this Sporting side can go?
