Juventus vs Sporting CP

Juventus and Sporting CP renew their European rivalry at the Allianz Stadium in a match that could prove decisive in the battle for the next round. Both sides have a rich continental history, but it is Juventus who hold the upper hand in this fixture. Juventus come into this encounter looking to rebuild after parting ways with coach Igor Tudor on October 27, with Spalletti slipping in. This season marks their 25th appearance in the Champions League proper—extending their record for Italian clubs—but recent European form has been inconsistent. Juve have drawn five of their last eight league-phase matches (W1 L2) and managed only three wins in their last 14 (D5 L6). Across all European competitions, they have won just five of their last 21 matches, losing ten, including a narrow 0-1 defeat at Real Madrid on Matchday 3. At home, however, Juventus remain tough to beat. They have suffered just two defeats in their last ten European fixtures in Turin (W5 D3) and will be aiming to rediscover that resilience under newly appointed Spalletti. The Bianconeri are unbeaten in all four previous meetings with Sporting (W2 D2), winning both encounters in Turin. The most recent came in the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, when Juve advanced 2-1 on aggregate thanks to Federico Gatti’s winner in the first leg. The Italian giants also triumphed 2-1 at home and drew 1-1 away in the 2017/18 group stage, underlining their consistent dominance in this matchup. Generally, Juventus have fared well against Portuguese opposition, winning seven of their 11 home matches (D1 L3). However, they did fall to a 0-2 defeat against Benfica in last season’s group stage — a reminder that success is never guaranteed. In fact, the Turin club have recorded only two wins in their last eight games against Portuguese sides (D2 L4). Spalletti is expected to deploy a 3—5—2 with Dušan Vlahović and Openda in attack against Sporting.

Sporting CP sit in 11th place on the league phase table, having bounced back to winning ways following a comeback 2-1 win over Marseille on UCL Match Day 3. The Portuguese outfit are making their 12th appearance in the Champions League proper and their fourth in the last five seasons. The Lisbon club were 23rd in last year’s league phase and were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in the knockout play-offs. Despite losing their last three away league /group-stage matches by the same 1-2 scoreline, they have scored in 19 consecutive European group-stage games—a testament to their attacking intent. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Luis Suárez in attack is expected here.