Napoli Secures First UEFA Champions League Win Powered by Hojlund's Brace
On-loan Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund netted a double as Napoli defeated Sporting to claim their maiden Champions League win of the campaign.
Both of Hojlund's goals came with assists from ex-City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, whereas Colombian forward Luis Suarez converted a penalty for Portuguese side Sporting.
Napoli's winning goal came in the 79th minute, with this positive result following the team's defeat at Manchester City in their opening match.
The Dane's Journey to Napoli
Hojlund completed a season-long loan move to the reigning Serie A champions on transfer deadline day at the start of the month having not featured in United's first four matches of 2025-26.
The 22-year-old scored 26 goals in 95 appearances in his spell at Manchester United after joining £72m move from the Italian club in the summer of 2023.
He scored just four times in the English top flight in last season but has already netted three goals in five outings for Napoli, who have an option to purchase the Denmark international for £38m at the conclusion of the campaign subject to certain clauses, including qualifying for the Champions League.
Match Key Moments
The striker demonstrated speed and power for his first goal when he received a precise pass from De Bruyne before clinically finishing past keeper Rui Silva.
Matteo Politano fouled Maximiliano Araujo to concede a spot-kick after the break, which Suarez converted to make it 1-1, but Hojlund scored the decisive goal with a courageous headed effort following a delivery from De Bruyne from the left touchline.
Sporting now have one win and one defeat of their two Champions League matches after they began with a 4-1 victory over the team from Kazakhstan Kairat.
From City to United! - De Bruyne and Hojlund link up for the first goal
