Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat in the Champions League on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Sporting CP delivered a commanding performance against Kairat, securing a 4-1 victory at home in the Champions League. The result was not surprising given Sporting's recent form, which included a strong run of wins in Liga Portugal. Francisco Trincão was the standout player, scoring twice and helping Sporting extend their winning streak in European competition. Kairat, on the other hand, struggled to keep up, with their recent results showing a lack of offensive firepower and a tendency to draw or lose.

The game saw Sporting dominate from the outset, with Trincão opening the scoring just before halftime. Despite a missed penalty by Morten Hjulmand, Sporting's second half was relentless, with three more goals sealing the win. Kairat managed a late consolation goal, but it did little to change the narrative of the match. This victory not only showcased Sporting's attacking prowess but also highlighted Kairat's defensive vulnerabilities.

The statistics from the match clearly reflect Sporting CP's dominance over Kairat. With 64% possession and eight corners compared to Kairat's 36% and three corners, Sporting controlled the game's tempo and created numerous scoring opportunities. The successful dribbles percentage of 69% for Sporting versus 43% for Kairat further underscores their superior ball handling and attacking play. The four yellow cards for Sporting suggest a more aggressive approach, but it did not detract from their overall performance.

The assist count of three for Sporting compared to Kairat's one highlights the team's effective teamwork and passing. Kairat's lower numbers across the board, particularly in possession and dribbling success, indicate a struggle to match Sporting's intensity and skill. The statistics align well with the final scoreline, confirming Sporting's deserved victory.

The match's turning point came just before halftime when Francisco Trincão scored his first goal, giving Sporting a lead they would not relinquish. This goal, coming in the 44th minute, set the tone for the second half, where Sporting's dominance was even more pronounced. Trincão's second goal in the 65th minute further solidified Sporting's control, showcasing his pivotal role in the victory.

Kairat's late response came in the 86th minute when Edmilson de Paula Santos Filho scored, but it was too little too late. Earlier, Sporting's substitutions in the 61st minute, including Fotis Ioannidis, Hidemasa Morita, and Alisson de Almeida Santos, proved impactful, with Santos scoring just minutes after coming on. These key moments underscored Sporting's ability to maintain pressure and capitalise on opportunities.

Sporting CP lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with João Virgínia in goal and a backline of Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Bernardo, and Maximiliano Araújo. The midfield was anchored by Morten Hjulmand and Giorgi Kochorashvili, with Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincão, and Pedro Gonçalves supporting striker Luis Javier Suárez. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises.

The impact of substitutions was significant, particularly the trio brought on in the 61st minute. Alisson de Almeida Santos scored shortly after entering the game, while Francisco Trincão's brace highlighted his effectiveness in the starting lineup. The formation and player choices allowed Sporting to maintain control and exploit Kairat's weaknesses effectively.

Kairat opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sherhan Kalmurza in goal and a defense consisting of Erkin Tapalov, Aleksandr Martynovich, Egor Sorokin, and Luís Mata. The midfield was controlled by Damir Kasabulat and Ofri Arad, with Aleksandr Mrynskiy, Jorginho, and Valeriy Gromyko supporting striker Dastan Satpaev. The lineup was standard, with no notable surprises.

Kairat's substitutions in the second half, including Edmilson de Paula Santos Filho, who scored a late goal, were attempts to change the game's momentum. However, these changes came too late to alter the outcome significantly. The lineup and formation did not provide the necessary defensive solidity or offensive threat to challenge Sporting effectively.

Francisco Trincão is Bwin’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring two goals, Trincão was instrumental in Sporting's victory, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to impact the game decisively. Despite not registering any assists or big chances created, his two key passes highlight his involvement in the team's attacking play. Trincão's contribution was pivotal in securing the win for Sporting CP.

• Win: 4-1 vs Kairat (H)

• Loss: 1-4 vs Sporting CP (A)

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