Ousmane Diomande delivered a decisive performance on a dramatic European night, scoring and anchoring Sporting CP’s resilience as the Portuguese side claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao.
The hosts looked determined to take control early and stunned Sporting inside three minutes through Oihan Sancet.
But Sporting refused to panic, and their response was led by Diomande. The Ivorian defender stepped up in the 12th minute to equalise, finishing off a well-worked move and immediately shifting the momentum of the contest. His goal breathed life into Sporting’s performance and gave them the belief they needed to fight their way back into the game.
Gorka Guruzeta scored to give Athletic lead midway through the first half, the tie appeared to be slipping away from the visitors.
After the break, Sporting continued to push forward with renewed confidence. Trincão drew them level in the 62nd minute, capping off a sustained spell of pressure that left Athletic struggling to cope. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Sporting kept pressing for a winner.
Deep into stoppage time, Alisson Santos delivered the decisive moment, completing a remarkable comeback in the 94th minute and silencing the San Mamés crowd.
While the late winner stole the headlines, Diomande’s early strike proved just as crucial. It was the goal that changed the tone of the game and set Sporting on the path to victory on the European stage.