Sturm Graz vs Sporting CP
Champions League this season
View moreOutcome Breakdown
| GP | P | GD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 8 | 11 | 1 | |
| 30 | 8 | 6 | -9 |
SCP
STU
SK Sturm Graz face Sporting CP on UCL MD 3.
In a UEFA Champions League showdown, SK Sturm Graz look to overturn their European fortunes as they host a formidable Sporting CP side, both aiming to extend their recent impressive forms in an intriguing matchday 3 encounter at the 28 Black Arena.
Sturm Graz
Sturm Graz find themselves in 31st place on the UCL league phase standings. They suffered a 2-1 loss to Champions League debutants Brest in their opening game, followed by a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge on matchday 2. A stunning strike from Christos Tzolis midway through the first half was enough to hand Christian Ilzer’s side their second loss of the tournament.
However, Sturm Graz has shown a remarkable turnaround, securing convincing back-to-back wins since then. These victories include a 5-0 thrashing of Salzburg and a 5-2 league victory against Grazer AK in their most recent outing.
They will now look to carry this impressive form into the European front when they host Sporting for their UCL matchday 3 encounter this Tuesday, hoping to secure their first win of the tournament. This marks the second consecutive season Sturm Graz faces Sporting in Europe, having met twice in the UEFA Europa League group stage last season, where the Portuguese side claimed a 5-1 aggregate victory over two legs.
The hosts have lost their last four UCL games, including two this season. A loss this Tuesday will see the Blacks suffer five consecutive defeats in the competition for the first time ever.
Ilzer could retain the 3-4-3 formation deployed last time out, with William Böving, Mika Biereth, and Seedy Jatta in attack.
Sporting CP
Meanwhile, Sporting have collected four points from a possible six in their Champions League campaign so far. A 2-0 victory over Lille on matchday 1, followed by a 1-1 draw against PSV, places the Lions in 12th place on the UCL league phase standings.
Sporting have since continued their strong form, picking up consecutive wins, including a 2-0 league win over Casa Pia and a last-gasp 2-1 victory against Portimonense in the third round of the Taça de Portugal. With these victories, they extended their unbeaten run to 11 games across all competitions [WWDWW].
Despite rumours linking manager Rúben Amorim with a potential move to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's successor, he has firmly dismissed any speculation, stating, ‘Nothing has changed at Sporting. Nothing.’ He will now lead Sporting into their matchday 3 UCL clash away against Sturm Graz, where they will aim for a second win of the tournament.
However, Sporting have picked up only one win in seven European trips to Austria [1W, 2D, 4L]. Viktor Gyökeres, Francisco Trincão, and Conrad Harder are all expected in Amorim's familiar 3—4—3 formation.
Team form
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