UCL: Kairat's Brave Start Ends in 4-1 Defeat to Sporting CP

Sporting CP crushes Kairat Almaty 4-1 in Champions League opener

Sporting CP dominated Kairat Almaty in their UEFA Champions League opener. Sporting CP sealed a convincing 4-1 win over Kairat Almaty with a stunning three-minute blitz in the second half.

The opening two minutes of the second half were electrifying, with both teams creating scoring opportunities...

Sporting CP thrashed Kazakh debutants Kairat Almaty 4-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener. The Portuguese side dominated the match, but Kairat put up stiff resistance for over an hour at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Teenage goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza made a series of impressive saves to keep his team in the game for most of the first half.

Kalmurza's dream start to his career was marked by several key saves, keeping Kairat level for much of the opening 45 minutes. However, Sporting CP's relentless pressure eventually paid off as they scored four goals in the second half, securing a convincing win.

Goalkeeper Kalmurza made a vital save midway through the first half, denying Sporting a penalty kick opportunity. Alexander Mrynskiy's heavy touch and rash tackle on Luis Suarez gifted Sporting a penalty, but Kalmurza's quick reflexes and smart anticipation allowed him to stop the penalty with his legs.

Kalmurza's penalty save showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills, as he remained calm and composed despite Morten Hjulmand's stuttering run-up. By not committing fully to the dive, Kalmurza was able to react effectively and make the save, ultimately saving his team's blushes in a critical moment of the game.

Sporting CP continued to dominate possession, but Kairat's Dastan Satpayev nearly caught them off guard with a long-range strike that Joao Virginia spectacularly tipped over. This moment highlighted the home side's vulnerability despite their dominance.

Sporting CP dominate in Lisbon 🟢⚪️#UCL pic.twitter.com/dfzHa20BME

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 18, 2025

Sporting eventually capitalized on their dominance when Francisco Trincão curled a shot into the top corner, which Kalmurza couldn't hold onto. The goal marked the breakthrough Sporting had been working towards, and it set the stage for their eventual 4-1 victory.

The opening two minutes of the second half were electrifying, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Kairat's Satpayev was gifted a chance due to slack Sporting passing, but goalkeeper Antonio Adán Virginia made a crucial low save to deny him. Moments later, Sporting's Luis Suarez had a header rebound off the bar after Kalmurza was caught out by a cross, showcasing the intense action and near misses in this thrilling match.

Sporting sealed their victory with a stunning three-minute spell, scoring two goals to put the game out of Kairat's reach. Francisco Trincão doubled Sporting's lead with a beautifully curled shot into the top corner from 12 yards out.

Just a minute later, substitute Alisson Santos scored his first goal for the club, capitalizing on a driving run from Geovany Quenda. The pass from Quenda set up Santos perfectly, and he finished clinically to put the result beyond doubt.

Alisson Santos sealed the win with a clinical finish, slaloming past three defenders before placing the ball home with precision. This goal put the result beyond doubt, showcasing his skill and composure in front of goal.

O 𝐌𝐕𝐏 do jogo desta noite, Francisco Trincão 🪄 #SCPFCK #UCL pic.twitter.com/7UXmkUaLEl

— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) September 18, 2025

In the final minutes, Kairat scored their first-ever UEFA Champions League goal through substitute Edmilson, who rocketed the ball into the net with just four minutes remaining, providing a consolation goal for the debutants.