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Hojlund and De Bruyne combine to push Napoli past Sporting / Photo: © AFP
NYSE - LSE
Hojlund and De Bruyne combine to push Napoli past Sporting
Rasmus Hojlund gave Napoli their first points in this season's Champions League with a brace in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in Naples.
Denmark striker Hojlund netted in each half to give Serie A champions Napoli a big win in front of relieved fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Both of the 22-year-old's strikes came via Kevin De Bruyne whose magic boots conjured up both assists, denying Sporting who levelled in the 62nd minute through a Luis Suarez penalty.
De Bruyne was key to Napoli taking the lead in the 36th minute as he burst from in front of his own area before beautifully sliding through Hojlund who calmly slotted past Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva.
And he was supplier again with 11 minutes remaining with a teasing, inswinging cross from the left flank which allowed Hojlund to nip in front of Silva and head home the winning goal.
The home fans exploded with joy at Hojlund's third goal since arriving from Manchester United, as the hosts looked lost once Colombia forward Suarez stroked his spot-kick past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
But De Bruyne was on hand to create the winner, a good sign for supporters after the Belgian star showed clear signs of irritation towards coach Antonio Conte when he was substituted in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at AC Milan.
A.Smith--SFF
