Key Takeaways:
- Bayern Munich came from behind to defeat Sporting Lisbon 3-1 in the sixth round of the Champions League main stage
- Lennart Karl, at 17 years and 290 days, became the youngest ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches
- Bayern now stand on 15 points with direct qualification for the round of 16 virtually secured, while Sporting remain at 10 points
Match Analysis
Bayern Munich edged closer to securing a spot in the last eight of the Champions League following a 3-1 comeback triumph over Sporting Lisbon in the tournament’s main stage sixth round. Despite initially struggling against a spirited Sporting side, the German champions overturned a deficit after Joshua Kimmich’s 54th-minute own goal had given the Portuguese visitors the lead. The response from Vincent Kompany’s men was emphatic, with Serge Gnabry (65’), Lennart Karl (69’), and Jonathan Tah (77’) all finding the net to seal the points. Star striker Harry Kane, Bayern’s leading scorer, struck the post and registered several further attempts but failed to score on this occasion.
🔔 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 🔔
3️⃣ 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗦 & 3️⃣ 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 🔥 pic.twitter.com/15lHzcYsw6
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) December 9, 2025
Lennart Karl’s Landmark and Individual Performances
Bayern’s 17-year-old phenom Lennart Karl captured headlines by becoming the youngest player to score in three consecutive Champions League games, adding Sporting to previous strikes against Club Brugge and Arsenal. He achieved the feat at just 17 years and 290 days old, while missing the match against PSG. Serge Gnabry contributed both a goal and an assist for Jonathan Tah’s late strike, underlining his own strong form. The match also saw the much-anticipated return of Alphonso Davies, who featured for the first time in nearly nine months after a lengthy injury.
Qualification Picture and Dynamics
Bayern have accumulated 15 points from their campaign so far, effectively ensuring their direct progression to the round of 16. The Bavarians still have two fixtures remaining against Royale Union SG at home and PSV Eindhoven away. Sporting, on 10 points, still have a mathematical chance of advancing but now face a demanding task in pursuit of the top eight.
Head-to-Head Record & Team News
The result maintained Bayern Munich’s historical dominance over Sporting Lisbon, making it four wins and a draw across five meetings. The Germans also extended their unbeaten streak at home against Portuguese opponents to 14 games, comprising 12 victories and two draws.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was unable to call upon the suspended Luis Diaz, nor the recovering Jamal Musiala and injured Sacha Boey. For this fixture, the majority of key first-teamers returned to the lineup, with Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich, Dayot Upamecano, and Konrad Laimer retaining their starting berths from their previous 5-0 win against Stuttgart. Returns to the starting eleven included Harry Kane, Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlović, Manuel Neuer in goal, and Lennart Karl from the outset. Alphonso Davies, having recovered from a long-term injury, made his first squad appearance in almost nine months and appeared as a substitute.
Sporting’s manager Rui Borges contended with injuries to Jovane Kenda, Francisco Trincão, Daniel Bragança, and Pedro Gonçalves. The Portuguese side deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation led by Luis Suárez, with Geny Catamo, Maximiliano Araújo, and Alisson Santos providing support.
Key Match Incidents
Lennart Karl had an early finish ruled out for offside in the 5th minute, and was similarly unlucky in the 17th minute after failing to connect cleanly in a goalmouth scramble. Serge Gnabry frequently troubled Rui Silva’s goal with several drives, forcing a critical save in the 25th minute. Sporting’s Geny Catamo carved out Sporting’s best first-half chance, with Manuel Neuer performing well to prevent an own goal. Harry Kane responded by hitting the post for Bayern in the 37th minute. Karl fashioned a solo opportunity but shot directly at Silva before the break.
After half-time, Sporting threatened again through Catamo, but it was Joshua Kimmich’s attempted clearance from João Simões’ cross in the 54th minute that handed the Portuguese side the lead. Bayern quickly regrouped: Michael Olise’s 65th-minute corner picked out Serge Gnabry, who was left unmarked to level the score. Following a well-worked move four minutes later involving Olise and Laimer, Lennart Karl rifled home Bayern’s second, with Gnabry later heading on for Jonathan Tah to score the third in the 77th minute. With the result secured, Alphonso Davies was able to make his return following a long-term injury.
| Team | Goals | Goalscorers (Minutes) | Notable Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 3 | Gnabry (65′), Karl (69′), Tah (77′) | Karl (17 years, 290 days): Youngest to score in 3 straight UCL matches |
| Sporting Lisbon | 1 | Kimmich (OG, 54′) | – |
