Key Takeaways:
- Sporting CP arrived in Naples several hours behind schedule on the eve of their Champions League clash at Napoli
- The team’s flight from Lisbon was initially delayed by runway traffic and subsequently by an aircraft issue, resulting in departure at 20:00 CET and arrival at 23:00
- After landing, Sporting CP’s players had their sleep disrupted by fireworks set off by Napoli supporters outside their hotel
Nightmare Journey Disrupts Sporting CP’s Pre-Match Preparations
Sporting CP’s build-up to their Champions League fixture against Napoli at the Stadio Maradona was thrown into disarray following a series of troubling incidents on Tuesday. According to Repubblica and other Italian media sources, their trip began with significant delays at Lisbon airport, where the squad checked in at approximately 14:00 local time and boarded their flight at 14:55.
Initial runway congestion contributed to an early setback, but matters worsened when a problem arose with the aircraft itself. The Portuguese side was consequently stranded at the airport for several more hours, missing their original departure window and being forced to depart as late as 20:00 CET.
After a nearly 4 hour delay, Sporting landed in Italy for their Champions League match Wednesday night against Napoli.
Due to late arrival, Rui Borges Press Conference was cancelled. https://t.co/ZgxplzsdLX
— PortugueseSoccer.com ⚽️ (@PsoccerCOM) September 30, 2025
Press Commitments Cancelled as Arrival in Naples Is Pushed Back
The travel chaos led to the official pre-match press conference – scheduled to feature coach Rui Borges and one Sporting CP player at the Stadio Maradona – being cancelled. Sporting CP finally touched down in Naples at 23:00, far later than planned, leaving the team with limited recovery time ahead of their scheduled match.
Further Setbacks as Napoli Fans Disturb Sporting CP’s Night
The difficult evening did not end at the airport. Upon their late arrival at their hotel in Naples, Sporting CP were subjected to further disruption. Napoli supporters ignited fireworks outside the team’s accommodation, disturbing the Portuguese side’s efforts to rest and prepare mentally for the upcoming fixture.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 14:00 (Lisbon time) | Sporting CP arrive at Lisbon airport |
| 14:55 | Team boards aircraft |
| Afternoon-Evening | Flight delayed first by runway traffic, then by aircraft issue |
| 20:00 CET | Flight departs Lisbon |
| 23:00 CET | Team lands in Naples |
| Late night | Fireworks set off outside Sporting CP hotel by Napoli fans |
