Sporting CP vs Marseille: Late Goals and VAR Drama Light Up Lisbon

Eapen Alexander

Content Writer

At the Estádio José Alvalade, fans witnessed one of the most dramatic UEFA Champions League nights of the season as Sporting CP came from behind to beat Olympique de Marseille 2-1 on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

It was a game that had everything, a red card, overturned VAR decisions, late goals, and an atmosphere that could only be described as electric. Substitute heroes Geny Catamo and Alisson Santos inspired the Portuguese side to victory after Igor Paixao had given the visitors a first-half lead.

Marseille Start Brightly, Sporting Left Frustrated

Marseille arrived in Lisbon on a five-match winning run, full of confidence and composure. Their intent was clear from the start, to silence the home crowd early. And they did just that in the 14th minute.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, showing flashes of his Premier League brilliance, sprayed a superb cross-field ball to Igor Paixao. The Brazilian winger cut inside his defender and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner, leaving Antonio Adán rooted. It was Paixao’s third Champions League goal of the season, and it put the Ligue 1 side firmly in control.

The Liga Portugal side, however, didn’t go down without a fight. Marcus Edwards and Geovany Quenda both came close to equalising, with Quenda’s pace causing serious trouble for the French backline. The Alvalade faithful urged their team on, sensing that something special might yet unfold.

VAR Turns the Game on Its Head

Just before halftime, Marseille thought they’d been awarded a penalty after Emerson Palmieri went down in the box. But in a dramatic twist, VAR intervened, not only overturning the decision but showing Emerson a second yellow card for simulation.

The incident left Marseille fuming and forced them to play the entire second half with ten men. Manager Roberto De Zerbi could only watch as his side’s discipline began to unravel under Sporting’s growing pressure.

From that moment, the energy in Lisbon shifted completely. The green-and-white stands roared louder, and Sporting poured forward with intent.

Catamo and Santos Seal a Famous Comeback

The breakthrough came in the 69th minute. Substitute Geny Catamo, barely a few minutes after coming on, found himself in space on the edge of the box. His low, curling strike slipped past Geronimo Rulli and into the bottom corner.

Initially ruled offside, the goal stood after a VAR review, and the stadium erupted. Sporting had its lifeline. Then came the winning moment that will be replayed for weeks. In the 86th minute, Alisson Santos, another super sub, cut inside from the left, unleashed a right-footed effort, and watched it deflect past Rulli into the top corner.

The noise that followed was deafening. From despair to delirium, Sporting had turned the game on its head in true Champions League fashion.

Late Drama and a Lisbon Carnival

There was still time for controversy when Sporting’s Maximiliano Araujo saw red in stoppage time for a high challenge, only for VAR to downgrade it to a yellow, a decision met with relief from the home crowd.

When the final whistle blew, players fell to their knees in exhaustion and jubilation. The victory marked Sporting’s second win in the group stage, lifting them to 11th with six points, while Marseille dropped to 18th with just one win in three.

For fans inside the Estádio José Alvalade, it was an evening to remember, the kind of rollercoaster that defines European nights.

What’s Next for Both Teams

Sporting CP will look to continue their momentum as they prepare for their next UCL fixture against Serie A side Juventus, hoping to cement their spot among Europe’s elite. For Marseille, it’s back to the drawing board. De Zerbi’s men remain a dangerous side, but discipline will be key if they hope to revive their European campaign against Atalanta in their next game in the UCL.

You can now book 100% guaranteed and genuine tickets to Sporting CP’s Liga Portugal clash against Alverca and Marseille’s match against RC Lens via the 1BoxOffice Website.