This mid-group clash is a critical encounter in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with both Sporting CP and Olympique de Marseille having started their European campaigns with a win and a loss, leaving them locked on 3 points apiece in the standings. The match in Lisbon will be a pivotal opportunity for either side to take an advantage and consolidate a top-two position as they head into the second half of the group fixtures. Sporting will look to bounce back from their recent Champions League defeat, while high-flying Marseille aims to overcome their poor away record in the competition.
Match Details
DetailInformationCompetition/PhaseUEFA Champions League, Matchday 3DateWednesday, October 22, 2025Kick-off20:00 BST / 19:00 UTCVenueEstádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
Team Form and Analysis
Sporting CP (Team 1)
Domestic Form (Liga Portugal): Sporting CP is in strong domestic form, currently occupying a top position in the Liga Portugal table. Their recent domestic results have been solid, though they required extra time to secure a win in the Taça de Portugal at the weekend (3-2 win over Paços de Ferreira).
European Performance (Champions League): They have a mixed bag in the Champions League so far. A dominant 4-1 home victory against an outsider team on Matchday 1 demonstrated their attacking flair, but this was followed by a close 2-1 away loss to a strong opponent on Matchday 2. Their recent overall record in the Champions League has been patchy (1 win in the last 8 UCL matches).
Key Player: Francisco Trincão is a player in form, having a significant impact in recent games. His ability to score and create, often in the later stages of matches, makes him a constant threat.
Marseille (Team 2)
Domestic Form (Ligue 1): Olympique de Marseille are in superb form, currently sitting atop the Ligue 1 table. They are on a run of multiple consecutive wins across all competitions, including a recent, emphatic 6-2 domestic victory. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has them playing exciting, attacking football.
European Performance (Champions League): Marseille also sits on 3 points in the group. They are coming off a monumental 4-0 thrashing of a well-known European club on Matchday 2, which followed a narrow defeat to a European powerhouse on Matchday 1. Their primary concern is their away record in the UCL, having lost 11 of their last 12 UCL away games—though their single win in that run did come at the Estádio José Alvalade back in the 2022/23 campaign.
Key Player: Mason Greenwood has been electric, showcasing his attacking quality and goal-scoring prowess, recently netting four goals in a domestic league match. He is the spearhead of Marseille’s current attacking success.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent head-to-head record favours the French side:
Total Matches: 4
Sporting CP Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Marseille Wins: 3
The two clubs met in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage, with Marseille winning both encounters: 4-1 at home and 2-0 in Lisbon.
Players to Watch
L. J. Suárez (Sporting CP): The forward has been a consistent goal threat in the domestic league and will be crucial in converting the chances created by the Sporting midfield.
Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP): The defensive midfielder is the engine room of the team. His battle in the center of the park will be vital in controlling the match tempo and disrupting Marseille’s creative play.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille): The veteran striker continues to deliver in Europe, notably contributing a goal and two assists in his last Champions League outing. His experience and clinical finishing are key to Marseille’s European hopes.
Matt O’Riley (Marseille): The creative Danish midfielder is central to Marseille’s build-up and link-up play, providing a crucial connection between the midfield and the attack.
Prediction
Marseille is arguably in the better all-around form, dominating domestically and delivering a huge performance in their last Champions League game. However, their dreadful record in UCL away matches, combined with Sporting’s strong home advantage and flair for scoring goals, makes this a tightly contested affair. Sporting will press hard, but Marseille’s potent attack, spearheaded by Greenwood and Aubameyang, is difficult to contain. Both teams have shown a tendency for high-scoring games in the Champions League this season.
Predicted Outcome: A hard-fought match ending in a draw, with goals exchanged.
Score Prediction: Sporting CP 2 – 2 Marseille
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast in various territories:
Country/RegionTV/Streaming ServiceUnited Kingdom (UK)TNT SportsUnited States (US)Paramount+, ViX, CBS Sports Golazo NetworkPortugalTBC (often Elevensports/DAZN)FranceCanal+, RMC Sport
Check your local listings for the most accurate broadcast information.
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