Sporting Lisbon vs Young Boys
UEFA Europa League
Round of 32
Thursday
22nd February 2024
Estadio Jose Alvalade
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Sporting Lisbon and Young Boys.
Sporting Lisbon vs Young Boys: Preview
Sporting Lisbon form analysis
In the Europa League group stage, Sporting Lisbon started with a 1-1 away draw against Rakow Czestochowa despite taking an early lead through Sebastian Coates. They won the home tie 2-1 courtesy of two Pote penalties to progress as group winners. In their double header against Atalanta, Sporting could only manage a 1-1 home draw but defeated Sturm Graz home and away, winning 3-0 at home. Gonçalo Inácio scored in both games while Viktor Gyökeres also found the net.
In the knockout playoffs, Sporting won 3-1 away at Young Boys. An own goal gave them the lead before Gyökeres converted a penalty. Gonçalo Inácio extended the lead after the break. Overall, Sporting have been solid at the back aside from the away draw in Poland. Gyökeres has been a consistent attacking threat with four goals, while Portuguese wingers Edwards and Pote have also delivered in providing creativity and goals. However, Sporting will need to improve their away scoring form if they are to make a deep run. But their organized defense should give them a platform to advance further.
Young Boys form analysis
Young Boys had a difficult Champions League group stage campaign. They lost both games against Manchester City by 3-1 and 3-0 scorelines. Despite Meschack Elia equalizing early in the second half at home, City powered on to win comfortably on each occasion with Erling Haaland scoring in every game. Against Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys managed a 2-0 home win thanks to an own goal and Louis Blum’s strike. But a 2-1 defeat away at RB Leipzig saw Young Boys finish bottom of Group G.
In the Europa League playoffs, Young Boys hosted Sporting Lisbon but fell to a 3-1 defeat. An own goal and Viktor Gyökeres’ penalty put Sporting in control before Fabian Rieder pulled one back right on halftime. However, Gonçalo Inácio restored the two-goal cushion after the break. Going forward, Young Boys have struggled to create clear chances and rely heavily on set pieces. Defensively they have conceded too many goals against high-quality opposition. Overall, it has been a learning experience for Young Boys’ young squad, but they have a long way to go to compete at this elite European level.
