Sporting CP Demolishes AEK 11-0
Sporting CP delivered a masterclass performance in Greece, dismantling AEK Futsal 11-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Futsal Champions League round of 16 tie. The Portuguese giants showcased why they’re two-time European champions with a ruthless attacking display that leaves them virtually guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals ahead of the return leg on December 4th.
A Statement Performance
From the opening whistle, Sporting controlled the tempo at AEK’s home venue. The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Tomás Paçó and Wesley both hitting the crossbar early before Vinicius Rocha broke through in the sixth minute. The Brazilian forward spun onto his favored left foot and powered a shot into the back of the net, setting the tone for what would become a historic thrashing.
Floodgates opened quickly after that. Within the span of just 60 seconds, Alex Merlim and Felipe Valério extended the advantage to 3-0. Despite creating numerous additional chances, Sporting headed into halftime with that comfortable three-goal cushion, but they were far from finished.
Eight Different Scorers
What makes this result even more impressive is how Sporting spread the scoring responsibilities across their talented squad. Eight different players found the back of the net, demonstrating the depth and quality that has made them one of Europe’s futsal powerhouses.
Diogo Santos opened the second-half scoring with a well-placed low shot before adding a second goal later in the match. The defender also turned provider, setting up Allan Guilherme for Sporting’s ninth goal with a simple tap-in finish. Alex Merlim bagged his second of the night following an exceptional individual effort, while Zicky Té and Tomás Paçó also joined the party.
Bruno Pinto completed the scoring with a late brace, first from a deflection near the goal mouth and then following up on a rebound after an initial shot struck the post. By the final whistle, AEK had been completely overwhelmed by the clinical Portuguese side.
Sporting’s European Pedigree
This dominant performance shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with Sporting’s futsal program. The Lisbon-based club has established themselves as a European elite, winning the UEFA Futsal Champions League in 2018-19 and 2020-21. They’ve reached the finals an incredible nine times in the past 11 years and have appeared in five consecutive final tournaments.
Under coach Nuno Dias, who has been at the helm for 12 seasons, Sporting has collected an astonishing 29 trophies out of a possible 50 competitions,. Including nine Portuguese championships. The team’s success stems from a blend of experienced stars like João Matos and Alex Merlim, combined with exceptional young talents such as 22-year-old Zicky Té and 24-year-old Tomás Paçó.
New Tournament Format
This season marks a significant change in the UEFA Futsal Champions League structure. For the first time, the competition features two-legged round of 16 and quarterfinal ties before the traditional four-team final tournament. This new format ensures that every team among the last 16 gets at least one home match, adding competitive edge to each encounter.
The finals will take place in Pesaro, Italy, on May 8-10, 2025. With their commanding first-leg advantage, Sporting are well-positioned to advance past AEK when they host the second leg at the iconic Pavilhão João Rocha in Lisbon.
While the tie isn’t mathematically over, an 11-goal deficit represents a virtually insurmountable challenge for the Greek side. Barring a historic collapse, Sporting will march into the quarterfinals with confidence and momentum. Aiming to add a third European crown to their already impressive trophy cabinet.
Marco Falcone 
Elias Rowe